Mindful Drawing: Freeform Circles for Relaxation

Explore mindful drawing through freeform circles. A simple, relaxing exercise to embrace imperfection and find peace as a busy mom.

We all know the demands of motherhood. Between breakfast preparations, school runs, work responsibilities, and keeping the household in order, it’s a wonder we ever find a moment for ourselves. Yet, in these rare quiet moments, we might catch ourselves yearning for a simple way to reconnect, breathe, and be present with ourselves.

This week, I want to share something close to my heart. An exercise that does not ask for perfection requires no special tools, and is accessible to all of us, regardless of our artistic abilities. An exercise that invites us to embrace imperfection, explore our creativity, and most importantly, find joy and peace in a simple practice.

Have fun with this mindful drawing exercise! 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

The Benefits of This Exercise

This simple creative practice does more than just help you unwind. It’s a form of creative self-care that encourages you to:

1. Nurture Mindfulness: By focusing on the repetitive movements, you’re grounding yourself in the present moment, which can foster mindfulness.
2. Embrace Imperfection: Accepting the wobbly lines and celebrating them teaches you to be more compassionate and gentle with yourself.
3. Create a Cherished Habit: Spending just a few minutes a day with this exercise can help make creativity a regular part of your life, leading to balance and renewed energy.

Supplies used:

Bristol paper (Winsor & Newton), brush pens (Faber-Castell), marker (Staedtler) washi tape.

Alternative supply suggestions:

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

Instructions:

Step 1 – Embrace Imperfection

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.

Begin by drawing freeform circles on a piece of paper. Remember, they don’t need to be perfect. If they’re wobbly or uneven, that’s perfectly okay. The beauty lies in the imperfection, just like life itself.

Step 2 – Add Lines and Explore

Next, grab a pen or markers of your choice. Fill your circles with dashed lines, experimenting with different directions. You might find horizontal dashes soothing or perhaps a mix of vertical and diagonal lines more intriguing. There’s no right or wrong here, just trust your instincts and enjoy the process.

Step 3 – Relax and Reflect

As you draw these lines, go slow, allowing the repetitive movements to guide your thoughts away from stress and into a state of relaxation. You might notice how the gentle rhythm of the pen glides you into a calming and meditative space.

Continue until all your circles are filled with dashed lines.

I invite you to give this exercise a try. Remember, the focus isn’t on the final result but on enjoying the process and seeing where it leads you. Embrace your unique artistic expressions and let them guide you to a joyful, balanced life.