I can think of 5 good reasons to embrace the habit of meditation. It’s a known method to manage stress but did you know it also aids the artist in creating art works?
We cannot manifest anything, not even a painting until we have conceived the idea and concept of the art work in our minds and at higher levels of consciousness.
As an abstract expressionist, I am often complimented on the strength of my imagination but in reality, it is combination of using the practice of meditation and worldly thought that leads to my creativity.
Of course when I am in creative mode, I take care of the medium of my art work, chosen the size of the canvas and the theme but my expressions on the canvas are guided by meditation that helps me reconnect to my memories of places and objects that I have seen and wish to capture for posterity.
Sometimes the recollections are so strong that I create a series of paintings within a matter of weeks, compelled to paint because The Muse is urging me to capture all the pictures in my mind and manifest in art.
In fact art becomes meditation for me.
Meditating has become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason! This relaxing practice helps you to get in touch with your inner self and find your focus to help you develop a sense of balance in your life.
It also helps artists to improve on their artistic skills because creativity works best when we are of a calm mind.
It can even help you come out of a creative rut!
As an artist, here are 5 key reasons you should try meditation today.
1) It helps you to relax
One of the most obvious benefits of meditating is relaxation. Meditation forces you to quiet your mind, forget your stress, and truly be present in the moment. This helps to encourage relaxation.
The less you focus on what’s going to happen in the future, what happened in the past, and/or your stress and the more you focus on your meditation practices, the calmer you’ll feel.
Meditation has been used for centuries to reduce stress and stimulate relaxation. It works so well as a relaxer that it has even been known to slow heart rates.
2) It helps improve and encourage self-reflection and awareness
Being self-aware is a crucial quality to success, humility, and being an overall good person. Meditation encourages you to reflect inwardly and focus on your inner-self. This encourages you to reflect on your actions and yourself as a person.
This act will help to improve your self-awareness, which is a highly sought-after trait. Self-awareness allows you to correct any errors you make or fix character flaws you may have.
3) Meditation can improve your focus
Meditation can improve your focus because it forces you to practice it each and every time you meditate. True meditation requires great focus and control; it forces you to spend a designated amount of time in the absolute present in self-reflection and true focus.
Improving your focus can also help to improve your productivity. You’ll be able to focus on your work better, completing it more accurately and more quickly.
4) It can help you find your balance
The more you meditate, the better balance you can achieve in your life. This time dedicated to self-reflection allows you to reach a level of understanding and awareness that helps you to be a better and more understanding person.
Meditation can help you reach a balance of self-awareness, self-respect, humility, confidence, and peace/relaxation.
5) It can help you be mindful of those around you
Because meditation can help you improve your self-awareness and observance, it can also help you be more aware of those around you and their feelings. You’ll start to notice when your friends feel uncomfortable or are in pain.
You’ll become better at reading the general mood and energy of the room. You’ll be better able to adjust yourself to match that level and better accommodate those around you.
You’ll also become more aware of your surroundings and objects and be able to capture finer details in your artwork.
This benefits the artist in his or her creative pursuit because it can help you to relax, refocus your mind, get in touch with your inner-self, and find your balance. All of which leads to a creativity boost.
Garden photo (c) Kusum Shukla 2018
Fire and Ice – prints can be purchased at Fine Art America
Very inspiring blog post indeed! Thank you for sharing this with us.