Creating Art as a Meditation

Taking out a canvas to paint was like getting a glass of water when I grew up. I'm grateful for my parent's encouragement to be an artist as often as I had time to. This undoubtedly led me to never second guess a creative career and lifestyle. At this stage of my life balancing a family, my yoga teachings and my own personal healing time has caused me to stash away my charcoal and paper. Fortunately I now have Instagram as a quick fix art outlet plus endless art apps to create art in a flash like the pictures shown in this post.

As I review what I've been posting over the past year, I'm noticing the joys, inspirations and fears held deep within my consciousness have been given a space to breathe and be seen. I'm loving this realization especially as I notice what I was worried about last fall was a success and what I thought I wanted is not for me.

If you're looking to create some form of artistic expression like you once did or never got a chance to, my suggestion is to become still and tune into your belly and notice what your gut wants to do. Once you get a hint then place your hands in prayer pose at the center of your chest and bow your chin in reverence to what you wish to create. At first it may not be easy to truthfully express your artistic vision because fears of being judged can pop up. But trust me after a few rounds of producing what you love, you will never hear the critics again. Rather you will be completely connected to yourself and your environment.

Whatever you create be it a garden, flower arrangement, an organized garage or whatever, do it with what you're feeling. Don't make it a project because it then becomes work. Let it flow out of you as your sacred expression meant for you. If anyone else enjoys it, wonderful!

Follow me on Instagram @allisonegandatwani

Natarajasana/Lord of the Dance Pose under a pink magnolia tree.