“Mindfulness” has been a buzzword in recent years, describing a therapeutic technique for reducing stress and anxiety. My desktop dictionary defines it as “…a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations…” When I read a simpler explanation elsewhere - that mindfulness is achieved when you stop worrying about yesterday and tomorrow and focus your senses on what you are doing at the present moment - it made more sense to me. I especially like the way neurologist, medical correspondent and award-winning author Dr. Sanjay Gupta wrote in his book Keep Sharp:
"Flow is the word used to describe this phenomenon. It means you’re in a mental state that has you totally immersed in an activity without distraction or any sense of agitation whatsoever. You’re deeply focused, enjoying a feeling of intense energy as you’re absorbed in the activity."
I realize from these definitions that creating my art is my form of mindfulness or flow, helping to keep me tranquil and relaxed. Of course, what makes one person mindful might make another miserable!
When I work on a painting, my focus is totally on the actions I am performing - I am in the present moment. When I paint with watercolors, I see the paint colors, the altered shades from diluting with water, the different hues from mixing colors, the shapes and lighting effects of my subject. I feel the paper’s texture as I apply the wet brush to its surface. Some artists work with music, adding the sense of hearing, but I prefer the quiet setting of my work area. I hear the rhythm of my sharp tools as I make dots or lines on my scratchboards. I concentrate on the results I hope my actions will create. I aim to improve my abilities with every piece of art I work on. I try not to be judgmental, knowing a mistake or ‘happy accident’ can challenge me and often improve my results. No worries about life are in my thoughts; even minor distractions like walking the dogs or planning dinner are absent from my concentration. This is my time for “art bathing,” much like “forest bathing.” A walk in the forest lets you smell the pines, see the shapes and colors of the leaves on the trail, feel the wind, hear the birds singing, smell the muscadines which have fallen from above. (It’s actually another activity I practice, every day.)
Art is not the path to mindfulness for everyone. An activity which you are passionate about, which motivates you, inspires you and aligns with your personal values can be your mindfulness. It can be a profession or a hobby. Hopefully you have discovered and developed the personal pastime which makes you content, relaxed, fully focused on the present moment, and void of distractions. Maybe you practice more than one such pursuit! Some people experience mindfulness with interests like playing music, dancing, gardening, quilting, writing, reading, or baking. Others feel mindfulness gratification in the company of others, as with fitness or sport activities, community service, committee roles, birdwatching, volunteering, or working with animals.
If you haven’t found your mindfulness pursuit, you need to! Foster one interest by focusing on activities related to it: take classes, join organizations, go to festivals or conferences, work or socialize with others who are like-minded, join an online community. Do what it takes to expand your interest into a passion which creates a mindfulness experience for you. When you are feeling really present in the moment, figure out what you are doing and nurture ways to repeat that activity. Your mind and body will benefit greatly.
