Week 3
CREATIVE MINDFULNESS
Today’s Wednesday Wisdom takes the present moment awareness that we have been focussed on for the last couple of Wednesdays, and combines it with something new: creativity.
Honing creativity has been linked to an increase in positive emotions, and been known to help you flourish. Research suggests that it can also lower stress levels and help you become more present and focussed.
Creative Mindfulness is also a great way to practice mindfulness for those who might find traditional modes of meditation difficult. So today, let’s look at ways that creativity can bring us into the present moment.
“Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.”
– Edward de Bono
1.
Going back to the basics, try and spend 20 minutes (or more if you would like), doing some mindful colouring. Either use a mindfulness colouring book you might already have at home, or otherwise take advantage of printable online resources such as this. Before you begin, take a moment to check in with yourself and how you are feeling. Then, as you are colouring, note the sensations that come with the physical aspect required for colouring. What does it feel like to hold the pencil? Where does it touch the different parts of your hand? How loose or tight are you holding it? Also notice the colours you are choosing and how they look on the page. Savour and enjoy!
20 minutes+
2.
Artist’s Poem – by Jann Alexander
1 minute
Give me the eyes to see
The ears to hear
The heart to feel
The creativity within me
And without
In every bit of nature,
Every spec of air,
Every part of humanity
And all of this vast universe.
I am content to be
A creative force (and source)
Within and without.
Let the energy flow from me
And to me.
Namaste.
3.
If this really appeals to you and you would like to take a deeper dive into creative mindfulness, Wendy Ann Greenhalgh has created a three-week Stop Look Breathe Create mindful art course which you can do at home. Maybe you’ll discover something amazing!
However long you like!