by arunima » 23 Jun 2025, 08:34 “Art is therapeutic” – this profound knowledge has been there since the beginning of human civilization. Creativity has been the core of human existence and creating something beautiful gives a sense of immense pleasure and nurtures our mind and soul. In the current fast paced age of content bombardment, rapid trends, algorithm chasing mad race, one tends to get overwhelmed and stressed. Embracing “art” in true sense can be therapeutic and can help one stay sane amidst the chaotic madness around. Art has many forms, painting, sketching, clay work, carpentry or woodwork, music, dance, drama…just pick one or more than one that strikes with your chord. When you pick art for therapeutic purpose or for your hobby, just be mindful about the following things:
1. Be clear about the purpose. You have chosen art for hobby or for therapeutic reason – there should be no doubt around it. Don’t start with the expectation of becoming an artist overnight and make monetary benefits. That might happen eventually later as you grow the interest and expertise. To begin with, do it for fun. Do it as a way of expression and means to let off the stress. Focus at the “richness” that it would bring to your inner self and life.
2. Don’t work under pressure. Remember that you are here to let go off the pressure and stress. When doing any art, just do it with the trust and not under any pressure and expectations. You are creating something beautiful and it has to be done without feeling any pressure. With trust in the process comes the beauty in the creation. Creativity is not a race; it is not about staying on the top with performance and productivity. Art is an expression and there is nothing wrong or right about it. Just let it flow.
3. Make it meaningful. Let it bring a sense and meaningfulness. Look at it as a meaningful activity that brings mindfulness. Treat it precious and invaluable. Create something for your inner happiness and not for showcasing. A rough sketch, a not so perfect work of clay, a messy painting, a broken poem, a drawing that you might laugh at later…. just let it be a thing for self. Take all the liberty to explore and self-pamper yourself.
4. Embrace the slowness. Just slow down and feel the magic of slowness. In the moments of slowness, you experience the inner rhythm, you listen to your breath and heartbeat, you find a solace with your inner being. You find the true creativity and discover new ideas and not only recycle the old ones. Some simple tips that might help to bring in slowness are:
a) Schedule “Do Nothing on Purpose” time. Mark your calendar and schedule with “empty time”, where you just let your ideas follow and express without doing something on purpose.
b) Have few rituals. Rituals like playing a light background music, lighting aroma candles etc. set an ambience for the relaxed atmosphere. Walking or stretching before you start can be your thing. These rituals let your body signal your mind to slow down.
c) Enjoy the process. Pause after each tune that you create, after each line in a doodle, after each stroke of paintbrush….soak in the enjoyment and admire each little progress that you make.
d) Let ideas go waste. Don’t bother if all ideas don’t get translated. In creativity, some ideas are not meant to be sprouted. They rot and ferment. And they become a part of our beautiful growth.
One last but the most important advice would be to avoid the digital means of creating art. You are not doing it for business; you are seeking therapeutic benefits. The traditional means using hands to create open the path to mindfulness and bring peace of mind.
