There’s no way around it—art is activism. It always has been.

From Vincent van Gogh’s The Potato Eaters, which illuminated the dignity and struggles of the working class, to Nina Simone’s haunting Strange Fruit, which exposed the horrors of racial violence—art has always been a mirror, a protest, a catalyst for change. Art is inherently political because it reflects the human experience—our struggles, our joys, our hopes, and our fears. And while taste is subjective—one person’s masterpiece is another’s mess—the act of creating? That’s undeniably powerful. It’s rebellion. It’s a declaration. It’s a celebration of what it means to be human.

As conscious leaders, we have to recognize that creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s how we connect, inspire, and lead. Whether you’re painting a mural, writing a poem, dancing in your kitchen, posting a TikTok video, or leading in the boardroom you are engaging in an act of creation. And that act, no matter how small, is a form of activism. Why? Because it dares to exist in a world that wants to keep you small. It dares to bring joy, provoke thought, or remind us of our shared humanity.

Joy, too, is revolutionary. In a world weighed down by chaos and uncertainty, choosing joy is an act of defiance. It’s a way of saying, I will not be defeated. When we create—whether it’s a podcast, a piece of digital art, or a sidewalk chalk drawing—we’re not just expressing ourselves. We’re inviting others into a moment of joy, of connection, of inspiration. And that? That’s transformative.

For me, art takes many forms. Posting videos on TikTok is an artistic expression. Hosting my podcast, Was it Chance, is an art form. Even creating communities that foster sacred spaces like The SPARK Collective and Retreats is a form of art. Through my podcast, I get to revel in the creativity of others, amplify their voices, and share their stories. And it’s a reminder that art isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the process. The joy of creating. The freedom to let go of expectations and just make something. The SPARK Collective and retreats embody this ethos by providing a space for intentional connection, growth, and creative expansion. They allow people to step outside their daily routines, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover the joy of expression—all essential elements of conscious leadership.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, reminds us that everyone is an artist in some way. You don’t need to be a painter, musician, or writer to be creative. Creativity is in the way you solve problems, decorate your space, tell a story, or connect with others. It’s a fundamental part of being human, and when you embrace it, you tap into your own power and potential.

Actionable Ways to Use Art to Embody More Joy and Be a Conscious Leader:

1. Start a Daily Creative Practice – Whether it’s writing, doodling, or playing an instrument, make space for creativity every day. Even five minutes can shift your energy.
2. Incorporate Art into Your Leadership – Use storytelling, visual aids, or interactive experiences in your work to engage and inspire others.
3. Host or Attend Creative Gatherings – Organize painting nights, poetry readings, or music jam sessions to build community and connection. Again, this is where The SPARK Collective or events like our Costa Rica Retreat can be powerful tools for creativity and conscious leadership.
4. Support and Collaborate with Artists. Commission local artists for projects, share their work, or invite them to speak at events. Listening to podcasts, rating, reviewing, and following independent artists makes a world of difference. (Okay, I will go ahead and put a shameless plug to support Was it Chance on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify—it makes all the difference.)
5. Use Art for Reflection and Growth: To tap into deeper self–awareness, Try journaling, vision boarding, or expressive movement. The SPARK Collective is perfect for this!
6. Bring Playfulness into Your Space – Decorate your office with inspiring artwork, play music, or introduce creative breaks into your workday.
7. Leverage Social Media Creatively – Share personal creative projects or amplify voices in the artistic community that align with your leadership values.
8. Engage with Art in Public Spaces – Visit galleries, attend performances, or explore street art to stay inspired and connected to the cultural conversation.

Recently, while listening to Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World―and How You Can, Too by Ijeoma Oluo,  I was reminded of just how much art and creativity shape the world. As conscious leaders, we have a responsibility to lead by example—to create opportunities, amplify marginalized voices, and use our platforms to drive change. Art is one of the most powerful tools in that mission. It sparks conversations. It challenges the status quo. It helps us imagine a better future.

How will you be a revolution today? How will you create, inspire, and experience joy? The world is waiting for your art. Explore this week’s highlights!

The Intersection of Joy, Leadership, and Social Change

Join the Act of Revolution by embracing joy as the key to conscious leadership, success, and empowered living. Transform your life today. Check this out, Joy as an Act of Revolution.