How Five Deep Breaths and the Stroke of a Pen Can Unlock Your Creative Flow
Hey there, Creative Soul!
Do you know why it’s hard to use the magic of your inner artistry to enhance your daily life? You know what I mean. You’re trying to solve a problem or put a little extra oomph into that document you’re writing, but you just can’t seem to get in the groove. It’s those nagging worries and endless to-do lists that constantly pull your mind in a million directions. No matter how hard you try to stay present, your inner critic functionally mutes your creative voice and pretty soon your thoughts feel like mush.
If you're nodding along, then let me tell you about a simple yet profound practice that has been an absolute game-changer for me. I call it the “5 Deep Breaths” exercise. But it’s about more than just taking 5 deep breaths and calling it good. This exercise does more than just soothe the mind and reduce stress. When practiced regularly, it can unlock the boundless creative potential that resides within you, just waiting to be unleashed.
In plain language, you can experience all of these things just by practicing regularly for a few minutes at a time.
Shed anxious mental chatter and arrive fully in the present
Release pent-up tension and align your energy
Tune into your intuitive wisdom as fuel for inspired ideas
Connect mind, body, and creative spark through simple breathwork
Spontaneously express your authentic self through mindful mark-making
With each conscious inhale and exhale, you intuitively make shapes, shades, and strokes that flow straight from your inner well of creativity. No judgment, no perfection required - just you, a writing utensil, and the willingness to be with the moment as you make lines on your paper..
Trust me, those stolen moments of mindful breathing and intuitive art-making, even if they're just between meetings or while the kids are occupied, hold immense power to reset your headspace and reignite your creative fire. I know firsthand how easy it is to get stuck in overwhelm and disconnected from your intrinsic artistry. But this practice? It's like a magical oasis that gives you permission to simply be... breathe... and create in a spirit of absolute presence.
From my own experience of developing this simple breathwork art session, I've witnessed bursts of inspiration, unbridled joy, and profound insights emerge as the simple yet radical act of slowing down literally syncs the mind with the body through breath. The clarity and creative energy that arises is palpable.
How to do it…
You don’t need much to make this practice come alive. All you need is a pen or pencil, a scrap piece of paper or journal, and the willingness to gift yourself a few blissful, quiet, creative moments amidst your hectic day.
Gently breathe in and out while making marks on your paper. Follow the flow of your feeling, first making a stroke on your inhale and then moving into a different stroke on your exhale. Repeat this five times on your paper. As you move your hand to the rhythm of your breath, notice what you’re, feeling, seeing, or sensing. Perhaps you’d like to expand on the process by making a few notes about your experience. The most important thing is to notice the shifts that have happened inside as a result of taking a small break to make room for your breath and creativity. Over time, you’ll understand how transformative this exercise can be.
I invite you to give it a try. If you want to see how it’s done and breathe along with me, check out my 8-minute video tutorial, "5 Deep Breaths to Awakened Artistry." It’s free when you subscribe for news and updates. You’ll get periodic emails with invitations to Make Art and Meditate events where you can expand your mindful art meditation practice.
Remember that integrating mindful creative moments into your routine can transform your mushy thoughts into creative clarity, even if it's just 8 blissful minutes at a time. I'm so excited to guide you on this journey of coming home to your radiant, anchored, captivatingly creative spirit.
With an open heart and a beginner's mind,
Cassandra (Sandy) Freschi, Certified Mindful Art & Meditation Teacher
Master Facilitator of Transformation for Creatives, Healers & Seekers Worldwide
P.S. Free Tutorial: “5 Deep Breaths to Awakened Artistry.”
P.P.S. Stay tuned for more mindful art offerings coming your way to keep inspiring your creative awakening! Here’s what we’ve got so far… Mindful Art & Meditation online events