On seeking a measure of peace

An expressive arts exercise to deal with overwhelming, chaotic thoughts + a short snippet from my painting process.

Words buzz through my mind. Discordant. Distracting. Urgent.

I play with Simba, my ginger tomcat, to try and quieten them. It helps, in the moment. But then the words are back again. Like mosquitoes droning in my ears.

I try meditating. But the words become more incessant. Louder. A bumble bee’s loud drone.

They demanded to be written, these words. I pull out my journal and trusty fountain pen, but I feel too agitated to write. I also realize that don’t want reminders of these words, of this episode in its rawness, in a future where I feel more calm, more whole.

So I pick up my paints instead. Open my junk journal. Put down an initial layer of color. Pick up a pencil and scribble all those angry, hurt, raw words. Not bothering with sentences, not needing them to be readable, over-writing some words.

I look at the page. Notice how some words look like leaves. Start painting them in.

Spilling the words on the page, the meditative act of filling in shapes, calms me. I add more colors. More marks. I notice a tiny paint mark that reminds me of a face on the opposite page. Draw it in. Keep going.

The words rise again. But they aren’t so urgent any more. I write a few of them down. Keep sketching the figure in. Keep taking the next step.

Slowly, my mind calms. I’m focused on what is happening on the page. On the tactile feeling of paint on my fingers, the texture of the painted paper below my finger.

Fill your mailbox with art and notes on the creative process!

I add colors, sketch in another plant shape. New words appear. Words of hope. Of resilience. I write those down. Erase them. They don’t need to be on this page. They just needed to be heard. To become part of my muscle memory. Part of this page. Imprinted in its DNA.

Sometimes, that is enough.

Watch the process

Here’s a short little process video. Of drawing out the figure, playing with paints, finishing up a little painting. With a little birdsong to add a bit of calm to your day.

Do you sometimes struggle with a chaotic, overwhelmed mind too? What helps you to find a moment of calm and peace? Leave me a comment below or simply reply to this e-mail and share your coping mechanisms with me.

If you found this technique helpful, do share it with your friends and invite them into our virtual studio. There’s space for all of us here! And if you’re on the Substack app, consider restacking this post. Just click the little circle with arrows below and tag me!