Writing + Drawing Meditation
I have been using writing and drawing as forms of meditation for years. I have found the practice to be revelatory in ways that feel different to me from other forms of meditation (which have also been revelatory). I went through my writing journals last night to see what was in there. I found some beautiful experiences that still resonate with meaning for me as I was reminded of them. Had I not written them down they would surely be gone from memory.
Sometimes, putting words to what I’m feeling makes them much more real for me—and the very act of trying to describe to myself what is going on, invites me to keep going deeper, to look and feel again, so that I can get the words just right. Other times, I write from my most whiny self about all my problems, and that often feels cleansing as well. At other times I find words coming from a wise part of myself that I don’t always have access to. Those times are so special and feel uplifting and nourishing.
Occasionally something pops out at me—a word, image or idea that has to be drawn. This is where it gets interesting. I have never thought of myself as an artist, and in fact, have no particular talent that I can discern. But, when the urge to draw or paint an image comes through, I generally do it. Drawing brings out another depth to whatever my awareness in meditation was. For example, this drawing was made after a rough day when a wise part of myself reminded me that love was always available.
The words here are:
When aggravation comes
Feel the Love coming in from everywhere,
From all known and unknown sources
Endless and infinite.
I’m showing you a few of my pictures so you’ll see what I mean by not having any real talent. And yet, a part of me resists me writing those words because the courageous act of putting something to paper always brings some kind of insight.
Here is one more example from earlier this year. I was experiencing a lot of pain in my hips. I have arthritis and it often hurts, sometimes a lot. My normal routine is to spend some time in bed giving myself Reiki before I get up. This is yet another form of meditation to me and one that is generally pleasing and restful. During this period of time, however, all I was aware of was the pain and I realized that I was starting my day off with discouragement and disappointment. I definitely did not enjoy that so I created an exercise for myself that honored, not only the pain, but the other possibilities that were present as well. As I lay in bed resting with the Reiki I invited any kind of a pleasing image to come to me in honor of these hips that have birthed babies, danced, and carried me so far in this life. One day it was the glorious light of the sun shining in my hips, another day I saw flowers, and yet another I saw a flowing stream. I got up and painted the images as best I could. Seeing, in real color on the page, in addition to the mental images that had come, made it much easier for me to feel a sense of gratitude for my life and body each morning. Here are a couple of those images.
Because these practices have meant so much to me I’m teaching them in the upcoming course on writing and drawing as meditation that starts on Wednesday, March 27, 5:00 to 5:30p ET. The course is in person and livestream. Recordings will be available for each class. The link to the full description and registration is here.
