In this post, I’m continuing our exploration of how artists can use meditation as a
tool to improve their studio practice. You can read more in Part I and Part 2.

Recently I was asked, what is the difference between mindfulness and meditation? While mindfulness is being aware in the present moment, meditation is the means to cultivate mindfulness. It takes practice – just like learning to tie your shoelaces. When you were small, you may have struggled quite some time to learn this. But now you do it so effortlessly, you scarcely know the steps.

This daily practice of sitting in meditation can also be applied to sitting to make art. Picasso used to say, “Inspiration exists, but it must find you well placed at your work.” To me, “well placed” means showing up regularly to the studio, without fail, even if I’m feeling some resistance to the idea. Because the first ten minutes of work is always the hardest. Once you get going, the work carries you.

You know that feeling when you first wake up? When your thinking is clear and your mind is calm? Many people tell me that is when they have their best creative thinking. I know it’s true for me. When I have a challenging project before me, I like to devote at least 25 minutes on it when I first wake up following my meditation time. Some people get that fresh mind from taking a shower. I think that’s why many people say they get their best ideas in the shower. I think it’s similar to meditation. Your body is washed clean and with it, your thoughts. You’re relaxed, you are not trying to think of anything in particular or do anything else. Your mind becomes clear. Ideas flow in.

Meditation can give you that “fresh mind” any time of the day, no water required. I call meditation a superhighway to new ideas and solutions. When you slow thoughts, observe thoughts, your mind can open to its higher centers of creative thinking.

 

I have found that many artists struggle to find consistency in their creative practice. The first thing I recommend is setting aside 15 minutes to make art. Daily. I find that even the busiest people who truly want to make art can find 15 minutes a day. Consistency is key. Because your body, your mind, your heart and your soul get used to that time. It’s as if you were ready for it. The more you do it, the more ready you are.

The benefit of being consistent is that you find your mind is actually working on your art at other times, in the background, while you are doing other things. The creative problem-solving continues even when you are not actually in the studio.

 

Here are some things to consider to help you get started:

• Think about your mornings. Is there a way to carve out an extra 15 min to write/paint/draw before you walk out the door to work? I like to have my tea while I draw sometimes.
• What about lunch time? Can you keep some simple supplies such as paper, pens and markers at work for 15 minutes of drawing time during your break?
• What about your evening? After dinner, can you take fifteen minutes alone to draw, sketch, or scribble some ideas?
• No matter what time of day you choose, set a timer. Fifteen minutes goes by quick, and you may be surprised about what happens in a short, focused period of time.
• Create space. Consistency is easier if you have a place to work and have what you need. Whether it’s a corner of your desk with a jar of pencils or an entire room, make sure you have a place to create with your supplies close by.

How do you make time in your busy life for your art? What challenges do you face to building a daily habit? I invite you to share some of your questions or challenges, or your routines and habits that work in the comments section below.