Using Art To Meditate

Art by Alba Bautista from Dot and Wall

Do you find it difficult to meditate with your eyes closed? Perhaps, you end up falling asleep easily. Using a piece of art as a focal point is a form of mindful meditation that can help still your mind yet keep you awake.

You can choose any medium, be it a painting, sculpture, drawing, photograph, etc. The artwork you choose can be in your home, a gallery, a book or your phone. Try choosing a piece of art that brings forth a sense of calm, peace, positive energy or joy.

You will need a quiet place to slow or still your mind. The fewer distractions you have, the greater the chance you will have to reach a state of relaxation during your artful meditation. You can be in your home, parked car, office, outside in a park or even in an art gallery. 

Most people say you have to sit to meditate properly. In my opinion, do what’s going to work for you. You can sit, lie down, stand or even walk. For an artful meditation, I wouldn’t suggest walking. I wouldn’t want you to run into or trip over something. 

When looking at the art, you might be compelled to focus on a certain color, texture, pattern or detail. Other times, you might let your eyes go slightly out of focus to take in the entire piece of art. 

You can focus with a silent mind or you could repeat your favorite mantra, saying or religious scripture. The goal is to focus on one thing and not drift off to your to-do list, what you’re cooking for dinner, the upcoming meeting, etc. 

Let’s say you choose a painting that makes you feel peaceful. As your eyes focus on the painting, you could repeat ‘I am filled with peace. I choose peace today. I am surrounded by a peaceful light.’ This will keep your attention on a relaxing topic and not wander off to your day's stresses. 

Please enjoy this five-minute artful meditation I recorded in collaboration with my friends at Dot and Wall.