Your Art Practice:

Moving in Gentle Ways

  • Take a moment to decelerate and attune to the sensations in your body. If you're dealing with discomfort or pain, it's perfectly fine; pinpoint a small, safe area in your body to focus on. If your body welcomes your attention, give it a gentle scan to discern its needs. When tuning in feels challenging, focus on something unconventional, like your eyebrows, the back of your hand, or your shins—places that typically receive little attention and may feel more accessible when the rest of your body is preoccupied.

  • Start with a small movement that feels effortless. It could be swaying your whole body, wiggling your fingers, toes, or eyebrows, or gently shaking your head. Let it be gentle and comfortable for you. This might include going for a walk, stretching, or dancing.

  • Pay attention to how your senses change as you move. Notice alterations in your vision, hearing, and breathing as you embrace these movements.

  • Use art as support. Find some music, incorporate objects around you as props, and allow this experience to be as gentle or as vigorous as you require. Depending on your needs, you might find yourself blinking to a sweet tune or dancing with wild, flailing arms around your living room. There's no right or wrong; the key is to simply move, always ensuring safety for yourself and those around you.

Your art practice centres around moving your body or parts of it to cultivate awareness and presence. It's not about running long distances or strenuous workouts at the gym (although, if that's your desire and capability, go for it!). Moving your body in gentle ways encourages you to slow down, listen, and tune into what your body might need. Here's how you can immerse yourself in this practice:

Why does this creative practice matter?

This practice encourages you to be fully present in your body, listen to its signals, and nurture a sense of awareness and connection with yourself. When we move our bodies, we create space for our emotions to co-exist. We are encouraged to shift from rigid either/or binary thinking into a more holistic way of being. It's a simple practice with profound self and societal benefits, inviting us to embrace the harmony of mind and body, nurturing both personal well-being and a more interconnected world. Enjoy these moments of gentle movement and connection with your body—it's a fairly lovely way to celebrate your creative spirit and prioritise yourself.

I can’t wait for you to try this practice. If you like, let me know how you go. Keep an eye out for your results in your inbox too. I’ll send you a few more ideas in the coming days as well.

Welcome to Art for Big Feelings.