Looking at art opens up possibilities for seeing the world in new ways. This exercise will guide you through a reflection on how art is part of your daily life and how it may be used as a tool to enhance wellbeing.
Discovering Art in Everyday Life
Art appears in countless forms, and no special training is needed to enjoy or benefit from experiencing it.
Experiencing art engages both the body and mind, and research shows that interacting with art can shape our thoughts and emotions, potentially lowering stress and enhancing overall wellbeing. Art opens pathways to new perspectives about ourselves and the world around us.
While it may seem like a luxury to take time to appreciate art, the benefits can actually be gained in far less time than we might expect. By practicing awareness, we can become more skilled at noticing art all around us and seamlessly incorporating it into daily life.
Bringing art into your life is a way of tuning in to yourself and discovering unique ways to connect with it. This exercise is crafted to guide you in reflecting on that connection.
Exercise
Consider the following steps and reflection questions:
- Identify where art is easily accessible in your life.
Museums, workshops, festivals, and illustrated books are a few options. What other opportunities might fit into your schedule? - Identify the types of art that captivate you.
Explore various forms and notice if any evoke joy, calm, or other positive emotions. Options might include photography, sculpture, drawing, painting, textiles, or glasswork. How do these art forms make you feel? What are you most drawn to? - Find ways to connect with art regularly in your life.
How can you incorporate more art into your daily routine? How frequently would you need to engage with it to feel a positive impact on your wellbeing?