Approach

07/24

CREATIVE SELF-CARE

Discovering new outcomes by shifting the perspective of our approach.

Approaching our art – and our lives – from the patterned perspective of our past, prevents us from creating our ideal outcome. What happens when we strip away judgment and expectation and immerse ourselves in our art with a child-like sense of wonder and newness? As if we were using our tools for the first time?

Science backs the notion that when we completely let go and allow our true selves to come to the surface, our most unique and beautiful realities are able to unfold.

Morning Ritual

Recall a Compliment
Each morning, (at the end of your Morning Pages, if you’re doing them), acknowledge a moment of positive recognition. Recall a compliment, read an old good review, open up an old email of praise. Reconsider old negative messaging and replace it with proof of your greatness. Document it in your journal or sketchbook.

“The artist must see all things as if (they) were seeing them for the first time.”

— HENRI MATISSE

MONTHLY THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY DRAWING FROM FRESH EYES

Tools: Your sketchbook, pencils, pens, paints, or other drawing/painting tools.

ACTIVITY EXAMPLE

  1. Create time for yourself and find a quiet place to perch for the next hour.

  2. Select a page from your sketchbook and sketch the room around you using any art medium of your choice. Include as much or as little detail as feels right to you in this moment.

  3. Next, put your art materials down. Sit back in your chair. Close your eyes and feel your feet on the ground. Take four slow deep breaths . Bring your awareness to your breath as you inhale and exhale.

  4. Sit in silence for a few moments, noticing the small noises of your room.

  5. When you feel deeply present and relaxed, open your eyes and observe your room once more. Take a few more minutes to notice your surroundings.

  6. Return to your sketchbook and flip to the next, draw your room again quickly. Use looser strokes and let yourself freely explore the tactile quality of your art medium. Think of being a child who has only held a pencil or crayon a few times. Approach your drawing as if this is your first time exploring sketching.

  7. When you’re finished, sift between your first and second drawings. Observe the differences and similarities of the two, aesthetically and experientially.

  8. Optional writing prompts:

    • Which side of the page was more enjoyable to engage in?

    • When you look at the page, which drawing do you like more?

    • When you closed your eyes between drawings, were there visuals that came up in your mind’s eye?

    • Were you able to connect to your child-like wonder?

    • which side of the page feels more connected to your truth? Elaborate.

Enhance this month’s creative self-care experience ⎯

CULTURAL INSIGHTS

  • Your Brain on Art

    "Finally, proof within a book that is intriguing and amusing!"... Laina's words when she finished Your Brain on Art. This book introduces neuroaesthetics, which is the recently coined study of what happens to your biological mechanisms when you consume and surround yourself with art.

  • Dr. Joe Dispenza on Changing Your Thinking to Change Your Life

    "How you think and how you feel creates your state of being." A thought-provoking perspective on how we create habits around our thinking and become addicted to feelings about the past. Watch and get inspired to make changes for growth.

  • Infographics that Speak Truth

    Discover a tidbit from the internet that actually deserves swiping through with these thoughtful infographics that will inevitably lead to an aha moment.

Laina Miller is an Artist, Creative Wellness Consultant, and Social Emotional Arts Instructor. All viewpoints and activities expressed were generated from personal and professional experience and bolstered by favorite mentors, readings, and teachers. The aforementioned have been cited whenever possible. For additional support, please reach out to a trusted mental health advisor.

Some of the links above may be affiliates, which means a small commission is made if you purchase. All products have been authentically chosen with your amusement, education, and enlightenment in mind. The affiliate opportunity is always secondary.