Drawing Petals and Finding Peace

Discover a mindful art exercise for moms. Drawing petals, releasing perfectionism, and embracing moments of serene creativity. Find your peace.

Motherhood is a journey unlike any other, filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, chaos and serenity. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned through my own journey, it’s that carving out a little ‘me’ time is essential. Not just for your well-being but for everyone around you.

Today, I want to introduce you to a simple, intuitive exercise that combines the principles of mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression. If you’ve ever felt the weight of perfectionism or the relentless pace of mom-life, this is for you.

Have fun with drawing petals, and I hope it gives you a well-deserved moment of peace! Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.

You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown

Why should I draw petals?

You might wonder, why a petal? Why not a square, or a star? There’s beauty in the simplicity and organic nature of a petal. It’s a reminder of growth, nature, and the interconnectedness of life.

Moreover, the act of letting your hand flow across the paper, adding shape after shape, connects you to the present moment. It’s a kind of meditation, really. As you concentrate on the simple task of drawing and letting go of perfection, you’re training your mind to focus, to be still, and to find peace in the simplicity.

For our mental health, these moments of respite can be transformative. The external world may often feel overwhelming, but in this space, with your petals and colors, you’re in control. You’re free.

Supplies used:

Bristol paper (Winsor & Newton), colored pencils (Faber-Castell), fineliner 0.5 (Ohuhu) (not pictured), washi tape.

Alternative supply suggestions:

You can use any material for this exercise, such as colored pencils, crayons, or a pencil. 

Instructions:

Step 1 – Drawing petals and creating shapes

Before you start, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Feel the weight of the world lift off your shoulders, even if just for a moment. This is your time.

Draw a simple petal or waterdrop shape anywhere on the paper. Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be perfect (remember, perfectionism is what we’re trying to leave behind).

Using your initial shape as a guide, draw more petals around it. They can be close, far, big, small — follow your intuition. Notice the patterns and forms you create. Let the design flow naturally.

Step 2 – Fill your page

Fill your page with multiple creations of petals. Create clusters, patterns, and pathways – it’s like motherhood, unpredictable yet beautiful. Remember, there’s no right or wrong – just your unique expression.

Step 3 – Add color

If you have some colors on hand and feel the pull, add some vibrancy to your petals. Maybe today you’re feeling blues or passionate reds. Maybe gentle pastels. There’s no right or wrong, only what feels right for you.

This simple exercise is a stepping stone towards embracing imperfection, nurturing mindfulness, and infusing creativity into every corner of your life.

So, the next time you feel the pressure of life and motherhood bearing down, I invite you to try this exercise. Find a quiet corner, breathe, and let your creativity guide you. You might be surprised at how much brighter the world looks afterward.

Always remember, amidst the chaos of parenting, you are deserving of these pockets of serenity. Embrace them, cherish them, and let them nourish your spirit.