Mini Mindful Moments: Artistic Breaks for Mental Clarity

I am not alone in saying there is a lot going on right now that is grabbing our attention. The frightening threat of climate change, with the horrific fires in LA and all the lives lost and heavily impacted, looms large. We are also witnessing a surreal political transition into an unknown and potentially dark time.

So, what do we do? We endlessly doom-scroll, escape into meaningless content consumption, and layer anxiety and stress upon ourselves.

What we need in times like these is an outlet to refocus our attention, become present with ourselves, and, most importantly, gain clarity about what we want to do in our current situation.

Let’s replace that doom-scrolling with building space for creativity.

What does that mean?

Throughout your day, when you have a few minutes—between meetings or during lunch—what do you do? Are you going for a walk? Are you connecting with a friend or family member? Are you reading the next chapter of your book?

Some of you might be doing those things. But the rest of us? We’re not reaching for our books. We’re reaching for our phones—checking for the next notification, going to the same websites to see the same unchanged articles, hopping back and forth between texts, emails, apps, and the weather. You know that feeling. I am guilty of it every day.

Well, I want that to change.

And that is why I am here to grant you permission. What permission is that? It’s the permission TO BE CREATIVE. Whether it’s 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes—any time away from technology can free up space to reduce anxiety and build a sense of calm and inspiration.

Over the next few months, I will be your resource, urging you to step away and find mini moments to be creative.

It’s time we put down our phones and pick up a brush.