Mindfulness for creativity practices have been shown increase feelings of peace and happiness. Practicing mindful photography and mindful writing are two of the avenues through which I regularly expand my mindfulness practice into my everyday life.
When I take my camera out, I meditate in order to prepare myself to open to a felt sense of my surroundings. I wait for an intuitive resonance with a scene or an object and then pause to experience an exchange of energy with the subject or object of my attention. Something almost indescribable happens in those moments of intuitive resonance with a subject as I prepare to make an image. Throughout this exchange, I am mindfully aware of the sensations, feelings and thoughts that arise in response to this creative experience.
When we practice mindful photography, mindful writing or a mindful engagement with any other form of creative expression, we have an opportunity to practice mindfulness for creativity.
Breathe, be present in the moment, and expand into a state of creative flow.
Mindfulness is awareness of present moment experience (sensations, feelings and thoughts) with an attitude of non-judgment, without clinging to it, without pushing it away or trying to escape it and without wanting it to be otherwise. Expressing your creativity may include cooking, parenting, formulating innovative ideas, writing, making a photograph, painting, sculpting, designing space, knitting, baking, gardening, and the list could go on and on. In what ways are you incorporating creative expression into your mindfulness practice? Comment below to let me know. I’d love to hear about your practice!
Peace,
Jen
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument. ~Rumi
Learn more about mindfulness coaching with Jen.