How Practicing Art Can Help You Stay Present
- artsybeats
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
When most people think of mindfulness, they imagine meditation—closing your eyes, sitting still, and focusing on your breath. While that’s wonderful, it’s not the only way.
For me, mindfulness often comes alive when I’m drawing. Art has a way of gently pulling you into the present moment without forcing it. You don’t have to be a professional artist or create a “perfect” piece—just the act of putting pen to paper can shift your state of mind.
How Drawing Focuses Your Attention
I’ve noticed that whenever I start sketching, my thoughts naturally slow down. For example, if I’m drawing a flower, I’m suddenly paying attention to the tiny details—the curve of each petal, the space between leaves, the way lines connect. My mind isn’t wandering into yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s plans; it’s fully here. Drawing becomes a soft anchor, keeping me grounded in the now.
Using Patterns and Repetition for Relaxation
One of the things I love most about art is how simple patterns can feel so soothing. Repeating circles, lines, or little doodles can almost feel like a moving meditation. There’s a rhythm in it, like breathing. I often find myself unwinding at the end of the day by filling a page with repetitive strokes, and by the time I’m done, I feel calmer, lighter, and more centered.
Mandalas Are Powerful Tools for Mindfulness
Mandalas hold a special place in my heart. Their circular patterns and symmetry create such a sense of harmony. Whenever I draw or even color a mandala, I find myself slipping into flow—a state where I lose track of time and simply enjoy the process. It’s as if the mandala itself guides me inward, quieting the noise of the outside world.
Tips for Creating Your Mindful Art Routine
If you’d like to bring more presence into your life through art, here are a few gentle ways to begin:
Keep it short and sweet: Just 10–15 minutes is enough to shift your mood.
Use what you have: A simple pen and notebook work beautifully.
Start small: Begin with doodles, shapes, or simple mandalas—don’t overthink it.
Make it a ritual: Light a candle, sip tea, or play calming music while you draw.
Focus on the process: Remember, it’s not about the final picture—it’s about how you feel while creating.
Art has taught me that mindfulness doesn’t always have to look like stillness—it can be creative, colourful, and deeply personal. Each time you pick up your pen or brush, you’re giving yourself a moment of presence. And over time, these little moments add up, bringing more peace and clarity into everyday life.
If you’d like to explore this practice further, I’ve created step-by-step drawing guides and easy YouTube tutorials designed to help beginners relax into mindful drawing. They’re perfect if you want a gentle way to start your own art routine—whether with flowers, patterns, or mandalas. You can find them
here ➝ www.artsybeats.com and [here ➝ www.youtube.com/@artsybeats
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