Finding Calm in Chaos (and a Little Gift for You!)
Life, right? It can feel like a runaway train sometimes with everything always buzzing.
Between deadlines, errands, and just the general hum of daily life, it's easy to get swept up and feel, well, a bit unmoored. I know I certainly do.
Here is one I found in my sketchbook while writing this post and I didn’t even finish it…
But lately, I've found something that genuinely helps me anchor myself, slow down, and just breathe. And that something is mindful art. This is a long practiced, long researched and long needed type of art.
Now, before you picture me meditating perfectly on a mountain top while painting a masterpiece, let's get real. Mindful art for me isn't about creating something gallery-worthy every time. It's about the process. It's about being fully present with your materials, your colours, and the movements of your hand. It's about letting go of judgment – of yourself, of the outcome – and simply enjoying the moment.
Think of it like this: instead of your mind racing through your to-do list while you dab paint on a canvas, you're actually feeling the brush against the surface, seeing how the colours blend, and hearing the quiet scratch of a pencil. It's an active form of meditation, a way to gently quiet the noise in your head.
For me, this practice has been a game-changer. When my thoughts are spiralling, or I'm feeling overwhelmed, I just grab some supplies. Sometimes it's simply doodling, other times it's working on something more structured, but always with that focus on the 'now.' It's incredible how a few minutes of truly mindful creation can shift my entire mood. It brings a sense of calm, clarity, and often, a renewed sense of purpose. It reminds me that even in the busiest times, there's always a space to create and just be.
Your Turn to Find Your Calm
Because this practice has been so incredibly helpful for me, I wanted to share a little piece of it with you. I've created a free downloadable mandala worksheet that you can print out and use whenever you need a moment of calm.
Mandalas are fantastic for mindful art because their repetitive patterns naturally encourage focus and can be incredibly soothing. You don't need any special skills – just some pens, pencils, or even crayons, and the willingness to let your mind wander (in a good way!). And maybe this could spark a creative flame for you.
And while it can be good for those perfectionist wanting to create something that is also aesthetically pleasing, it DOES NOT need to be perfect. This is just for you not for the world (unless you want to share it).
You can download your free mandala worksheet right here on my website: https://www.samwalton.com.au/freeresources
Give it a try next time you're feeling a bit frazzled. I genuinely hope it brings you even a fraction of the peace it brings me.
Let me know in the comments if you try it, or if you have your own mindful art practices! I'd love to hear about them.
Get creative
Here is an example of a mandala I have done.
Happy creating,
