What is a ritual?
A ritual is a repeated act that we engage in that has a specific order, or is done in a specific set way. We usually complete rituals at specific and consistent times of the day and create them around a specific practice.
Why are rituals important?
Rituals in art help us dedicate to a specific practice and help us to stay consistent in our artmaking. They also help us create more intentionally and focus on the mindful moments required to complete a ritual. By following a specific set of steps, we tune out the world around us and prioritize our focus on what we’re currently doing.
Mindfulness in rituals
In mindful art practices, we’re immersing ourselves in and giving full attention to whatever is happening around us at the present moment. We ground ourselves in the present moment by experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the present moment. It brings us back to the here and now and can stop our minds from constantly racing. We’re focused on what we’re working on and fully present in the art we’re making.
Getting started with ritualistic art making
If you’d like to create an art ritual, here are some ways to get started:
Making pottery
Pottery is an excellent ritual to start because there are specific steps that you must follow in the process of ceramics. A pottery ritual may be working on a specific piece Or it could mean taking a pottery class where you dedicate a specific amount of time each week to learning the craft and the specific steps.
Creating specific images, like a collage
Creating images, like collages, also follows specific steps. You must find images, cut them out, and assemble them across one another before gluing them down. Setting aside time to collage every week is an easy ritual to start because you can make a collage of any size.
Drawing zentangles and mandalas
Zentangles and mandalas are inherently ritualistic. You create them out of patterns and systematically add more patterns as you go. Zentangles are especially easy, since you can do them anywhere, even on the go!
About Samantha Nolan, MA, LPC, ATR- Barnum Counseling
Image by prostooleh on Freepik