“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Today is Global Mental Health Day and I like to share and emphasize the importance of having a STRESS-FREE creative practice.

Making art has been a saving grace in many a personal crisis in my life but it’s also a daily contributer to my emotional and mental well-being. One of my favorite ways to relax, wind down, release, reflect and integrate is intuitive painting. I keep a special intuitive painting journal just for this practice.

I allow everything to come up and evolve naturally and intuitively. Giving space to my (gut)-feelings to guide me to each next layer: the next color, the nest medium, the next painterly gesture – I just follow the nudges and impulses without an outcome in mind and enjoy the process.

It’s a wonderful practice to let your creative spirit soar. And, it’s a wonderful mindfulness practice to be with yourself, your thought, your emotions. It gives space and allows for whatever needs to show up to do so. It’s an intimate conversation between you and your Soul. It’s a wellness retreat of its own special kind beyond words and beyond doing. It’s really about “being”. It’s practicing loving kindness towards the inner critic and perfectionist.

The way you are and how you express yourself is unique. And perfect. Like YOU!

Mental health is important for everyone. So know that if you’re facing a mental health challenge, you are not alone! Seek out some help and if you can include a creative practice where you can express and heal and integrate through colors and materials beyond words.