Painting and Cultivating Mindfulness through Art
As a young girl, I would get a feeling inside when ever I was around art or artist at work.
I didn't understand it at the time, I just know the feelings it churned within me.
I was drawn in, and loved to be around this magical energy.
Color, textures, pattern, this language, I understood.
Now, after some reflection, I have an understanding of what was happening inside of me, all those years ago.
I was being brought into the present moment. mindfulness, the place where there is no space and time.
A sort of mystical state that is hard to capture in words.
It feels expansive.
Art is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness.
The practice of mindfulness is a meditation, a non judgmental awareness of the present moment.
What happens in the body in that moment? You feel less stressed, less anxiety about the future, more in tune, harmonious and balanced.
So how is expressing through painting or any of the arts cultivating mindfulness?
I was curious and here is what I have learned.
As a visual artist, when I'm painting and creating it's encouraging observation, emotional awareness, introspection and a sense of connection.
This last one is very interesting to me, because it's the least expected. .
Art has the power to inspire and uplift the soul, we become more present and focused and attuned.
Mindfulness allows us to understand our emotions without judgment. Engaging in art, stirs emotions that need to be engaged with.
We can develop a greater understanding of our emotional landscape.
Transcendence and Connection,
Art has the potential of transcending us to a sense of connection with something greater.
Painting has the power to inspire awe, wonder and a sense of unity inside.
I can experience moments of transcendence, when painting or creating art. Moments of feeling connected to something larger, mindful and a sense of perspective.
What is happening when I practice mindful meditation and immerse myself in the act of being creative through painting and art?
I develop a deeper understanding of me.
You can do the same, you will foster a deeper understanding of yourself, and the world around you, creating a more mindful way of living.
Here are 3 ways to practice mindfulness through art
1. Engage in observational drawing. Choose an object or a scene and carefully observe its details. Pay attention to shapes, texture and colors. Draw and focus your attention to the present let go of judgments.
2. Practice Art Appreciation. Visit art galleries, museums or exhibitions. Take time to absorb and appreciate the artwork, color details, symbolism, and the emotions they provoke.
3. Expressive Art. Intuitive art allows to freely and spontaneously create art without worrying about the outcome or judgment. Focus on the process rather than the end result. Join a workshop if you are interested and would like community.
These 3 approaches offer different avenues for engaging with art in a mindful manner. Each method encourages us to be present, attentive, and connected with the inner self and the artistic experience.
Learn more about Virtual Art workshops
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"Live the actual moment, only this actual moment is life."
Thich Nhat Hanh
Thank you for reading1
With love & wonder
Rebecca
