How painting brings me in a deep meditative state

As a lot of my creative work takes place behind a computer, I need some of it to be manual. Cause painting, illustrating by hand or creating ceramics truly does something different to my brain and nervous system. Something good!

Lidewij Edelkoort, one of the world’s most famous trend forecasters, calls creativity ‘the gold of the future’. As, in response to digitalization, our creative need will only increase the coming years. We simply don’t want to just sit behind screens and so the longing to be offline more often grows. It’s also a counter-movement in a society focused on consumption. Why buy it all, when making things ourself brings so much joy?  

Creative play as a metaphor for life

So last year I decided to add something to my weekly creative me-time. Something I haven’t done for a very long time; painting. I took weekly classes in an inspiring atelier. I think we all know that playful feeling that creative endeavors can bring. Totally consumed by the present moment. The childlike joy of our essence as human beings. But that we often partly lost along the way.. This playful part of us that reminds us of our passions and all that makes us truly feel ALIVE. It reminds us of the dreams we may have buried. Playing is also about surrendering and letting go of control (creative blockages are sometimes caused by a fear of letting go of this control. As a metaphor for life itself). Creative play and keeping control don’t go together.

Hit the ‘pause button’

But painting, as opposed to other creative endeavors, does more for me. It brings me in a deep meditative state. I forget about time and all that’s around me. And that truly is worth something! As my (ADD) brain is always ‘on’ and the pause button is very hard to find. And a deep meditation helps to relax the nervous system. Afterwards I feel invigorated, renewed, refreshed.

The walk through the city to the atelier already is a mindful moment. I feel excited and enjoy the route. The birds, the weather, the river, the houses, the many bikers that pass me by. The atelier is huge, but always feels cosy and warm. As I stroke the brush on the empty canvas I realize something. I realize how different it is from the time I graduated art academy (many many years ago). I’m finally too old to care about the perfectionist voices in my head stating that my art must look beautiful. Or what others might think. The voices that have opinions about what I create finally silenced.

And that means I’m free. Free to fully enjoy the process of creation. With childlike curiosity..