What Is Mindfulness?
I’ve written about mindfulness before, and that’s because I believe it’s one of the single most important things we, as humans, can do to feel calmer and happier.
It simply means to be in and pay attention to the present moment. Notice your breath. Feel your emotions. Pay attention to the space around you.
You can begin a mindfulness practice in several ways, like meditating for a few minutes each morning, focusing your attention on the energy in your hands while you watch TV, or silently asking yourself, “what will my next thought be?” and paying attention until your mind tells you something.
I’ve also written about adding mindfulness to your art, and have even created a free guide and mini-class to get you started on that path.
When you practice art as mindfulness, you stay in the moment with what you’re painting, and instead of getting lost in thoughts or criticisms, you keep breathing and staying in the now.
Psst…want to be mindful with me while we spend a few minutes creating? Here’s your chance.
How to Use Art-Making As Part of Your Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness can feel overwhelming. However, if you want to be more mindful and you have a craving or calling for creativity, you can marry these two topics together into something beautiful. Here are some steps to get started using art as mindfulness.
STEP ONE: SET AN INTENTION
If you’d like to be more mindful, you have to, well, be mindful of that intention. You have to make space for it and commit to it, at least loosely.
One way to do that is to intend to make art (whatever that means for you) while deeply, deeply paying attention. More on that in a second.
STEP TWO: PREPARE FOR MINDFULNESS
Before you begin painting, take several conscious breaths. That means pay attention to your inhalation, then your exhalation. Be with your breath and only your breath. This exercise brings into the present moment and begins your mindfulness.
STEP THREE: KEEP COMING BACK TO NOW WHILE YOU MAKE ART
Now begin painting or making whatever type of art you’d like to make. Here is where you can really be mindful: Notice when your thoughts drift to something else. Notice the way your breath is going in and out. Imagine the space between your eyes and the brush or pencils. If ever you start getting upset, anxious, or distracted, return to taking a conscious breath.
STEP FOUR: REPEAT
Make art as mindfulness a regular practice. Intend to be mindful and aware each and every time you make art. If you notice yourself somewhere else mentally, simply bring yourself back.
Every Addition of Mindfulness Is Helpful
Every time you choose to be mindful, whether it’s while you’re painting, putting your kids to bed, or petting your dog, is helpful. Being present makes you a better partner and parent, and it gets you so much more in touch with your true self and inner voice.
I’ve been practicing this more and more (you can visit Instagram or YouTube to hear more about it), and it’s made me feel calmer and more alive.
If you’d like to continue your mindfulness and art making journey, I have a free guide and mini class to get you on your way. Sign up below.