Have you ever found yourself craving something deeper? Something that connects you with your true self not to transcend the mundane but to embrace it wholeheartedly?
My experience is that Art practice, in its purest form, offers us this connection. It is a space where we can explore, express, and create anew, engaging not just our minds but the entirety of our intelligences—our emotions, senses, and embodied experiences.
Why is art practice so necessary for this profound exploration?
The answer lies in its ability to integrate all aspects of our being, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with a holistic perspective. Art practice engages our full spectrum of intelligence—emotional, sensory, cognitive, and somatic. This holistic engagement is essential for true self-expression and discovery.
Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio's groundbreaking research reveals that our emotions and bodily sensations are not merely peripheral experiences but are central to our cognition and decision-making processes. In his work, Damasio emphasizes that emotions are integral to the human experience, influencing how we perceive and interact with the world. Art practice taps into this emotional core, allowing us to explore and express feelings that might otherwise remain unarticulated.
Similarly, educational theorist and psychologist Dawna Markova highlights the importance of engaging multiple forms of intelligence. Markova's concept of "learning with the whole brain" advocates for an integrative approach where sensory, emotional, and cognitive processes are all engaged. Art practice allows us to embody this integrative approach, fostering an environment where we can explore our thoughts and feelings through multiple channels—visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic.
When we engage in art practice, we embark on a journey that transcends mere intellectual exercise. We delve into a space where our whole being is activated, where our senses, emotions, and intellect come together in a dance of creation. This process is not only therapeutic but transformative. It allows us to access deeper layers of our consciousness and understand our experiences in a more profound way.
Whatever is your practice, the synergy of mind, body, and spirit is what makes an experiential process engage us fully, allowing us to explore and express the depths of our being.
However, I feel it is essential to heed a warning: the power of art practice lies in its authenticity and spontaneity. To reduce it to a mere tool for productivity or self-improvement is to strip it of its transformative potential. True art practice requires us to embrace uncertainty, and to relinquish control. It asks us to engage with the process, not just the outcome, and to value the journey as much as the destination.
Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment. Rumi
When we treat art practice as a living, breathing space, we open ourselves to the depths and the unknown all around us. We become more attuned to our inner voice and more receptive to the world around us. Both, awareness and presence, enable us to infuse an artful mindset into all aspects of our lives.
To me, art practice is not just a means of self-expression; it is a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. It allows us to explore and engage the full spectrum of our intelligences, fostering emotional resilience, cognitive flexibility, and a deeper connection with our true selves. By embracing art practice as a sacred ritual, we can not only escape the trap of the status quo but create a life imbued with beauty, wonder, and meaning.
Please honor art practice not as a tool, but as a vital, living practice essential to our existence. Through it, we can see, feel, and sense differently, creating anew in every moment and transforming the quality of our being. In this sacred space, we find the freedom to explore the depths of our soul and the courage to express our unique voice in the world.
All my books are a vow to art practice (check them out) and my Messy Art Practice is the commitment to it.
If you ever felt misunderstood, unseen, or not safe for expressing your creativity and artistic spirit, I invite you to join Reclaiming Innocence. A safe space for us to witness one another while we express creatively and artistically.
I invite you to embody an Artful Mindset. Here is how:
UNLOCK THE ARTFUL MINDSET - Creativity is innate to us. A series of simple invitations to help you explore the key concepts and practices to unlock the artful mindset. IT'S FREE
FORGET START UP & ART-UP - Immerse yourself in a learning experience that transcends the ordinary. Engage in lively explorations, vibrant dialogues, and hands-on assignments that breathe life into your ideas. Download the brochure here.
THE MAVERICK'S PALETTE - An extraordinary opportunity to infuse your entrepreneurial spirit with the colours of creativity. It is not just a course; it's a journey of self-discovery and innovation. Let your journey as an artful entrepreneur begin here.
If you’re interested in learning more about my services and would like to discuss any consultancy, workshops, talks, please reach out.
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