Top 11 Mindful Art Books for Creativity and Self-Care - 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

In a world that often feels overwhelming, we all need tools to help us pause, reflect, and connect with our inner selves.

For me, books have been a lifeline—a source of comfort and inspiration for my self-care. Here are some of the best mindfulness and creativity books I’ve read that have deeply shaped my journey. I hope they inspire your mindful art path too!

Top 11 Mindfulness and Art Books:

1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, is a classic. It introduced me to the concept of “morning pages,” which has become a daily ritual for clearing my mind and unlocking creativity.

2. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, shares insights on creativity as a way of life are deeply empowering. His book reminds me to approach art with curiosity and trust in the process.

3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This creativity book helped me explore my inner critic and push through resistance in both my art and life.

4. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Tharp’s Creative Habit book and practical tips for cultivating creativity through routine were a game-changer, helping me prioritize my creative practices even on busy days.

5. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Writing Down the Bones reveals the power of freewriting to explore emotions and ideas without judgment.

6. SoulCollage® Evolving by Seena Frost

As a Certified SoulCollage® Facilitator, I’ve found Seena Frost’s intuitive collage process to be profoundly healing and insightful. Her book, SoulCollage®: Evolving, is the ultimate resource for understanding the big-picture creation and philosophy behind this transformative practice.

If you’re excited to start making your cards, check out the SoulCollage® for Self-Care Online Course HERE.

This Course includes step-by-step guidance, videos, journaling prompts, and more. It’s the perfect way to explore this deeply creative and personal journey!

Plus, here’s a SoulCollage® Art Supply Kit with art supplies you can use in the Course to get started:

7. Collage Imagery Books by Catherine Anderson

These stunning collage imagery books provide gorgeous images for intuitive collaging, a powerful tool for exploring the subconscious mind.

8. Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

The Art & Fear book is a comforting reminder that the challenges we face in creating are universal and that showing up for our art is what matters most.

9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert’s, Big Magic book and empowering words remind us to embrace creativity with joy and curiosity rather than fear.

10. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy by Sally Atkins & Melia Snyder

This nature and expressive arts book beautifully integrates nature and art, deepening my connection with the earth and my creativity.

11. On Becoming an Artist by Ellen J. Langer

This mindful creativity book is an inspiring look at creativity as an essential part of mindfulness and presence.

These books have shaped my life in profound ways, and I hope they inspire you too. Whether you’re looking for creative self-care, emotional processing, or new ways to explore mindfulness, there’s something here for everyone.

Plus, if you’re looking for the best books or holiday gifts for book lovers in 2024, this is a great list to get you started!

Free Mindful Art Workbook:

Looking for a simple way to explore mindfulness and art now at home? You can use this free Mindful Art for Self-Care Workbook - Download HERE! It includes 10 pages of easy-to-follow mindful art ideas and prompts to help you get started right away.

What are your favorite books about creativity, art, or mindfulness?

I’d love to hear what books have inspired you! Please share your recommendations in comments below—let’s keep the inspiration flowing!

Disclaimer: Some books and art supplies are affiliate links, which means any purchases made will partially go towards Mindful Creative Muse™ at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us create and share free mindful art content and resources!

5 Creative Writing Tips to Embrace your Inner Critic and Move Through Creative Blocks

Whether you're struggling to write or create, the tips below will help you Embrace your Inner Critic to free your creativity and self-expression. Read on and Enjoy...

 

 

 

 

 

5 Ways to Embrace your Inner Critic with Creative Writing

1. Have a daily (or consistent) writing practice. I started years ago writing "morning pages" (by Julia Cameron) to begin my day. Julia recommends writing 3 pages long-hand for 20 minutes first thing in the morning. A free-writing practice, the key is to write without editing your words. It's a mindful practice that helps clear the cobwebs, and it helps strengthen general writing muscles. Read more about Morning Page tips.

2. "Be strict with showing up and lenient with the results" (a philosophy encouraged by one of my mentors: George Kao). You can read his Authentic Marketing articles here. 

3. Write, write, write and edit later. If I start feeling stuck, I use the Pomodoro method; a technique used to work in timed intervals (usually 25 minutes of creating with a 5 minute break). Tomato Timer is a great, free online Pomodoro tool. Try it and let me know how it goes in the comments below! If you get stuck, try writing "I have more to say. I have more to say. I have more to say" until something else comes out. It's an interesting mind trick, and I've found works for me and many of my students.
   

4. Mind Mapping. Sometimes writer's block is due to feeling overwhelmed (with too much to say or feeling unsure where to begin). Mind Mapping is an excellent non-linear way to get your ideas down quickly (similar to a brain-dump), and can be used as an outline with clear writing prompts and topics later. Coggle is an excellent, free online mind mapping tool.
   

5. Speak to Write tools vs Typing. Maybe you've tried writing, but you either can't or don't enjoy writing long-hand or typing. Or maybe you love the act of writing, but don't feel like it today. Try using one of the free Speak to Write tools or internet browser plugins. You might be surprised how accurate they are now, and your writing will reflect your speaking style.

If you're still struggling to write, sometimes you can try simply beginning by setting limitations. You might decide you'll write one page, or only for 2 or 5 minutes. You might be surprised to find the words freely flowing and pouring out of you. Sometimes it’s a small spark that fans a creative flame; like something was brewing under the surface waiting to appear. Again, I think it comes back to George Kao’s philosophy; creating the space and time and being okay with whatever comes up.

Allow yourself to write or create. 
Be curious and non-judgmental of what arises. 

This practice is similar to sitting meditation, or mindful art, or any mindfulness practice. 

Our Inner Critic thrives on judgment and criticism. It thrives on fear-based thoughts. The key is to acknowledge the fear is there, and use small and simple techniques that encourage you to create in a more free way. Like building a muscle, it will become easier with practice. 

The Inner Critic is trying to “protect” you. It can be a beautiful thing AND a frustrating one. For me, once I start writing or creating (and once I’m in the FLOW), I feel vibrant and inspired. I am grateful and often wonder why I didn’t start to begin with and simply begin. I know it's easier said than done. You're not alone in the struggle. Remember:

Create the time and space. Show up. Allow whatever wants to unfold to unfold. Stay and play. Evaluate and edit later. Rinse and Repeat.

Seth Godin’s writing comes to mind. He compares artists to artisans. To field workers. To people who commit to putting on a smock everyday and showing up in the studio and doing the work. To tending the fields day in and day out.

Again, momentum does not mean easy, it means progress and commitment and showing up. Once I’m IN a good flow of creating, it’s like I can breathe again, and I wonder why I’d been stubbornly holding my breath so long waiting for the perfect moment to arrive.

Your art and writing doesn't need to be perfect.
It needs to be free and expressed. 

Can you relate? I'd love to hear your experience with the Inner Critic, writer's block, any practices that work to free your Creative Muse, and which of the tips above resonate with you. I'll be sharing more tips to Embrace your Inner Critic soon. Until next time, Happy Creating! 

Disclaimer:
Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting Mindful Creative Muse, so I can continue to provide you with free emotional expression and mindful art activities.

Creatively Blocked? 5 Steps to Tap into your Creative Muse:

In 2005, during my first semester at a graduate Studio Arts program in Firenze, Italy, I found myself creatively blocked. I'd paint one small stroke, then stand back and evaluate. I'd make another small, timid stroke and stand back. I was practically begging for permission from some divine force to step in and ALLOW me to actually create. I was stuck. Can you relate? 

Have you ever felt creatively stuck?
does your inner critic limit your creativity?

Maybe you're feeling that now (and that's okay!). Keep reading as this was written especially for you, my creative kindred spirit! ...

I still showed up to my canvas with a paintbrush in hand, because I was in a school program with a schedule and deadlines (or I may have given up for a while). My Inner Critic had taken over, and I had allowed my inner creative voice to be quieted. Squelched. Silenced.  

My professor at the time kept pressuring me to "strike while the iron was hot." I didn't have a good understanding of this concept, so I internalized her statement as shame that I wasn't producing enough work. Enough good work.

Thankfully, I flew home to the US during our holiday break for some much needed rest, relaxation, and connecting with my friends and family who I missed dearly. When I returned to my art studio after my trip, I had found my fire again. I started creating vastly different work than anything I had created before. I switched from oil paints to spray paint. From small canvases to mural-sized loose canvas nailed onto the wall. The materials felt freeing, and so I was free to work.

I was able to create because I had quieted my Inner Critic. I had reconnected to myself and a supportive community. I had given myself time to rest and de-stress. Because I was trying something completely new, I felt inspired and gave myself permission to play and experiment.

If you're struggling with feeling creatively blocked, I hope these 5 Steps to Tap into your Creative Muse serve as a reminder and inspiration for you. 

1. Be Patient with yourself and do simple mindful art exercises:
   I didn't realize that for me my rhythm of creating (and inspiration!) ebbed and flowed. It wasn't static or steady. I was sometimes in a flow state and sometimes I felt stuck. Sometimes my thoughts were brewing and incubating work that would come to fruition minutes, moments, or months later. Capturing my ideas down in a notebook or on my phone was a way of fueling the fire and noticing my desires to create. Exploring simple, fun and quick art exercises also helped free up my creativity. I'll be sharing more simple Mindful Art exercises here soon!

2. Show up and let go of expectations:
   "Strike while the iron is hot" meant to continue to show up and do the work. To not silence the Inner Critic, but be with it. To show up and let go of: the expectations, the judgment, the harsh criticism, and perfectionism. It meant to playfully be curious to the unfolding of mark making and words and images and trusting in the process. What I also learned about showing up, is that once I arrived and was in a good "flow," I often felt better and didn't want to stop creating. When your Inner Critic is beating you up, you're in a heightened state of arousal and it's not possible to be in a creative flow state. I'll be sharing practices to help you Embrace your Inner Critic, calm and sooth feelings of anxiety or worry, be in a Flow state, and let go of expectations.

3. Make time for your unique Creative Self-Care needs:
   For me, I needed a balanced life. I needed a support system and space. I needed to create and share the work, and I needed to create for only me. I was a walking contradiction, and that's beautiful, because humans are complex and so is life. Art is a mirror for all of these complexities, contradictions, frustrations, and joys. While you may have different needs, I think it's so important to dive into and discover what you find supportive. What does Creative Self-Care look and feel like for you? I'll be sharing more tips and suggestions in my blog about this soon!

4. Creativity is Sacred. Trust the Process:
   Art was sacred time for me. Something to be cherished. Something to be grateful for. Something to be celebrated and shared. Something to be discovered. Something that was continually changing as I was continually changing. Something that couldn't 100% be explained or put into words. Sometimes you have to trust the process, and allow what wants to unfold or bubble up to surprise you.

5. Embrace your Inner Critic:
   I am my own worst critic. My inner critic didn't need to be abandoned or quieted - it needed to be heard, held, comforted, supported, and appreciated. It needed to know: "YES I hear you, thank you for having my back, I know you're scared, but I've got this." I'll be sharing some tips and techniques to Uncover your Inner Critic's Voice, how to Embrace your Inner Critic, and how to use simple, mindful self-compassion practices so you can move forward!

That's Creativity for you.
It's simple. Accessible to us all...

We have to be willing to listen to our Creative Muse. To create the space for us to remember and tap into it. To be curious. Most of all, we have to be non-judgmental so we're free to create and play.

I suppose that's why I see Creativity and Mindfulness as always connected, because if you show up to create with a huge inner critic you'll be not only miserable in the process, you'll block the true inner muse and creativity and the moments where we "collaborate with chance" from happening. 

Mindful art activities and self-compassion practices can help see, hear and acknowledge your Inner Critic while nurturing your heart's desires and Creative Muse. I find these expressive art activities so nurturing, and I'm excited to share them so you can step more fully into the beautiful creative being that you are... until next time, Happy Creating! 

3 KEYS FOR CREATIVITY AND FLOW STATES

Do you feel more creative when in a "flow state"?

Do you have an inner critic or voice saying "I'm not creative" or "I'm not good enough"?

Explore 3 key things about creativity and being in a "flow state" below... 

When I was attending graduate art school in 2005, I fell into a bit of a creative slump. One of my Art Professors at the time encouraged me to "strike while the iron is hot."

I remember her telling all of the artists in our graduate art program that we needed to consistently create artwork and produce something every day to ensure our creative juices kept flowing. While I know her intentions were good (and she was speaking from what worked well for her), I found her firm words triggered feelings of shame in me.

My inner child felt like it wasn't good enough. I tried as hard as I could to produce "work"; to churn out amazingly creative pieces and to deeply connect with the "muse" in my life. However, the love affair with my muse was seemingly absent. Quiet. Still. 

My professors words stuck with me for years (especially when I found myself in a similar "dry spell" creatively). Strike while the iron is hot. What iron am I supposed to be striking? Why did it run cold in the first place? I'm a failure as an artist, I thought. I'm not creative, I thought. However, after years of experiencing this cyclical dance of creating, I began to notice:

my creative process came in waves; it ebbed and flowed.

Similar to everything in nature, my creative output appeared to have it's own seasons. When I wasn't doing something creative, my thoughts and creative juices were incubating. It reminds me of trees in the winter. Upon first glance, trees may seem barren and frozen, however beneath the surface they are soaking up nutrients that will help them grow, expand, and flourish when the sun comes out and the timing is right. 

Maybe you've experience similar seasons of creating in your life? Maybe you have the same inner critic and voice saying "I'm not creative" or "I'm not good enough." I believe:

1. Everyone is creative in their own way

2. Everyone has a different process of expressing their creativity

3. Creativity is healing and fundamental to our self-care and well-being

So what does creativity mean to you? How are you creative in your life?

Creativity is defined as "the ability to make new things or think of new ideas." Creativity isn't always equated to artwork, and instead Creativity = Innovation. Process. Ideas. Expression. Thinking of creativity in this way, you may find it easier to recognize ways you think of new ideas, express yourself, or give back to the world. For one person, creativity may look like painting, drawing, writing, collage, photography, or dance; for others, creativity may look like gardening, hiking, working on cars or home repair; and for others it may also look like solving math problems, creating software apps, sharing new ideas at a work meeting, solving a problem in a different way and sharing the results with your peers.

Creativity comes in a variety of shapes and forms, however one thing is common: 
Creativity is often linked to being in a Flow State: an "optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best.” Psychology Today wrote an interesting article about the connection between Creativity and Flow states here. When we're expressing ourselves creatively, we are often in a Flow State, and this state feels so effortless that we may not give our efforts enough credit. Flow States enhance our creativity, because we're in an altered state of consciousness. Our breath is deepened. Our focus is precise and clear. Time passes quickly, and it's easy for us to lose ourselves in the moment. 

So how can we enhance our likelihood of being in a Flow State and enhancing our Creativity? I'm glad you asked. There are many ways we can enter into this flow state, and I'll share 5 of my favorite top tips to help you tap into your creative spirit in my next Blog. Be sure to subscribe below!

I hope this has sparked ideas for you regarding what creativity means in your life, and please know if you're in a season of rest that you're exactly where you need to be! If you'd like to tap into your creative spirit, connect in a flow state, and share in a non-judgmental space, I hope you'll join us for one of our upcoming Art and Yoga Workshops or online expressive arts and mindfulness e-courses. 

If you want to be the first to receive our expressive arts inspirations and exercises, art and yoga schedule, self-care tips, and updates through our newsletter and blog, sign-up here:

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p.s. I'd love to hear when you feel you're in a flow state and how creativity manifests in your life! Please share in the comments! :)