Explore the power of choice in your artistic journey. Discover how mindful art can enhance creativity and play, relieve stress, and foster self-awareness.
EMBRACING GRATITUDE THROUGH MINDFUL ART JOURNALING
Clear the Clutter, Unleash Your Creativity: 6 Steps to Designing Your Ideal Mindful Art Studio at Home
Hello, creative friend! Life can be busy and overwhelming at times. Having a dedicated space for creative art making and journaling can be so supportive for your self-care. Want a space where you can relax, destress, and tap into your creativity?
Here are 6 Steps to Make an Art Studio at Home:
Step 1: Find Your Sweet Spot
Find the perfect spot for your mindful art studio. Look around your home for a space that makes your heart sing. It could be a spare room, a cozy corner in your bedroom, a little nook in your living room, or even a portable art studio satchel you can pull out and use on any table in your home. If it’s possible (and sometimes it isn’t), consider the lighting and privacy of the area. Remember, it's not about the size of the space, but the intention and positive vibes you bring to it.
Step 2: Decluttering
Okay, let's tackle the clutter monster first. Get ready to declutter your space and create a clean slate for your creative adventures. Take a deep breath and start sorting through your art supplies. Keep only the essentials that truly speak to your creative soul. Say goodbye to the materials that no longer inspire you. Trust me, clearing out that unnecessary stuff will not only create physical space but also give your mind some breathing room.
Step 3: Organize Like a Pro
Let's face it, a cluttered space can stifle creativity. So, let's get organized! Invest in some storage solutions that fit your space and artistic needs. Clear containers, shelves, and drawers will be your best friends. Categorize your art supplies and label everything to make your life easier. When you have a tidy and organized space, you'll be able to find what you need in a snap, unleashing your creative flow.
Step 4: Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Fill your art studio with things that inspire you. Hang up artworks or quotes that speak to your soul, or create a vision board filled with images that spark your imagination. Display meaningful objects or mementos that bring you joy. Consider adding a small altar or a cozy meditation corner. Surrounding yourself with beauty to inspire your own creative explorations.
Step 5: Create a Zen Zone
How would it feel to have your own creative nook or art studio at home (where you can feeling a sense of calm and inspiration)? Sounds amazing, right? You can create a relaxing space by choosing soothing colors (think soft blues, greens, or earthy tones that transport you to a tranquil oasis). Add elements of nature like plants to bring a touch of grounding energy, and perhaps add some cozy lighting.
Step 6: Embrace Mindfulness
Let's infuse some mindfulness into your creative practice. Before diving into art making, take a moment to center yourself. Breathe deeply, meditate, or express gratitude for the gift of creativity. Embrace the process of making art as a form of meditation, a way to connect with your inner self and explore the depths of your imagination. Notice each brushstroke, each pencil mark, and let your creativity flow.
Your art home studio and mindful creative sanctuary is ready for you!
Remember, this is YOUR creative journey. Personalize your space, and make it a reflection of your unique artistic voice. In this space, may you find solace, inspiration, and endless opportunities to create art that truly resonates with your inner self. Where you can let your imagination be free, experiment, try new practices and media, and express yourself creatively.
When life gets busy, may you make it a priority to spend time in your mindful art studio, corner, or portable art supplies. Set aside moments to create, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Use this space or time to decompress, unwind, and reconnect with yourself. Let your creative practice be your refuge, a place where you can let go of stress and immerse yourself in the therapeutic power of art.
mindful art is not about the end result. It's about the process, the act of creating itself.
For Inspiration…
Watch these 5 minute Mindful Art Activities HERE!
Download your free Mindful Art WorkboOK HERE!
Embrace imperfections, experiment fearlessly, and let your intuition guide you. Allow your art to be a reflection of your emotions, your experiences, and your unique perspective on the world.
So, my creative friend, it's time to take that leap. Clear the clutter, design your mindful art studio, and let the magic unfold. Connect with your Creative Muse, and allow this creative space to nourish your soul. In the words of Vincent van Gogh, "I dream my painting and I paint my dream." May your dreams come to life within your creative space and mindful art studio.
For more inspiration, read these articles on Creative Decluttering for your Home Art Studio:
Now…your art is waiting to be born, and your art studio, corner, or journal is the sacred space where it will flourish. May it be a place of inspiration, growth, and self-discovery. Embrace the journey and trust the process.
Do you have anything you LOVE in your art studio or space? Any tips you found helpful that you want to comment and share with others? Any questions you have or things you’re struggling with as you set up your space? p.s. I can't wait to hear about and see the creative work you create in your mindful art studio. Feel free to comment here and/or tag me on social media: @mindfulcreativemuse :) Happy creating, my friend!
Learn more about Mindful Art online with our:
Mindful Art Workshops
Mindful Art Teacher Training
The Secret to Daily Creativity: A Simple Mindful Art Studio for Busy People
Do you sometimes feel too busy to make art or practice self-care?
Do you often feel creatively blocked, unable to tap into your artistic side?
If so, you're not alone. Many people lead busy lives and struggle to find the time and space to unleash their creativity. But what if I told you that the secret to unlocking your daily creativity lies in something as simple as having a mindful art studio (or dedicated art journal)?
If you're a busy person struggling to find time for your creativity, you may think that setting up a mindful art studio is out of reach. You might be thinking that you don't have the space or the time to create a dedicated area for your art. But the truth is, you don't need a large space or a lot of time to set up a simple and effective mindful art studio.
In fact, the beauty of a mindful art studio is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. You don't need fancy equipment or a lot of space to get started. All you need is a small corner of your home and a few basic art supplies. The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered, so you can focus on your art without distractions.
7 Tips to Create a Simple Mindful Art Studio at Home (for Busy People):
Find a small corner: Keep it small and simple: You don't need a large space to create a mindful art studio. Look for a small corner in your home that you can dedicate to your art. It could be a spare room, a corner of your living room, or even a closet. The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered, so you can focus on your art without distractions. It’s important to have a space where you can work without interruptions. If you don’t have a room or corner, you can also dedicate an art journal, with a few simple drawing supplies, that is always available to you.
Clear the clutter: Clear the space of any unnecessary items. This will make it easier to focus on your art and reduce distractions. An artist friend of mine recently said, “we need a space we can make mistakes in,” and I couldn't agree more. It can be a fine line between having your art space be too immaculate and perfect that you feel hesitant to make a mess and play or having a space that feels too overwhelming and chaotic that blocks you from even beginning (because you’d have to spend an hour cleaning first!).
Organize your supplies: Keep your art supplies in labeled containers or drawers, so you can find what you need quickly. This will save you time and reduce stress. For an extra bonus, I like playing with “Creative Limitations,” where you choose to play with only a few art supplies at a time. It’s amazing how this can free up your creative ideas and brainstorming while making art!
Personalize your space: Make the space your own by decorating it with things that inspire you. This could be anything from photographs to artwork to plants.
Create a routine: A daily, or consistent, routine is essential for a mindful art studio. Set aside a specific time each day or week to work on your art, and stick to it. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
Let go of perfectionism: Remember, the goal of a mindful art studio is to let go of perfectionism and judgment. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and experiment with different techniques.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the key to unlocking your daily creativity. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and allow your mind to be quiet. This will help you stay present and focused while you create.
Creating a mindful art studio doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a space where you can let go, focus on the present moment, and tap into your creativity. By following these simple steps, you can set up a dedicated space where you can explore your artistic side, free from distractions and interruptions.
The beauty is you don’t have to create alone.
Once you have your dedicated mindful art studio or journal set up, you can:
❥ Watch: Mindful Art Videos
❥ Download: Free Mindful Art Workbook
Having a dedicated space for your creative practice is essential for your self-care. It's a place where you can escape the stress and demands of everyday life, and focus on your own needs and wants. It's a space where you can let go of perfectionism, judgment, and stress and instead, focus on the present moment. It's a sanctuary where you can explore your artistic side and let your creativity flourish.
But it's not just about having the space, it's also about consistent practice.
Setting aside time each day to work on your art, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on your well-being. It allows you to disconnect from the world and focus on yourself. It's a form of self-care that nourishes not just your body but also your mind and soul. It's a way to recharge, refresh, and connect with yourself.
Consistently practicing your art, whether it's drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, or anything else, allows you to tap into your inner creativity. It's a way to express yourself and explore your thoughts and feelings. It's a way to nurture your soul and find joy, peace, and happiness.
We can create art in as little as 5 minutes.
So many creatives feel blocked or don’t create, because they feel like they “don’t have the time” or have too high of expectations for what they want to make. Both of these thoughts can block the creative process. Instead, you can try creating for only 5 minutes at a time. Set a timer and intention. Dip your toes into the creative process. It’s a great way to gain momentum and bypass our Inner Critic who can sometimes block us from even beginning.
I created an entire 5-day 5-minute Art Challenge a couple of years ago. You can still follow along and download this free Mindful Mandala Art Challenge Workbook (that includes a whole section on creating your own art space, mindful art prompts, and videos to inspire your practice at home).
Setting up a simple mindful art studio and committing to a consistent practice is a simple yet powerful self-care tool that can help you to find balance, and to flourish both creatively and personally. It's an investment in yourself, and you deserve it. Remember, the goal of a mindful art studio is to let go of perfectionism and judgment. Give yourself permission to experiment with different techniques and make mistakes. And above all, have fun and enjoy the process!
Learn More about Mindful Art:
Mindful Art YouTube Videos
Free Mindful Art Workbook
Free Mindful Mandala Art Challenge Workbook
Mindful Art Workshops
Mindful Art Teacher Training
Let’s Stay Connected!
10 Ways to Cultivate Self-Love through Art and Mindfulness
While it can be challenging to love ourselves in a world that often tells us we’re not enough, I believe we all deserve to feel self-love (and it’s something we can practice!). There are many ways to practice self-love and build self-compassion. One way is through the creative process, and in this article, we'll explore 10 ways that art and mindfulness can help us to cultivate self-love and build self-compassion.
10 Ways Art and Mindfulness can help:
Mindful Art can be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery. When we create mindful art, we have the opportunity to explore our thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space. By allowing ourselves the freedom to express ourselves through art, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and what is important to us. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with negative self-talk or low self-esteem.
Mindful Art can help us to learn to forgive ourselves. One of the biggest barriers to self-love is the tendency to be overly critical of ourselves. We all make mistakes and have flaws, and it's important to learn to forgive ourselves for these imperfections. By creating art along with mindfulness, we can practice self-forgiveness and learn to let go of the need to be perfect.
Mindful Art can be a powerful way to practice gratitude. When we focus on the things we are grateful for (especially about ourselves), it can become easier in time to accept and love different parts of ourselves. Gratitude practices have been linked with higher self-esteem and overall well-being.
Mindful Art can help us to develop self-compassion. When we create art, we have the opportunity to be kind and compassionate to ourselves, even when we are struggling or making perceived mistakes. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with negative self-talk, self-doubt, or a strong Inner Critic when making art. By practicing self-compassion and non-judgmental mindfulness through art, we can notice our negative thoughts and practice being more accepting of ourselves and our creative impulses.
Mindful Art can be a form of self-care. When we take time to create art, we are taking care of ourselves and nourishing our minds, bodies, and spirits. By setting aside dedicated time for art-making, we can recharge our batteries and feel more balanced and grounded.
Mindful Art can help us to connect with our inner child. When we create art, we have the opportunity to tap into our inner child and allow ourselves to be playful and spontaneous. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with perfectionism. By embracing our inner child through art, we can learn to have more fun, be playful, and live in the present moment.
Mindful Art can help us to cope with difficult emotions. Many people have spoken about how creating mindful art helps them to process and express their emotions in a healthy way. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Mindfulness, art, and self-care practices can be a healthy way for some people to cope with difficult emotions.
Mindful Art can be a form of meditation. Similar to focusing on our breath, we can focus on the marks we’re making on the page. So many artists and creatives speak of dropping into a “flow state” while creating and how they feel more present and focused. Meditation and art can sometimes help people feel more grounded, peaceful, and focused.
Mindful Art can help us to connect with others. When we create art, we have the opportunity to share our creations with others and to connect with them on a deeper level. By sharing our art with others, we can build meaningful connections and find support and encouragement.
Mindful Art can help us to see ourselves in a new light. When we create art, we have the opportunity to see ourselves in a new way and to discover new aspects of ourselves that we may have previously been unaware of. By exploring our creativity through art, we can learn to see ourselves in a more positive and accepting way.
Learn More about Mindful Art:
Watch: Mindful Art Videos
Download: Free Mindful Art Workbook
Learn more: Mindful Art Teacher Training and Mindful Art Workshops
Art and mindfulness can be powerful tools for cultivating self-love and building self-compassion. By taking the time to create art and to be present with ourselves, we can learn to love ourselves more fully and to live more authentically and joyfully. So why not give it a try and see how art and mindfulness can transform your life? You might just be surprised at the positive impact that these practices can have.
Remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself as you explore these practices. With time, patience, and practice, you may notice it’s easier to offer love and compassion to yourself.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED!
Create a Self-Care Inventory List including 20 Things You Love
Creative Self-Care Inventory
In my experience, most of us know what lights us up, what nurtures us, what makes us feel alive, and what self-care means for us as an individual. I’ve found it’s generally more difficult to give ourselves permission (or find the time, or prioritize ourselves, etc) to live a daily creative self-care practice! Daily habits and routines can also take time to cultivate and change.
With current social distancing in place due to COVID-19, we may also need to adjust how we approach our daily self care. This may mean changing some of the activities we consider for self-care, and it may also mean doing less and being more. This is a time to be gentle and compassionate with ourselves. <3
Below is a simple Writing Exercise to clarify your Creative Self Care needs:
Photo by Jess Bailey
creative self-care journaling prompts:
Create a list of 10 to 20 self care activities that feel nurturing and restoring for YOU (that would be possible for you to do in this moment)
Place a star next to your favorites (2 or 3)
Underline any self care practices you've completed in the last 30 days
Circle any you've completed in the last week (or for an extra challenge today!)
Are you surprised by how little or how many self-care practices you do daily, weekly, monthly? What about your favorites self-care activities? Did you struggle to write what self-care feels like for you?
I notice this list (like our breath) is constantly ebbing and flowing, and that's okay! Also, sometimes our self-care activities are possible, or not, by things outside of our control. Social distancing, as a result of Coronavirus, is a perfect example of this.
If you have a lot of amazing self-care activities on your list, but it's been a while since you've explored them, choose two or three items you can do. What would you need to possibly change to make them a reality? What self care item(s) on your list can you do now (and possibly save some others for another time)?
For more Mindful Art Activities and Creative Self Care inspiration, sign up for my Mindful Creative Muse Newsletter here and check back on the blog.
p.s. I’d LOVE to hear some of your favorite creative self care activities. Please comment so we can connect. :)
Wheel of Life Exercise | Mindful Art Activity
The Wheel of Life is a lovely mindful writing exercise to creatively and visually see how you’re feeling in different areas of your life. You can do this brief “check in” in a short amount of time, and I like see how things shift and change from week to week. Similar to watching how our breath changes, I enjoy how this writing exercise helps increase my self-awareness.
I describe the process in the Life Balance Wheel for Self-Care this the downloadable Wheel of Life PDF Worksheet below. The worksheet includes additional writing prompts that I’ve found helps to shed light on which life areas may feel out of alignment and how to create simple actionable steps to reclaim your Self-Care.
Access your free, printable Wheel of Life Worksheet with instructions here: http://bit.ly/wheeloflifepdf
I’d love to hear from you! Please share in comments how this exercise is resonating with you, and perhaps any ah-ha’s that surfaced. Also, what other creative tools or activities do you use for your own self care?
Bored at Home? 9 Art and Mindfulness Books to De-Stress
Do you feel bored (or stressed) stuck at home? Many of us are spending more time at home due to the Coronavirus pandemic. If you find yourself with some free time (and want to potentially spark your creativity and de-stress), here are some of the Best Art and Mindfulness Books for self care (in my opinion). :)
Click on the image below for more information about the books, as well as 7 interesting articles about creativity, trauma, and resiliency.
9 Art and Mindfulness Books to Destress:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Finding Water by Julia Cameron
Walking in this World by Julia Cameron
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Make Peace with Your Mind by Mark Coleman
Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Ormand
Expand Your Creative Horizons: More Inspiring Reads on Art and Mindfulness
In addition to these insightful reads, consider exploring other dimensions of creativity and mindfulness through books like "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert. This book explores the mysterious nature of inspiration and offers an empowering perspective on creativity. Gilbert's engaging narrative encourages readers to embrace their curiosity and let go of needless suffering.
Another highly recommended book is "Mindfulness for Creativity" by Dr. Danny Penman. It provides practical exercises that blend mindfulness with creative thinking, helping to sharpen your mind, enhance creativity, and reduce stress. This book is especially useful for those looking to develop a more mindful approach to their artistic endeavors and daily life.
Remember, each book offers a unique doorway into the realms of art and mindfulness. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration or someone looking to find peace in these turbulent times, these books can be a source of comfort and a catalyst for creative exploration. Share your experiences and thoughts on these books or any others that have touched your life, as we all navigate this journey of creativity and self-care together.
What are your favorite books about Art, Creativity, or Mindfulness?
What books help you destress and feel less anxiety and more creative? Let’s share the love! 💜
Feeling overwhelmed? De-stress with a BodyScan Meditation and Mindful Drawing Activity
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with emotions, or anxiety, or stress? You’re not alone.
Today, while receiving challenging news, I noticed feeling flooded and overwhelmed. After taking a few breaths, I turned towards one of my favorite, simple Mindful Art activities.
BodyScan Meditation and Mindful Drawing:
For me, this bodyscan meditation and drawing exercise helps me feel, acknowledge, and express held tensions and emotions in my body. Similar to SoulCollage® (which I shared in my last Mindful Art Blog here), a bodyscan drawing practice offers a creative way to visually express things that may be challenging to express in words. It’s an active meditation that allows us to make creative marks to represent how we’re feeling in our body.
This simple Expressive Art and Mindfulness exercise can be as short as a 5 minutes or 1 hour. I enjoy lying down for the bodyscan (although it can be done sitting as well). Please ensure you're comfortable and have paper and art materials near you (such as colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc).
BodyScan Guided Meditation for Anxiety:
This Grounding BodyScan Meditation Exercise below can be done before starting the BodyScan Drawing:
I begin with eyes closed or a soft gaze. Drawing my awareness to all of the places where my body makes contact with the ground, I notice the quality of my breath. Aware of the weight of my feet or heels resting on the floor, I remind myself I am supported and held. At my own pace, I begin drawing my awareness up through my body - heels, calves, thighs, buttocks, belly, low back, chest, upper back, arms, wrists, hands, base of the head, forehead, the space between the eyebrows, jaw, etc. Noticing any sensations I feel along the way; such as tingling, warmth, coolness, tightness, pain, holding, etc. Allowing any colors, textures, words, or descriptions about these sensations to come into my awareness. I follow the sensations and notice how they change - allowing my experience to move and shift. Drawing my awareness back to my breath, I take three deep inhalations and exhalations and return my awareness back to the room, the ground, and my surroundings.
When I feel ready, I gently allow marks, colors, and words to fill my bodyscan drawing page. If you enjoy journaling, writing about your experience afterwards can also be a lovely self-care practice.
For more Mindful Art Activities and to hear about our upcoming free Online Mindful Art Retreats, feel free to sign-up for our monthly newsletters here. These Mindful Expressive Art and Mindfulness Activities are easy to do in your studio at home (or anywhere you have access to your journal and some drawing supplies).
Intuitive Collage and the Art of Self Care | SoulCollage® Tips
SoulCollage® and the Art of Self-Care
Many people are feeling overwhelmed with all of the uncertainty in the world, and with uncertainty comes stress. One of my favorite practices to de-stress and tap into my creativity is SoulCollage®.
What is SoulCollage®? It is an intuitive collage process created by Seena Frost that is easy for anyone to do (you don’t need any previous experience or a lot of art supplies). In the video below, I share SoulCollage® Card examples, information about this fun and intuitive collage making exercise, and the benefits of making SoulCollage® cards. SoulCollage® is also an inexpensive and simple creative self-care practice you can do at home.
MINDFUL ART JOURNALING PROMPTS FOR SOULCOLLAGE®:
Begin by setting an intention for your Self-Care card-making session (see below). I like to collaborate with chance by choosing images I feel drawn to without questioning why (or having a set idea or finished collage in mind). I enjoy trusting the process and then speaking or writing from the cards once they're complete.
My Self-Care vision or my self-care intentions for the New Year (or for X amount of time), etc
Self-Care Cards and SoulCollage® Journaling Prompts:
"I am one who..." and/or "The message I have for you is..."
Shadow questions may also include:
"Why am I not practicing self-care?" or "What's holding me back from putting my self-care needs first?"
I love that you can play with intuitive collage and mindful art journaling any time (whether you’re at home in your art studio, or in your office, etc). In my next post, I’ll be sharing a simple Life Balance Wheel that will help you “check in” with how you’re feeling regarding your self-care.
Curious to explore SoulCollage with a guided Online Mindful Art Retreat or Course? Learn more here.