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What is “art as meditation?” It is any type of meditation in which we use art. Art has been institutionalised as a form of meditation in Zen — with calligraphy, ink drawings, and gardening — but we can meditate with other media, e.g., painting, sculpture, water colours, etc.

The Techniques.

1. We create a meditative state. Before we start to create, we can use any of the other meditation techniques.

2. We are mindful while we prepare our tools. Those tools include our paintbrushes, our sculpting stone, etc.

3. We experience balance in the various relationships (i.e., dualities) in creativity:
◦ The relationship between artist and tools.
◦ The relationship between artist and creation.
◦ The relationship between the creation and the space around it.
◦ The relationship between creator and audience.
◦ The relationships among all the steps of our endeavour (including the preliminaries, and the cleanup afterward)
◦ The relationship between spontaneity and technique.

▪ “Spontaneity” is characterised by impulsiveness, an attentiveness to intuition in each moment, “the beginner’s mind,” receptiveness, uninhibited experimentation, the right hemisphere of the brain, etc.
▪ “Technique” includes technical rules, professionalism, mental reasoning, a detailed plan for the finished product, learned artistic principles, audience response, marketability, intentional symbolism, abstractions, the left hemisphere of the brain, etc.

◦ The relationship between personal self and impersonal spirit.

▪ The personal psyche is diminished to a different proportion In this unified process, we use the perspectives and energy of the ego, archetypal-field elements, thoughts, emotions, imagination, and personal technique — but those things are subservient to the activity of life creating itself. We do not self-consciously judge ourselves as “a great artist” or “an incompetent” artist; instead, we merely observe and appreciate the miracle of creation.
▪ We might feel that life (i.e., spirit) is creating something through us. We allow the creation to go beyond our concepts of our identity, our capabilities, our habits, our emotional and mental preferences, and other individual concerns. We permit the creativity to occur on its own terms. Our individuality is still here, but we transcend it such that it is only one part of the process; it is merely a “spice” in the recipe rather than being the main course

Inspiration, Meditation, Dedication, is the title of a charming little verse by Helen Steiner Rice. I think it makes for a lovely reminder to print out on to small cards and place them strategically around your home and office, and maybe slip one into your purse, pocket or wallet.

Inspiration, Meditation, Dedication
Brighten your day
And lighten your way,
Lessen your cares
With daily prayers,
Quiet your mind
And leave tension behind
And find inspiration
In “hushed meditation.”

If you have the good fortune to own a pet cat or dog, you have possibly one of the best meditation aids at your finger tips. Pet meditation can be such a beautiful rewarding experience for both you and your pet.

Do not underestimate the power of your pet. The mind of your pet has a far higher frequency than ours. They don’t have our mental problems and upsets, so the reception and transmission of their thoughts and instincts remain open, and free from outside interference.

Sit or lie in a comfortable position with your pet close beside you. When you are ready, allow your eyes to close… and gently begin to lovingly stroke your pet… as you feel your hand glide over its body, notice the feel of its warm skin under the soft fur… breath gently…mentally transmit your love…feel the spiritual bond between you…let yourself relax… Breathe gently…allow your pet to guide your thoughts to a place of beauty…a place of peace and tranquility…relax…your pet may guide you into the rays of a beautiful soft light.. towards a messenger…waiting for you…relax…absorb the information you are given… accept the gift…relax…relax…when you are ready to return, your pet will guide you safely back…you will find yourself at ease, totally calm, refreshed, and filled with an inner serenity.

Reward and thank your pet, let it feel your love and gratitude.

Throughout the ages, successful people have attributed their success to a mentor. Actors, authors, sports men and women, great political and spiritual leaders, they will all proudly announce that their success was due to following in the footsteps of, a person for whom they had respect and admiration.

So who is your mentor? who do you regard as a symbol of what you yourself hope to achieve? Who do you most respect and admire? Who is your hero?

Your mentor could be someone alive today, or someone from history books. In fact you could even have more than one mentor. The important thing is for your mentors to have the qualities you wish for yourself.

Once you have chosen a mentor to emulate, the path to your success becomes a lot easier. Whenever you find yourself at a loss as to deal with a situation, just put yourself into your idols shoes..what would he/she do?

If the answer doesn’t present itself immediately, try a little light meditation. Go find yourself somewhere quiet where you will be undisturbed.

Make your self comfortable.. close your eyes…take a few long deep breaths and relax…Conjure up an image of your hero or heroine… picture that person in as much detail as you can…now watch as the scene unfolds before you…your mentor is faced with the same situation as yourself…what action does you mentor take?…watch carefully…take note and listen to any message that you may be given…continue to breath slowly and gently, let your subconscious mind absorb the answer you are given…when you are ready, silently give thanks and slowly let your mind return to the present.

Know that the answer will be given to you, even if not immediately, the solution will appear.

Meditation doesn’t only have to consist of prayer books, sacred bells and candles. The fact is, a truly absorbing hobby or pastime can also be mediative and just as beneficial.

When you are deeply engrossed in an activity that you find pleasant, and satisfying, you will find that the mind will switch itself off from outside worries. You become unaware of the passing of time, it will seem as though time has stopped.

Have you ever noticed the calm, almost serene look on the face of someone completely absorbed in their personal hobby? Completely unaware that they are being watched, they contentedly knit, sew, carve, paint, with an almost child like absorption.

It’s not only the sense of satisfaction derived from a hobby, but it can bring so many other benefits. Probably the greatest benefit of all, is stress relief. The release of stress and tension is an important factor in the prevention of illness.

If you haven’t the good fortune to have found yourself an absorbing hobby yet, then it’s time to look around for one that will suit you. You will be surprised at the vast number of choices available to you.

Look in your local library for ideas, search the internet. There is something out there for everyone, and who knows, it just might turn out to profit you in more ways than one.

The practice of meditation is well known for the healing and restorative benefits it can bring. When used in conjunction with other modalities, sensory meditation can be a beautiful uplifting experience.

One of the most evocative sensory additions is the use of aromatherapy oils. This is because the different scents can so readily evoke memories and enhance visualization.

Our sense of smell is more powerful than we realize. As there is a such a wide choice of aromas available, it is possible to choose a different scent to enhance all our differing moods and conditions. Some will induce a sense of calm and a feeling of inner peace, while others will help to boost confidence, stimulate creativity, and assist mental clarity.

If you wish to give your energy and motivation a boost, try one of the warm invigorating aromas. There are many to choose from. Cinnamon, cedar, citrus, mint, and patchouli come quickly to mind.

For peace and serenity, the beautiful florals work wonders. You could try, lavender, rose, honeysuckle, violet or jasmine among many others.

You can gently heat the oils in a diffuser, or maybe dab some on to cotton wool balls and place them on radiators. I’ve even wiped light bulbs with the impregnated cotton wool balls. And what better than a few drops added to the bath water?

Meditation is a beautiful way to enter your own spiritual sanctuary far removed from the stress and strain of modern day living. It can transport you into an inner world ofpeace, understanding and contentment.

It isn’t neccesary to spend hours of text book learning, or weeks of arduous training. All you need to begin with, is a small quiet space where you can relax and not be disturbed. Settle yourself into a comfortable position, close your eyes, allow your body to relax, and begin to take a few deep breaths … … as you continue, your breathing will slow down into a nice steady rhythm.

Now imagine a beautiful clear blue sky above you, illuminated by a golden sun…you can feel the warmth of the sun…feel the warmth of the sun as it shines, as it enters the whole of your body…your face and neck…your arms…hands…fingers…your chest…abdomen…your legs…feet…toes.

All is quiet, all is calm…feel the peace and stillness within you…maybe you can detect the fragrance of flowers…do they evoke special memories for you?…you are at one with nature, you too are a part of the universe…you are safe…you are loved…you are protected.

Gently let your eyes open when you are ready to return to your normal surroundings. You will feel totally relaxed and at peace. Know that ou can return to your inner sanctuary whenever you desire, peace of mind will allways be there for you.

Without doubt, you have the ability to change your thoughts and consequently your life. Our thoughts are sheer habits, and thoughts, just like any unwanted habits, can be replaced with more desirable ones. But it’s important to be persistent, as it takes around 21 days to create a habit, and two months for it to be firmly established.

Did you know, that over 98% of human behaviour is based on habit? and 85% of our beliefs are negative? No wonder it seems a sorry old world out there.

Fortunately, there are tools available to help you change your thoughts for the better. By far the most successful are affirmations and guided meditations.

Affirmations are positive statements. When you repeat them mentally and verbally, your subconscious mind believes and acts upon them. Your affirmations can be written on sticky notes and placed strategically around your home and office, or printed on small cards to carry in your pocket, purse or handbag, and/or recorded to listen to on your cd or mp3 player.

Guided meditations have the added advantage of helping you to achieve deep beneficial relaxation, while your subconscious mind takes notes and acts upon the suggestions. Again, the scripts can be recorded and listened to on your cd or mp3 player when you have a quiet undisturbed moment.