Art — Therapy for your mind.

Art — Therapy for your mind.

by writershilpa

 

A to Z

 

More than a decade ago, I quit my job at the school where I taught kindergarten, to stay at home and care for my mom-in-law and my pet dog. MIL suffered from schizophrenia and my pet dog was one hyperactive little guy who needed constant attention, and of course, MIL couldn’t manage him.

Staying at home can take its toll for someone who is used to working a 9 to 5 job. It keeps the mind that much more busier and you get a break from your domestic life, mingle with your colleagues and experience life outside the four walls of your house.

So, yes, I did begin losing my mind. Caring for a mental illness patient is, as it is, a tough job and it can have its effect on the caregiver if the caregiver has no source of recreation or entertainment. And, so I took up drawing to fill in those hours and keep my mind occupied.

Initially, it was just scribbling and doodling, but then one fine day, as I  wondered what to draw, my eyes fell on my pet Chikoo, who was sitting beside me, staring into nothingness.  I decided to sketch him.

Of course, he would never have posed for me for as long as it would take me to sketch. So, with the help of his photo, I made a pencil sketch. My very first dog sketch, which I felt, came out almost perfect!

I was ecstatic!

And, thus began the artful journey of this eccentric artist! Being a crazy dog lover, I sketched almost every dog breed I could find, with black and white pictures from Google. There are also other animal sketches in my drawing book, but I will always be partial towards my dog sketches. Those I love the most!

I love sketching their eyes – those are their best feature!

Some years ago, my mother encouraged dad to start drawing as he had now retired and was wondering how to keep himself occupied.

So, dad took up drawing and created some really beautiful artwork. I did a post on his art journey some time back and received an encouraging response to it.

WHY ART?

The reason I am doing this post is to encourage people to take up art – in any form – especially if you think you are not a “born artist”.  For each one of us has an artist hidden within. All we need to do is give him/her a nudge, and some encouragement.

Also, art is therapy. It can take your mind away from the world and refresh you just the way books do.

Art helps you focus on the work at hand, forget your worries and manage your stress better.

It helps your restless mind relax as you draw and helps keep your anxieties at bay.

You never know what you are capable of unless you try!

So, if you think you don’t have it in you to draw even a straight line, then I suggest you go ahead and draw that line!

Begin with something simple, like a glass placed on your table, or even a flower.

Look at it closely and draw it. 

it will not come out perfect,  I promise you. But, at least you will have made an attempt.

Your kids’ storybooks will have many cute pictures to draw. Copy those in your books. Draw an easy picture every day, and at the end of the week/month, you will definitely notice a difference. 

Most importantly, you will notice how your mind will be focused on the activity. The hundred ugly thoughts that cause you distress will vanish as you work on your picture. 

Visit this link to learn simple exercises for beginners.

 

Any art form helps us achieve mindfulness – a state of being present in the moment, being fully aware of it, which, in turn, helps relieve us of our stress. Our everyday battles with Life leave us exhausted, our peace of mind ruined. If we are to survive in spite of it all, we need to find ways to restore our peace of mind.

And, what better way to do that if not through art? Any kind of art.

So,  go ahead and give it a try.

And, do share with me your experience, I am waiting to hear from you!

Love,

SHILPA…

 

 

 

April 2018 A to Z blogging Challenge

 

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is all about my blog, Metanoia, and my blogging journey from the time  I started, 5 years ago. The lessons I learnt, the tips and tricks I picked up from fellow bloggers and the guidelines I could have used back when I began. 

You will find all of my A to Z posts here.

 

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art therapy (3)

 

79 thoughts on “Art — Therapy for your mind.”

  2. I love this post shilpa. I am.not art part. Its not that i don’t like art. I lack the creativity and so never took art serious. I can draw things that i can see. But ask me to draw on a theme, I lack the skill. This postvis encouraging me to rebuild my art skills that i completely ignored after my secondary schooling. Lovely post.

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      1. Never consider yourself a non-creative person, Deepa. We all have something in us that we can work on, for the sake of finding peace and happiness. You really don’t need to bother about themes. All you need to do is enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy!

        Liked by 2 people

  11. First, let me pick my jaw from the ground. Your sketches are fantastic, Shilpa. I used to draw – A LOT when I was young. But I’d stopped for the past couple of decades at least. Only recently, I have started again thanks mainly to my son who insists that I have to draw something for him to color it.

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  12. You are right about all of us being latent artists. Perhaps the Universe is asking me to go back to painting because I keep reading Shinjini’s posts about using art to express yourself always call out to me …. looking forward to the next 27 posts. I’m sure there’s a treat ahead for me !

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  23. Wow! these are super amazing shilpa, I did not know that you are such a great artist, hats off to you. really I did not have enough words to express your talent. best luck for the challenge.

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  24. Wow, Shilpa. You are one talented soul, and you definitely have a gift. I personally cannot draw to save my life, but I do love to color. Though I am not good at it either – with the color combinations, I mean. But what does it matter when it makes me happy, right?

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    1. Precisely my opinion, Shantala. If an activity gives you happiness, then you should just go ahead and indulge in it. Be it drawing, colouring, dancing, singing..One must do it for themselves!

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  25. I love that zentangle. And the eyes are so soulful. Eyes are the most trickiest ones to draw. Art heals surely. It is the best hobby too, i agree.

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    1. Drawing the eyes can be tricky, but because it’s a challenge it makes us focus on our work and forget the world around. And that’s what I achieve from my art. That’s also the reason why I urge everyone to take it up .
      Thank you for visiting, Pratikshya!

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  26. Beautiful. Love your Mom for nudging you back to practicing your talent. Sigh. I keep meaning to do it, but it always a tomorrow that never comes. I wish my Mom was around to give me that much-needed push. Hugs!

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    1. Isn’t it a fact? One may not be a born cook, or dancer, but if you have it in you to try your hand at it and work hard towards it, and most importantly, enjoy the activity, then there is no reason why one can not achieve anything!

      Thank you for visiting! 🙂

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  32. Were you a school teacher? Wow! Nice to know that 🙂
    And I remember that post about your dad’s drawing. It is indeed encouraging. I am also not a born artist, but I have started to practice drawing for a year now. I will remember your tips. Also, I agree that all the negative, stressful thoughts go away as we focus on the drawing 🙂
    Please do keep posting more about art!!

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    Reply

    1. Yes, Dhanashree. I taught the pre-primary section for around 8 years before quitting to take care of my mom-in-law and my pet dog. I am glad I had my art to provide me with the necessary distractions and keep my mind occupied and my heart happy!

      I see your drawings and I must say you are a natural! Each and every drawing shows the passion with which you make it. Really love gazing at your art! keep it up, my dear!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  37. Indeed – I am in the same boat. I paint and it soothes me. 🙂 I to encourage folks to try their hand at whatever their interest is in creating are – be it drawing, painting, sculpting, welding, knitting, sewing – whatever! Find that medium that draws you and you become comfortable with and work it with your hands. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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