Mindfulness with Art
Mindfulness can be practiced with any or all of your senses. It seems particularly easy to use our sense of vision to take in the complex details and beautiful sights present in the outdoor world. Today, however, where I am writing to you, it is raining– and the forecast indicates rain all day. We can nevertheless practice mindfulness using our sense of vision. Today, we will do so using art.
Many people can be intimidated by art. They think, “what am I supposed to see.” Or, “am I supposed to like this?” It has taken me many visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other museums to just feel comfortable taking in art. Having impressions, thoughts, and reactions to art and trusting those to be valid. This is what makes viewing art a perfect mindfulness activity. One has to use one’s senses, and observe your reactions—whatever those might be. Remember that a preference “I notice that I do not find this attractive,” “I notice that this painting brings me joy.” Is not the same thing as a judgment…”this stinks.” Try to avoid judgments or rephrase them into statements of observing your own preferences.
For a few days, we will be observing art for mindfulness practice.
Today, we will examine the picture above painted by Vincent van Gogh. It is a well-known work called Starry Night. He painted it in 1889. It is a view from the window of his bedroom in the Saint Paul Asylum, a psychiatric hospital in France where he lived from May, 1889 to May, 1890.
Set a timer for three minutes. Settle in to your seat. Take a few deep breaths, feeling the air travel from your belly to your lungs, and then slowly back out again. Your task is to observe this painting and to notice the details, colors, and images. Notice also your thoughts, reactions, and emotions in response to looking at this work. There is no right or wrong. Just observe—and notice. Silently, put words onto your experience.
When the practice is over, consider your experience. Were you surprised and all the things you could notice? The curious stance of observing and allowing and noticing your own reactions is a habit that is very helpful to have in your every-day life. Have a day filled with awareness of details about your world, yourself, and anyone you encounter.
Michele
