How I Use Art to Quiet My Anxiety
We live in a world that asks us to be "on" at all times. For many of the women I talk to—women who are intentionally curating their lives and homes—anxiety isn't just a feeling; it’s the background noise of a busy life.
I know that noise well. For years, I looked for ways to quiet the "jangly" feeling in my body and the racing thoughts that whispered I wasn't doing enough or being enough.
Separation: You Are Not Your Thoughts
The breakthrough for me came when I realized a simple, life-changing truth: I am not my thoughts. Just as I have a big toe but I am not "the toe," I have thoughts, but I am not the thoughts.
When anxiety creeps in—whether it’s a pain in my chest or a panic attack in the middle of the night—I’ve learned to stop and observe it. I tell myself: “I see you, but I am not you.” This creates the distance I need to breathe.
Painting as the "Present Moment"
While I found many tools that helped, nothing transformed my internal state quite like the act of creating. Painting is how I practice "Visual Mindfulness." It is my favorite way to step out of the "future-living" mind and back into the body.
When I am layering a misty blue or a warm ochre, I am doing exactly what I recommend when anxiety hits:
Coming back to the senses: I feel the resistance of the paper and the flow of the pigment.
Grounding: Like feeling the energy in your hands to prove they exist, I use the brush to ground my energy into the physical world.
Kindness: I act as my own soothing friend, quieting the "incessant chatter" with every stroke.
From My Studio to Your Sanctuary
But here is what I’ve discovered: The peace I feel while painting doesn't stay on my brush. It lives in the finished piece.
When you choose a piece of original art for your home, you aren't just buying a pretty picture. You are bringing a physical anchor of the "present moment" into your space.
A Focal Point for Focus: In a room filled with daily noise, an intentional painting acts as a grounding wire.
The Power of Palette: I use specific colors designed to lower the "volume" of a room and remind your nervous system that it is safe to settle.
A Reminder to Observe: Every time you look at the art, let it be a cue to remember: You are the observer of the stress, not the stress itself.
If you find yourself feeling "jangly" or overwhelmed, I invite you to look at your walls. Do they reflect the quiet you crave?
I’ve created a resource to help you bridge the gap between a busy mind and a peaceful home.
Learn how original layered landscape artwork can add peace and stillness to your home.
This free guide is your introduction to using art intentionally to add stillness and create a space and presence at home. Explore the influence of colors, textures, shapes, and thoughtful placement. You deserve a space that feels like sanctuary.
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