By Diane Pearl
We are all fairly familiar with our conscious mind, or ego; it demands attention, defines how we see ourselves, and reminds us (ugh!) of our limitations. It is interesting to note that our conscious mind is also very predictable. It reacts in foreseeable, preprogrammed ways, as if following narrow ruts in a well-traveled road.
But in reality, we are so much more than what our conscious mind allows us to see. This includes the subconscious, what psychologists describe as the part of consciousness that is not currently in focal awareness. When we use certain methods to mentally go off-road, new neural synapses are created, and that is when it all gets really interesting!
As with such well-known methods as meditation, coloring provides a similarly effective type of mental diversion that alters our brain waves and allows us to enter a relaxed, mindful, altered state of consciousness. As a bonus, the more frequently we tap into this self-awareness, the more easily accessible it becomes.
My Creatively Mindful Art drawings are the result of over 40 years of art experience, meditative sessions, and workshops. It takes about 20 minutes of coloring one of them before the seldom-used brain channels take over.
While in this state, there is free association, an almost child-like enjoyment, and an insightful awareness of ourselves and the world around us. The potential for mental, physical and spiritual growth, harmony and creativity is at its optimum during this balanced state.
When coloring, our ego gets a chance to safely take a time out. During these times, I tend to look at my life experiences and determine what I learned from a particular experience or challenge, whether it was a seeming failures or a triumph.
Thanks to this highly relaxing and pleasurable form of active meditation, I have a tool for transforming myself and every aspect of my life and how I interact with those around me. I hope you’ll join me in discovering the enjoyment, the benefits and the fulfillment found through Creatively Mindful Art.
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