Why Meditate?
In 2020, at the height of the shutdown, I began to meditate. I was stuck at home, feeling restless, staring down blank canvases, and not knowing where to start.
I would stare at my canvases as if an answer would pop out like a magical mushroom. Obviously, that didn’t work.
I didn’t meditate before. Even 1 minute of meditation was difficult. But as I progressed, I noticed my body relaxing. My mind shut up. When it reawakened, it focused on the big picture. I was able to let loose and begin my work refreshened.
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to promote mental clarity, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. In recent years, many artists have turned to meditation as a way to overcome creative blocks and enhance their artistic abilities.
For years I’ve followed the practices of Plum Village. Everyday, I use meditation practices as a grounding ritual to center myself before I begin painting.
As an abstract artist, I have found this immensely beneficial for my painting process. I paint automatically, and begin to imagine compositions when I’m happy with the colors. If I just go through the process, I can ruin entire paintings with lack of focus.
How I Use Meditation in My Art Practice
A lot of my time is spent online, marketing through social media. It’s no secret that social media, over the long-term, can have debilitating mental effects. I set time limits, but also make sure I’m attuned to any feelings of competition that may arise when I look at what other people are accomplishing. As an artist, it can be easy to feel like we’re not making enough paintings or fast enough to keep up with other artists.
One of the primary benefits of meditation for creativity is that it helps to break up mental patterns. When we are stuck in a creative rut, our minds often get stuck in a particular way of thinking, making it difficult to come up with fresh ideas or solutions. By focusing on the breath and clearing the mind, meditation can help to break up these mental patterns and create space for new ideas to emerge.
Some of my best color palettes have come from meditative visualizations or the soothing sounds of rainforest and nature that accompany meditations.
In addition to breaking up mental patterns, meditation can also help artists transition from anxious or negative thought patterns to positive ones. Many artists struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or other negative emotions that can impede their creativity. By practicing mindfulness and cultivating a positive attitude, meditation can help artists to overcome these negative thought patterns and tap into their creative potential.
Having a daily ritual of 5 minutes of meditation have drastically improved my centeredness when approaching daily work. Instead of checking my phone and letting emails or messages dictate my day, I let the focus and clarity that arises during meditation to do so.
Finally, meditation provides time for rest and relaxation, which is crucial for the body. Many artists push themselves to the limit in pursuit of their craft, working long hours and sacrificing sleep and self-care. Meditation provides an opportunity to slow down, quiet the mind, and give the body the rest it needs to function at its best. By taking time to recharge and rejuvenate through meditation, artists can enhance their creativity and produce their best work.
Personally, I deeply cherish meditation time as self-care time. I treat it as a period of rest and relaxation, and remind myself that my body is not a machine. I believe that the artist creates best when in alignment with our hearts and souls. Not everyone can take time out to meditate, but try 5 minutes a day, every other day, or even once a week—and see if it helps!
Recommended Meditation Apps
In conclusion, meditation is a powerful tool for artists looking to overcome creative blocks and enhance their artistic abilities. By focusing on the breath, transitioning to positive thought patterns, and taking time for rest and relaxation, artists can tap into their creative potential and produce their best work. Whether you are a writer, musician, painter, or any other type of artist, meditation can help you to break free from mental patterns, unleash your creativity, and achieve your artistic goals.
Headspace: This is one of the most popular meditation apps, offering a variety of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and sleep aids. It offers both free and paid versions.
Calm: This app features guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction. It offers a seven-day free trial and a paid subscription.
Insight Timer: This app offers a large library of guided meditations and music tracks, as well as a timer for silent meditation practice. It offers both free and paid versions.
10% Happier: This app offers guided meditations and courses on mindfulness and meditation, as well as a feature for tracking progress. It offers a free trial and a paid subscription.
Buddhify: This app offers guided meditations for different activities, such as walking, commuting, or taking a break. It also offers a timer for silent meditation practice. It is a paid app, but offers a seven-day free trial.
These apps can be useful for beginners or experienced practitioners alike and can help users to establish a regular meditation practice, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. I’ve tried Headspace, Calm and Insight Timer and greatly enjoyed all of them.