Table of Contents
What defines mindful art?
Mindful Art often induces a Flow State and you are encouraged to notice your breath, thoughts, sensations, emotions, etc while making art. Mindful Meditative Art is a creative form of meditation. Whether you’re an experienced artist, meditator, or have no previous experience this practice is for you! Research has highlighted three distinct components or pillars at the core of meditative practices and mind training. They are, focused attention, open awareness, and kind intention. Drawing — and other forms of art — can help you release stress and anxiety. You can draw at home to boost your imagination and creativity, be more mindful and grounded, and relieve anxious thoughts. You can also work with an art therapist to help you manage mental health conditions or trauma. In general, they seek to develop three key characteristics of mindfulness: Intention to cultivate awareness (and return to it again and again) Attention to what is occurring in the present moment (simply observing thoughts, feelings, sensations as they arise) Attitude that is non-judgmental, curious, and kind. Mindfulness can: help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, , improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties.
What is mindful drawing?
Mindful drawing is an embodied practice. In other words: bring yourself (your mind and your body) to the present moment and get immersed in the act of drawing without doing anything else simultaneously. Drawing increases many of the cognitive functions that researches typically label as the ‘creative’ and ‘right brained’ activities. Intuition increases. Produces positive brain chemistry like Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine. Your brain stem can actually get thicker. The goal of Mindful Doodling is to fully engage with your doodles in a meditative way. It requires slowing down, focusing on the paper and pen and doodling repeatively with full intent. Thus, you become present in the moment. Drawing and coloring can distract you from the unwanted thoughts associated with anxiety. Anxiety often involves rumination, otherwise known as repetitive looping thoughts. It sometimes seems as if fixating on the same worries can help you find a solution for them. Types of Drawing They can be broken down into three different types: realistic, symbolic, and expressive modes of drawing.
What is mindful art for kids?
Mindfulness-based art therapy brings together mindfulness and artistic expression in which the process of creating is the important part, not the finished product. Art is a natural way to practice mindfulness. The colors, textures, and sounds of creating pull us into the moment. Mindfulness means living in the moment and being fully aware of our inner and outer experiences. When you are mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad. The essence of mindfulness is summarized in a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD: An awareness arising from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement. Studies suggest that mindfulness practices may help people manage stress, cope better with serious illness and reduce anxiety and depression. Many people who practice mindfulness report an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. It is said that mindfulness is like a bird; it needs two wings to fly. The two wings are clear seeing or wisdom and compassion. In our meditation circle, we spoke about this and why cultivating compassion is such an important part of the practice.