loving-kindness meditation and expressive art making to foster compassion & empathy for yourself & others

What is a loving-kindness meditation, and expressive art making practice?

have you ever found yourself longing for a more meaningful life, emotional wellness, deeper life satisfaction, more deeply connected relationships, and resilience?

This, and more is available and waiting for you.

It begins with the practice of a loving-kindness meditation, and expressive art-making

- And, science backs this up-

a Loving-kindness meditation is an ancient Buddhist practice that cultivates goodwill and universal friendliness toward oneself and others.

our lives, communities and the world need goodwill and universal friendliness

in this week’s Mindful Mondays video, I share a loving-kindness meditation, and guide you though an expressive arts practice that will offer you a sense of peace, kindness, and even hope.

The rationale for the practice is that generating goodwill toward all living beings banishes fear because loving-kindness and fear cannot coexist.

Let’s look at a few of the benefits of a loviing-kindness meditation

1. Reduced self-criticism

•Loving-kindness meditation reduces self-criticism, quietens our inner critic, and makes us more self-accepting

•loving-kindness meditation may likely result in a marked reduction of self-harming impulses in individuals with suicidal tendencies and borderline personality traits (Fredrickson et al., 2008).

2. Enhanced wellbeing

•Studies have shown that regular loving-kindness meditation practice increases vagal tone, a physiological marker of our subjective wellbeing that improves the quality of our life and our life satisfaction

6. Improved relationships

•Loving-kindness meditation results in greater empathy for strangers and better social connections at work (Hutcherson et al., 2008), as well as greater stability in social relationships in general

Art as a whole is immensely beneficial for our mental health

Whether it is used for clinical or therapeutic purposes, its benefits become impossible to count on fingers. The form of emotional growth and healing achievable through this method is unmatchable.

Below are some of the benefits I focus on in teaching through bloom true:

Self-Discovery and Insight

my style of Art making can lead to personal insights and self-discovery

as you explore your inner thoughts, beliefs & feelings.

Personal Growth

as you gain insight through guided art making that can lead self-improvement.

Improved Emotional Regulation

through mindfulness practices

Emotional Release

expressive art making allows for the release of stored emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Coping Skills

through mindful practices (our weekly Mindful Mondays abstract watercolor videos), loving kindness meditation, and expressive art making, we can calm anxiety, reduce stress, and experience deep peace - all of which are essential skills for managing difficult emotions and stressors.

and, finally

Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence

did you know that Creating art can boost self-esteem and confidence by giving you a sense of accomplishment & pride?

Creating art will also give you a positive sense of self-expression, which enhances your self-worth and confidence.

join me In this 30 minute expressive art video, where I guide you through a brief breathing practice, a loving kindness meditation - toward yourself, and toward others - Then move into an an expressive & intuitive painting session painting what loving kindness feels like. ENJOY!