Meditation 101: Improving Art Through Meditation Practice
As an artist, have you ever felt blocked creatively?
Like no matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to make the art that you want to make?
If so, you're not alone.
Many artists go through creative dry spells from time to time.
But what if I told you that there was a way to get unstuck creatively?
A way to tap into a never-ending well of creativity?
It's called meditation, and it just might be the answer you've been looking for.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is an age-old practice that has been used for centuries to help people relax, focus, and tap into their inner creativity.
Incorporating meditative practices into your life can drastically improve your mental health!
Ranging from breathing exercises and crystal meditation to transcendental meditation, there are many different types of meditation, but the basic premise is always the same: to clear your mind of all thoughts and focus on the present moment.
When you meditate, you train your mind to be more present and aware of the world around you.
This can help you to be more in touch with your own creativity, as well as the creativity of those around you.
Meditation has been shown to improve focus, increase creativity, and reduce stress.
All of which are extremely beneficial for artists and their art practice.
Whether you're looking to improve your drawing skills, increase your self-awareness, engage in some art therapy, or simply want to try something new, meditation could be exactly what you need.
Creativity Blockages
One of the main reasons why artists experience creative blocks is because they are too stressed.
When you're stressed, your mind is in a constant state of "fight or flight."
This means that your body is preparing for danger, and as a result, you're not able to think creatively.
Meditation can help to reduce stress by calming the mind and body.
This allows you to think more clearly and creatively.
Another reason why artists experience creative blocks is because they are not present.
They might be thinking about the past or worrying about the future, but they're not focused on the here and now.
Meditation helps to train your mind to be more present, so creating a meditative drawing practice can help you to be more in the moment when you're creating art.
When you're more present, you're able to focus on your art and tap into your creativity more easily.
Take a deep breath and watch as negative emotions melt away during the creative process.
How to Meditate
The goal of meditation is to clear your mind and allow you to focus in on the present moment; you want to embrace the essence of being in the now.
All too often, our minds get caught up in thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
This can prevent us from being creative in the present.
When you meditate, you allow yourself to be fully in the moment, which can help to improve your creative output.
There are many different ways to meditate, so find a method that works best for you.
Some people prefer to sit in silence and focus on their breath, while others prefer to listen to guided meditation recordings or nature sounds.
Find a method that you are comfortable with and stick with it.
The more you meditate, the easier it will become.
Start with just a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the length of your meditation sessions as you become more comfortable with the practice.
The key is to be patient and consistent.
Meditation will help you become more mindful and help you to get into the zone more easily when you are trying to be creative.
Give some mindful meditation a try and see how it affects your art.
After meditating, create a mindful drawing you can compare to your previous work; you'll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.
Guided Meditation for Artists
If you're interested in trying meditation, there are many great resources available to help you get started with art meditation.
One of the best ways to learn how to meditate is to find a guided meditation specifically for artists.
This type of meditation will help you to focus on your creative endeavors and tap into your inner muse.
There are many guided meditations available online or you can purchase a CD or download.
Find one that resonates with you and give creative meditation a try.
Tips for Meditation
If you're new to meditation, the prospect of clearing your mind of all thoughts can seem daunting.
But it's not as difficult as it may seem.
If you're looking to improve your meditation practice so that you can create better art, here are a few tips:
1. Set aside time each day to meditate.
Just like with anything else in life, if you want to get better at meditation, you need to practice regularly.
Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath.
2. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
You don't need anything fancy - a cushioned chair or spot on the floor will do just fine.
Once you're comfortable, close your eyes and begin focusing on your breath.
3. Don't worry if your mind wanders.
It's normal for your mind to wander during meditation - that's why it's called a "practice."
When your mind does wander, simply acknowledge the thought and then let it go.
Then, return your focus to your breath.
4. Be patient with yourself.
Meditation takes time and patience to master.
Don't get discouraged if it feels difficult at first - with practice, it will get easier and more enjoyable over time.
Meditating for Improved Creativity and Artwork
Meditation can be a great way to improve your creativity.
It helps to train your mind to be more present, which can make it easier to focus on making art and taping into your creativity.
There are many different ways to meditate, so find a method that works best for you.
If you're an artist who's struggling creatively, give meditation a try.
It just might be the thing that unlocks your creativity and allows you to create the art that you've always wanted to make!
So, what are you waiting for?
Find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, grab a meditation crystal and start meditating today!
Interested in finding a way to start? Check out Mindvalley's guided creativity meditation!
Want even more content about creativity and art?
Be sure to check out all of our creative chronicles!
And if you're looking for more inspiration, check out some of our other articles:
-Finding inspirational music for creativity
-Building creative confidence in your abilities