Boxing up some worries

There's moments when our worries just get the best of us.  Pushing them away is hard.  We may even recognize they are outside of our control, but still we fret, we stress, we worry.  Let's be real though, there is A LOT to worry about these days.  I will not list them out.  Chances are you are already worrying about them.  And if you're not, then, no need to add them to your list.

When we let our worrying flow unchecked, we risk falling into the pits of rumination where worries become excessive, unproductive and debilitating as real and imagined negative outcomes becomes blurred. When we are in a state of rumination, finding solutions goes out the window.  We are now trapped in an loop of negative thinking.  We may even criticize ourselves for worrying excessively and not solving the problems which just leads to more worry and self-defeating thoughts. 

An article on Psychology Today examines the function of worry stating it's a left-brain function that attempts to solve a problem with an unknown outcome.  We focus on the small details and lose sight of the bigger picture or fresh solutions. Our left-brain keeps worries in the verbal context in an attempt to protect us and keep the right-brain from conjuring up negative images. 

This 5-minute art exercise is a quick way to take action addressing our worries without needing solutions.  It's about quieting the mind and acknowledging the worries that are currently present.  This exercise gives us space to engage both sides of the brain and gently push the worries from the mind to the paper.  Only from a place of clarity can we truly make informed decisions and find solid solutions.  Let's dive into some art-making.

Watch the video below and paint along with me and let's release some of our worries together.  We are on our way (you'll get this phrase once you watch the video)!

Worry Boxes - Watercolor Painting Exercise
Watch Video Tutorial 

Materials

1. Watercolor paper (or thick paper like cardstock)
2. Watercolors
3. Cup of water
4. Paintbrush
5. Optional: Paint along with me using link above

Steps

1. Select a color palette.  I suggest painting some small test squares on scratch paper.  Sometimes the paint color looks a bit different once it's on paper.
2. Start the video (link above).
3. Select your first color and paint a square or rectangle that represents the size of one of your worries.
4. Select another color and paint another worry box.
5. If you want to overlap boxes, be sure to let first box dry before painting on top of it.
6. As you paint, imagine the worries moving onto the paper and out of your mind
7. When your done painting, take a moment to reflect on your artwork.  Here's a few prompts to help guide your thoughts. You might want to write down your thoughts. 

• Notice the sizes of the boxes. Are they small, medium or large.
• Notice how much space the boxes take up on the paper. Is there a lot of white space or is the paper mostly full of boxes?
• How much space do your worries take up in your mind or your life?
• What worries can you let go?
• How do you feel after painting?

Optional: Share your collage on IG with #getartspired

If you need help sourcing materials email me or DM on IG @getartspired

If you are going through a particularly difficult season and need support or guidance, I am here for you. Schedule a consultation or session. And if you want to dive deeper into the meaning of your collage, email me or DM on IG @getartspired

Happy Healing!