Painting a Spiritual Journey Inward – Art as Meditation

Bathing in Light
Original size: 9 x 12 inches
Original medium: Pastel on board: ©2005
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Purchase Print: $14.86

When you see a clear river you’re less afraid to go out into its deep waters. It’s peaceful. You stay in it longer, and you even let your feet touch its bottom. Like a crystal clear river, a clear mind is the key to being at peace and living in the present moment. A mind filled with the murkiness of worry and haste is a confused and overloaded mind that will increase stress, lower productivity and lead the way to unhappiness and ill health. I have found that by painting intuitively, not only do I clear my mind, but I receive spiritual healing seated deep within my heart.There are many ways to slow down and release our worries, to exist in the present moment and be at one with the creative flow. In other words, there are many ways to meditate. Meditation is a journey inward. When the mind dissolves and is free of all thoughts there is a connection at the heart of our spirit; there is a childlike joy in existing. This feeling of contentment helps us cope with the busyness of life and bonds us with a pure ocean of peace.

Whether we know it or not, all of us have meditated before. Maybe not in the eastern Yogic sense, but we have all silenced the mind perhaps by listening to gentle music, lying on the beach, or immersing ourselves in the stillness of a hobby. Being that I am an artist, I’ve retreated to the quiet places of painting and drawing pretty much my whole life. Sometimes, without any idea of what I would paint, I would allow my intuition to choose colors and begin forming free flowing lines that were both a connection of my spirit and a creative journey of intuitive oneness. It wasn’t until the past few years that I consciously became aware of my art as a form of meditation and connection to God.

And you don’t have to be an artist to practice intuitive art. Anyone can take part in using art as meditation. And if you do, over time you will find within the confines of the peace that you receive there is a spiritual connection in your act of creativity which is tied to God the Creator. After all, we are ourselves a creation with a will to create, and when we explore this gift we are living in acceptance, we are taking the time to remove our “self” to unfold a journey within the higher realms of light and love. When you feel this sense of well-being that God is within you and around you, like a proud father smiling at his son or daughter, you know that anything that brings you together must be right. You also know that the simple intuitive painting that you just embarked on, was really a spiritual and creative journey to happiness, to love, the place where God resides.

If you would like to try your hand (and heart) at an intuitive painting all you need is your willingness to try. Previous art experience is not needed to take part in a spiritual path of well-being. Remember, you’re not trying to create a masterpiece, your trying to master peace. Sit down with some old crayons, colored pencils, some watercolors, or whatever it is that you like. If you like rich colors try acrylic paints or oil pastels. You will also need many blank pieces of fresh paper or canvas.

Just as when you were a child, go into the act with not a care in the world. Without forming the idea of what to paint, begin by choosing a color. Allow yourself to visit different colors and the way they appear on the paper. Create forms if you want. Take delight in what you do and allow your instincts to take over. Sometimes it helps to play some soft harmonious music in the background. Each painting is an exploration in your own spiritual journey. You will find that some take you to a place where you are connected and are extremely satisfied in the art that is unfolding before you. Without being judgmental, continue in the flow. You will be amazed with what you find, and you will be delighted when others appreciate your paintings as well.