Erica Skone-Rees is a leading voice in mindfulness and nervous system regulation. She is the founder of Woven Path Wellness, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, safe & sound protocol practitioner, and a chronic illness warrior.
As a lifelong creative, I've always turned to art as both my muse and therapy. It has been a vehicle for acknowledging, sitting with, feeling, releasing, and transforming my emotions. I’ve discovered that blending my mindfulness training with the creative process enhances emotional resilience and fosters personal growth. In this blog, I will guide you through one of my favorite practices, demonstrating how the synergy of art and mindfulness can deepen self-awareness and support emotional regulation.
Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist and mindfulness researcher, beautifully captures the essence of this approach: "Mindfulness helps us to observe and understand our mind, and when combined with creative expression, it can deeply enrich our emotional life and resilience." This quote resonates deeply with my own experience and the core of my teachings.
Turning down the inner critic
Before diving into specific practices, it's crucial to highlight the importance of turning down the volume on your inner critic. This process is not about creating pretty or "good" art; it's about tuning into your inner landscape, moving through intense emotions, and transforming them. Allow yourself the freedom to create without judgment, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.
My go-to practice: Moody self-portraits
One of my go-to, most effective practices, and one that many of my clients and students love, is what I call "moody self-portraits." This practice integrates stream-of-consciousness writing with line and color exploration. Here's how it works:
Materials Needed: Mixed media paper, colored pens (I recommend Faber-Castell waterproof markers), watercolor paints, and a handheld mirror.
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1. Stream of consciousness writing
I start by writing out all my thoughts and feelings in a stream-of-consciousness style, filling the whole page. This helps me get in touch with my emotions and set the stage for creative expression.
2. Messy self-portrait drawing
Right on top of the writing, I draw a messy, expressive self-portrait, using a handheld mirror to capture an imperfect reflection. I try not to lift the pen off the page. This helps me focus on the process rather than the final outcome. It often comes out looking very Picasso-esque, and layering the image on top of the writing adds depth, mirroring the complexity of the emotions we're transmuting.
3. Watercolor painting
I then use watercolors to paint my face with colors that evoke the emotions I'm feeling. By this point, the initial feelings of sadness, grief, anger, or frustration often begin to transform into something more uplifting, spacious, and hopeful.
4. Reflection and title
Once you’re all done, take a moment to notice how you feel now. What has changed? If you feel called, date it and add a title that sums up your experience.
I often look back in my art journal and reflect on my moody portraits and the various moments in my life—how I faced them, got through them, maintained balance and resilience, and how this exercise helped me feel more balanced.
Integrating art and mindfulness
Combining art with mindfulness creates a potent tool for enhancing emotional resilience. Here are some more activities that blend these practices and their therapeutic effects:
Mindful drawing and painting with music
Set aside time to create art mindfully. Put on some music that resonates with you and let it guide your drawing or painting. Focus on the process rather than the outcome. Pay attention to the sensations of the brush or pencil in your hand, the colors and shapes emerging on the paper, and how the music influences your lines, colors, and shapes.
This practice can help quiet the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of inner peace.
Sensory nature journaling
Take your art supplies outdoors and engage in nature journaling. Tune into your senses—write down what you hear, the colors you see, the temperature of the air, and any scents you notice. Capture the natural world around you through sketches, watercolors, or written reflections. This activity fosters a deep connection with nature, grounding you in the present moment and enhancing your appreciation for the beauty of the world. Let go of ideas of good or bad drawings, and just enjoy the connection and reflection exercise.
Object art Mandalas
Creating object art mandalas is a meditative practice that involves using natural materials like rocks, found objects, bottle caps, or whatever you have at hand to form intricate, circular designs. The repetitive patterns and symmetry can induce a state of relaxation and focus. As you arrange your objects, allow yourself to let go of perfectionism and embrace the process, which can be incredibly soothing and centering.
Collaborative art projects
Engage in collaborative art projects with others, whether in person or virtually. Working together on a creative endeavor fosters a sense of community and connection. It also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a social context, enhancing your ability to co-regulate and support one another.
The benefits of art and mindfulness
Integrating art and mindfulness offers numerous benefits:
Emotional Regulation: Engaging in mindful art practices helps regulate emotions, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Self-Awareness: These practices enhance self-awareness, allowing you to better understand your emotions and thought patterns.
Stress Reduction: The act of creating art mindfully can be deeply relaxing, helping to lower stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Personal Growth: Exploring your inner landscape through art and mindfulness fosters personal growth, enabling you to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.
Incorporating art into your mindfulness practice can help cultivate new dimensions of emotional resilience and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned artist or new to creative expression, there's immense value in exploring this intersection. Allow yourself the freedom to create, be present, and discover the profound benefits of this harmonious blend.
If you’d like to deepen your art and mindfulness practice, I offer both in-person and virtual workshops. These sessions provide a supportive environment to explore these techniques further and connect with others on a similar journey. Reach out to me to learn more about how we can work together to enhance your personal growth through the integration of art and mindfulness.
Erica Skone-Rees, Mind-Body Regulation Coach & Educator
Erica Skone-Rees is a master of transformation, turning personal trials into powerful healing tools. After navigating her own health crises with traumatic brain injuries, mold toxicity, and Lyme disease, she didn't just recover—she developed a roadmap to deep healing. Today, as the founder of Woven Path Wellness, Erica combines her expertise as a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and Safe & Sound Protocol practitioner, integrating holistic wisdom with cutting edge neuroscience to guide others from survival to mind-body resilience.
