WHAT IS MINDFUL ART
Art in many forms has been an integral part of our life since palaeolithic age. Although the blissful art experiences are known to our civilization through centuries. In 1948 the healing properties of art were recognized by science in 1940.During this time, art as therapy was evolved and popularised. Art has been explored for analysis and understanding of emotional problems. With the growing popularity of mindfulness practice in recent years, it is integrated into many innovative therapies and practices including art. Mindful art combines the philosophy and practice of mindfulness with art. Mindfulness in simple words is being in the present moment and experiencing reality as it is. It is awareness of whatever is happening in the body and the mind, without judging if.
FORMS OF MINDFUL ART
Mindful art can include colouring with crayons, intuitive drawing, painting, sketching, craft making, art journals, embroidery, clay modeling, pottery, sculpting, colorful rangoli patterns or intricate henna designs, and much more, Contemplative photography, expressive writing, poetry, rhythmic movement including dance, playing a musical instrument, singing or even cooking can be explored as forms of mindful art. Beginners can start mindful art with. Coloring books, drawing something simple, or doodling repetitive shapes as circles or triangles. Mindful colouring books with abstract style images, birds, animals, nature motifs, and mandala (geometric designs with symmetrical shapes) can be used
MINDFUL ART AS A CREATIVE FORM OF MEDITATION
Here, the creative process of art is experienced as mindful meditation, and as a way of self exploration. This involves the core principles of mindfulness with the exploration of the art making process. However, we need not be skilled. artists, experienced meditators, or professional with perfection. Any body who can breathe, see, hear, smell, touch, hold a pencil or pinch the clay can practice mindful art. No previous experience of art or meditation is required. Moreover, the practice is easy and there is no wrong way of doing it. This is a process oriented approach to art making. The creativity is enjoyed without worrying about the end-product. No criticing and no judging is allowed.
In mindful art, art materials are explored through all the senses with awareness. For example, if a painting is made, this can include awarness of the sight of colours, the touch of a brush, the smell of papers, listening to the sounds, and the taste of the tea or cofee that may be sipped. As the art-making continues, the present
moment experiences are explored with kindness, child like curiosity, and beginners mind. This mindful presence makes the process enjoyable, satisfying and allows one appreciate the beauty in imperfectness.
Benefit of mindful art
Although mindful art is not a substitute for professional psychotherapy, it is a great self -help tool for improving well being. It can be practiced in the comfort of home. The time can be chosen as per convenience. There are endless possibilities and opportunities to practice mindful art as per the inclination and individual interest. Since art is practiced as a form of meditation in action, it can be helpful for those who find conventional meditation difficult to practice. It is easily accessible by anyone. It can be enjoyable way to bring more mindfulness into daily life.
Mindful art for healing+
Mindfulness based art therapy is relatively novel concept introduced by psychologist and writer Laury Rappaport in 2009.It is effective in addressing psychological issues such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, depressive disorders, stress -related disorders, and anger-related issues. In patients with coronary artery disease, chronic illness and cancer mindful art can be used as a complementary or add -on therapy to address the psychological distress and improve equality of life. Children suffering from prolonged physical illness, those undergoing treatment in the hospital, or those experiencing trauma can get the benefit of this therapy. In children, it improves self -awareness, resilience and self -compassion.
THE SCIENCE OF MINDFUL ART ;
PHYSICAL EFFECTS
According to recent research, a single 45 minutes art -making session can reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body irrespective of earlier experience with art. Mindful art practices bring about changes in the structure and function of the brain. The gray matter areas in the brain become thicker and there is the structural Reformation of neural pathways. Mindfulness based practices change the brain wave patterns that are reflected as a calm, relaxed, and focused state of mind. They also reduce the activity in the amygdala, the fear centre in the brain.
HEALING EFFECT ON THE MIND
mindful art induces relaxation and has a profoundly deep healing effect .Creative expression through art increases self-awareness, self acceptance and self -compassion .This leads to improved psychological stability .Since in mindfulness and art making, there is awareness away from the habitual thinking mind ,towards heightened feeling and sense. It is suggested that both these process calm down the nervous system. Engaging the mind in the art process suspends the inner dialogue of negative thought patterns that can be disturbing .It is difficult to focus on negative emotions while being engrossed in the process of art making .Mindful art is believed to facilitate a sense of grounding ,being present ,and connection with our true selves.it induces a meditative state .During the process, the individual learns to reconstruct meanings, minimize over identification with problems and negotiate life events on their term.
THE SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
Research has shown that regular practice of mindful art improves spiritual well being Spiritual well being is a feeling of contentment that arises from the inner self .It is related to the sense of meaning and purpose of life .Creative art serves as a means to connect with the real essence of who we are .It brings about improvement in peace, faith , and meaningfulness in life. Spiritual well being is being considered as important component of a comprehensive care program that influence other aspect of health .A strong association between spirituality and quality of life in patient under going treatment for serious illness has been identified. Higher spiritual well being is associated with reduced stress ,anxiety and depression.
CONCLUSION
Mindful art is not about seeking the destination but a journey to witness and enjoye the insight gained. The experience of mindful art can be an opportunity to redi scover the hormony between our head, heart and spiritual level of our existence.. It is said that "Art is the highest form of hope"In a true sense, it has the potential to transform pain into besuty.
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