Art: The Fun Way to Practice Mindfulness

When I was 4 or 5, I thought that I wanted to be an artist. I enjoyed drawing so much, I thought that there was no way I would want to do anything else.

For me, art has always felt good; because really, expressing myself has always felt good.

Sometimes, I get mixed emotions over how I feel about my artwork and I'd dramatically declare "I have a love-hate relationship with art!" But regardless, I never regret participating in an art activity.

art as a healing medium

As I get older, I'm realizing how important art is for a sustainable inner life. Expressing yourself in a creative way brings a therapeutic element... It's healing for people.

One of the most popular ways is through coloring, known for its stress-busting benefits.

Another common way is through journaling, which can even help you shake off the negative vibes.

For me, finding ways to create and release stress is necessary for maintaining a healthy mind.

I think as human beings, we were born to create and express our humanity. If we really focus on the art we're making, it's a lot like meditation. It becomes a contemplative practice. Art becomes another way to practice mindfulness.

ways to meditate with art

Painting. Whether you use your fingers or a brush, painting allows you to play with colors and make just about anything. There's a soothing effect in moving paint to paper. Want to try? I'm hosting a Watercolor + Yoga Expression Workshop on Oct. 1, 2016 with Ellyn Carlson.

Dance. Turn on your favorite music and move your body. It's really that easy. Move in whatever ways your body calls for, and let go of judgements. Before you know it, your worries are gone. Dancing alone in my room was my way to overcome self-esteem issues as a teenager.

Music. It's never too late to learn how to play an instrument, to sing, and/or to make beats. Sound is everywhere around us. Take a chance and pick up that guitar. I find that if I'm learning how to play a song on an instrument, I am very focused and somehow drift off into a meditative state naturally.

The list is endless... But the point remains the same: I am daring you to create something with focus and allow it to take you into a form of meditation.

want more mindfulness tips?

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