How Practicing Art Develops Mindfulness
There is a strong connection between mindfulness and art. Being mindful means having your mind on what you are doing. It's the opposite of rushing or doing too many things at once. To be mindful also means that you slow down to take your time. You do one thing at a time and focus on what you're doing calmly. Art can be used as a mindfulness tool that can provide a uniquely accessible opportunity to let the mind wander freely while focusing attention on a simple, engaging task.
"Art is a natural way to practice mindfulness. The colors, textures, and sounds of creating pull us into the moment. You don’t need any previous training to meditate through art, just a willingness to draw like a child, with freedom and a sense of curiosity."-Amy Maricle, Art Therapist. Mindfulness and art are also becoming more popular as a form of therapy for young people and children. Exercises and practical demonstrations in art classes bring together mindfulness and artistic expression in which the process of creating is the important part, not the finished product. These interactive sessions also provide students the chance to get hands-on with art. We provide them with a fun and concrete experience that they can use to self-regulate during times of escalation. It provides a tangible coping strategy that students can use at home, at their desks, or any other time they need to calm down. In our fast-paced world, every waking minute counts. Stress is our constant companion. Unfortunately, our children are also not spared from the growing demands of this modern lifestyle. They face more challenges than we ever did at their age. So, relaxation is extremely essential for their mental and physical well-being. And mindful art is one of the best ways to help them relax! Through painting, young children obtain great respite from everyday stress and effectively unwind. They learn to express and improvise on their drawings or paintings while developing their skills to visualize and imagine. Being mindful of activity allows them to relax and feel at ease. As they direct their attention toward the creation or performing a single task, their mind calms down. This helps them to improve their ability to concentrate and stay attentive. Children in art class also know how to appreciate each other's works and learn from their friends as well. It is free from tension and other distractions. Hence, they can give it their best shot. Doing so allows them to enjoy the experience. Their sense of self-awareness also improves.
Mindful art activities are recognized as effective tools for self-improvement. It helps to deal with psychological concerns, relieves stress, and generally improves the standard of living. Hence learning art means being patient, and attentive and learning how to be mindful in all aspects of life.
If you want your child to enjoy the benefits of being mindful, join our art classes and learn effective ways of completing complex tasks!
