Hey everyone!
Ever sat down to create something, feeling a rush of inspiration, only to have your mind immediately jump to your to-do list, that weird thing your cat did, or what’s for dinner? Yeah, I’ve been there. More times than I can count, especially back when I was juggling client work with trying to find my own artistic voice. It felt like I was constantly battling my own brain just to put brush to canvas.
For years, I thought creative blocks were just part of the deal. Then, I stumbled into mindfulness. Not in a ‘sit cross-legged for an hour’ kind of way (though that’s great too!), but in a practical, ‘how can this help me actually make art?’ kind of way. What I found was a game-changer for my art practice, and honestly, for my overall well-being.
What Exactly is ‘Creative Flow’?
Think about those moments when you’re totally immersed in something. Time seems to disappear, you’re not thinking about anything else, and everything just clicks. That’s ‘flow state.’ For artists, it’s that sweet spot where ideas pour out, your hands seem to know what to do, and you feel completely connected to your work. It’s incredibly satisfying, and it’s where some of your best work happens.
But getting there can feel elusive. Our modern world is full of distractions. Our minds are constantly buzzing. And that’s where mindfulness steps in.
Mindfulness: More Than Just Meditation
At its core, mindfulness is about being present. It’s about paying attention, on purpose, to the current moment, without judgment. When you apply this to art, it’s not about emptying your mind, but about filling it with what’s happening right now with your art.
Here are a few ways I bring mindfulness into my art studio and how you can too:
- The Pre-Art Ritual: Before I even pick up a brush, I take a moment. I might brew a cup of tea, light a candle, or just sit quietly for a minute. I take a few deep breaths, feeling my feet on the floor. It’s a signal to my brain: ‘Okay, we’re shifting gears. It’s art time now.’ This helps quiet the external noise and centers me.
- Engage Your Senses: Once I start, I try to really feel what I’m doing. What does the paint smell like? How does the brush feel against the canvas? What sound does my charcoal make as it glides? This isn’t just a mental exercise; it’s about grounding yourself in the physical act of creation. It brings you out of your head and into your hands.
- Observe Without Judgment: This is a big one. It’s easy to look at a line or a color and immediately think, ‘That’s wrong!’ Instead, try to just notice it. ‘Okay, that blue is a bit darker than I intended.’ Acknowledge it, then decide if you want to change it. This detachment from immediate self-criticism frees you up to experiment and make mistakes, which are often the best teachers.
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Mindful Breaks: Sometimes, I’ll hit a wall or get distracted. Instead of pushing through, I’ll step away for a few minutes. But instead of scrolling my phone, I might just stretch, look out the window, or focus on my breath. Then, when I return to my piece, I do it with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of presence.
I remember one painting, a landscape, where I was completely stuck on the sky. Every stroke felt forced. I decided to try these mindfulness techniques. I closed my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and then just focused on the blue paint on my palette, its texture, how it mixed with white. When I returned to the canvas, I didn’t try to ‘fix’ the sky; I just painted, focusing on the movement of my hand and the color appearing on the surface. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt authentic, and more importantly, it felt good.
Bringing mindfulness into your art practice isn’t about becoming a Zen master. It’s about finding simple ways to be more present, to connect more deeply with your creative process, and ultimately, to enjoy making art a whole lot more. Give one of these techniques a try next time you sit down to create. You might be surprised at what flows out of you.
Happy creating!
xo Anya