How art can be meditation
Finding Calm and Identity in Creative Expression
There’s a quiet beauty in art that speaks without words. It hangs on our walls, sits on our shelves, and fills our homes with a presence that goes beyond decoration. For many, art is simply a way to beautify a space, but I’ve come to see it as something deeper—a form of meditation that brings calm, clarity, and assurance in who I am. Art, whether made by hand or chosen with care, is a way to slow down, breathe, and remember what matters most.
This is the story of how I learned to embrace art as meditation. I’m not an expert, just someone who has found peace in the creative process and the intentional act of surrounding myself with beauty.
Art as a Mirror: Finding Yourself in the Creative Process
For years, I thought of art as something other people did. The painters, the sculptors, the gallery curators. I admired it, sure, but it felt distant—something to appreciate rather than participate in. Then one day, I picked up a paintbrush on a whim. I wasn’t trying to create anything grand; I just wanted to feel the paint glide across the canvas.
What surprised me wasn’t the final product (which was messy and imperfect) but the process. Time slowed down. My racing thoughts quieted. In those moments, I wasn’t thinking about what came next on my to-do list or replaying conversations in my head. I was present, fully immersed in the act of creating.
Art became a mirror, reflecting back to me who I was—flawed, yes, but also whole, curious, and capable of creating something beautiful, even if only for myself.
The Power of Imperfection: Letting Go of Perfectionism
One of the most freeing aspects of using art as meditation is that it allows you to let go of perfectionism. In life, there’s often pressure to get everything right—to achieve, perform, and meet expectations. But art doesn’t ask for perfection. It asks for presence.
When I paint, draw, or even arrange flowers in a vase, I remind myself that the process matters more than the outcome. The smudges, the uneven lines, the colors that don’t quite match—these imperfections are part of the beauty. They remind me that life isn’t about flawless execution but about showing up and being present.
This mindset has carried over into other areas of my life, especially parenting. I no longer feel the need to orchestrate perfect moments for my children. Instead, I embrace the messy, the unplanned, and the imperfect, knowing that these are often the most meaningful.
Art in the Home: Creating a Sanctuary of Calm
Our homes are more than just places to live—they are sanctuaries, spaces where we can rest, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones. Art plays a crucial role in creating this sense of peace and calm.
I’ve been intentional about surrounding myself with art that speaks to me—whether it’s a painting that evokes a sense of wonder, a handmade piece that reminds me of the beauty in imperfection, or my children’s artwork that fills the walls with joy. These pieces aren’t just decoration; they are reminders of who I am and what I value.
Here are a few ways I’ve integrated art into my home as a form of meditation:
Create a Corner for Creativity: I have a small space in my home dedicated to art supplies—watercolors, sketchbooks, and even clay. It’s a place where I can retreat when I need a moment of calm.
Curate Art with Meaning: Instead of filling my walls with trendy decor, I choose pieces that have personal significance—art that tells a story, reminds me of a moment, or brings a sense of peace.
Display Work in Progress: I don’t wait for something to be “finished” to display it. Work in progress reminds me that life is always unfolding, and it’s okay to be a work in progress too.
The Science Behind Art and Calm
Research supports what many of us have intuitively felt: creating and engaging with art can reduce stress and promote well-being. A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly reduced cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Dr. Girija Kaimal, a leading researcher in art therapy, explains that the act of making art engages the brain in a way that promotes relaxation and mindfulness. When we create, we enter a state of “flow,” where time seems to disappear, and we become fully present in the moment.
For those of us who struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or the pressures of daily life, art offers a gentle escape—a way to quiet the mind and reconnect with the soul.
The Role of Faith in Art as Meditation
As someone who leans into faith for guidance, I find that art often intersects with spirituality in profound ways. Creating art is an act of faith—it’s a practice of trusting the process, embracing the unknown, and finding beauty in the unfolding.
In the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of rest and reflection. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Art invites us into that stillness. It allows us to pause, reflect, and remember that we are part of something greater than ourselves.
When I create, I feel closer to God. I’m reminded that I am made in the image of a Creator, and that creativity is part of my divine inheritance. Art becomes a form of prayer—a way to express gratitude, seek peace, and find meaning in the everyday.
Art as a Shared Experience: Building Connection Through Creativity
One of the unexpected joys of using art as meditation is how it has deepened my connections with others, especially my children. Creating together—whether it’s painting, drawing, or even baking—has become a way to bond, laugh, and be fully present with one another.
These shared moments aren’t about producing something perfect; they’re about being together, side by side, enjoying the process. It’s a reminder that meditation doesn’t have to be solitary. It can be a communal experience, a way to slow down and savor the moment with those we love.
Time, Art, and the Value of Presence
In a world that often feels rushed and fragmented, art offers a counterbalance. It teaches us the value of presence, the beauty of slowing down, and the importance of finding meaning in the process rather than the outcome.
I’m not an expert in art or meditation, but I’ve learned that the two are deeply intertwined. Art has taught me to be more present, more patient, and more at peace with the imperfections of life. It has helped me create a home that feels like a sanctuary, a place where I can return to myself and remember who I am.
Conclusion: Embracing Art as Meditation
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected, I invite you to explore art as a form of meditation. You don’t need to be an artist. You just need a willingness to show up, be present, and embrace the process.
Pick up a paintbrush, arrange some flowers, or simply sit with a piece of art that speaks to you. Let it remind you to slow down, breathe, and be fully here. In the end, it’s not about the art you create—it’s about the calm, clarity, and assurance you find along the way.
As Christians, meditation is not about emptying the mind but about filling it with the things of God—His truth, His beauty, and His peace. Art, in its quiet and reflective nature, can become an extension of prayer, a way to dwell on what is good and true. In creating or simply appreciating art, we can focus our minds on the divine and draw closer to Him.
Philippians 4:8-9 reminds us of this practice:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
When we meditate through art, we fill our minds with beauty and truth, reminding ourselves of God’s presence in the ordinary. It becomes a sacred space where we can experience His peace, anchoring us in His love and goodness.
So, as you paint, draw, or simply sit in stillness with the art around you, remember that this too is a form of prayer—a way to be still and know that He is God. In these quiet moments, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.