Find Your Own Keys to Health and Happiness! Be Inspired Through Meditation, Relaxation and Creativity! By Linda Halbert BA, Professional Artist and Qualified Teacher We all know that meditation and relaxation are highly recommended for many health conditions, but I wonder how many would suggest that ‘being more creative’ could be a ‘health’ remedy. Relaxation and meditation techniques have been known for centuries for their powers to heal. Until recently, art has primarily only been considered as an enjoyable ‘hobby’. Of course this is indeed true. However, creative art in all its forms is in fact a ‘meditation in action’ and therefore it can be as beneficial in healing and to our health and happiness as any other form of meditation; and when these activities are combined, synergistically they become even more powerful and effective. From my own personal experience, meditation and creativity have had a profound effect on improving my own health and happiness and that of my friends and clients. I have discovered that the deep calm and meditative state that these activities induce has considerably reduced my stress levels. Here is an example of just one of the ‘health and happiness’ meditations that I do daily: • When I wake up in the morning, I stay a few minutes longer in my bed to fully give thanks and appreciate all the wonderful things in my life. • For example, I consider and appreciate the wonderful family that I have who love me. • I think of the lovely friends I have and the love, laughter and support we continue to share. • I am thankful for the beautiful views and countryside that surround me here in Spain, and for my wonderful Spanish home. • I am truly thankful for any day that I have where I am free of pain. • I look forward to enjoying a day of painting and being able to express myself through my creative artwork. • And so on … These genuine feelings of love and appreciation really warm my heart and they enable me to start my day with a smile on my face. I do many more meditation, relaxation and creative exercises, however I have now built them into my daily routine, so much so, they have become habitual and more importantly they take little or no extra time from my day. It’s important to try to focus solely on the positive things in your life, and not dwell on negativity as much as you can. By focusing on the positive throughout the day, this can help us cope with anything negative whenever it does appear. The combination of relaxation, meditation and creativity has also been reported to help combat pain and increase longevity of our life, so this is another big tangible benefit. All kinds of meditation and creative techniques can be done at home at almost any time and with minimal preparation. If you’ve never tried meditation or any creative pursuits like painting, don't worry, it’s easy when you know how and you don’t need to have any artistic skills either. So, please come join me now with a simple 10-minute exercise. • Just sit in a comfortable, upright position and relax your body with a few slow and deep breaths. • After a minute, return your breathing to normal and with your eyes closed concentrate completely and visualise yourself through your mind’s eye, creating a painting. • Focus on painting a relaxing word such as 'peace' or ‘calm’ and then see yourself freely and elaborately painting it over and over again in all sorts of colours, shapes and sizes. • Whenever your attention wanders, bring it back to seeing your chosen word painted all over a big piece of paper, taped to a large wall. Smile at yourself as you freely express yourself. • After about 10 minutes stop, open your eyes and stretch. Try to take it slowly when you first stand up and begin to gently move around again. • Then, now try painting for real, but this time, put on some rousing music and really enjoy yourself as your body and mind are completely focused in these artistic moments that are full of fun, expression and ‘healing’ creativity. If you are experiencing health issues and you would like to learn more about how to meditate, relax, paint and have fun with like-minded group of friends, you might chose to have classes from a qualified tutor. Classes are often advertised at health clubs, community centres or Adult Education Centres. Alternatively, of course you are warmly welcome to talk to us here in sunny Spain at [email protected] or www.lindahalbert.com where we hold regular Group Art & Craft Holidays throughout the year. Linda Halbert is a Professional Artist and Qualified Teacher, living and working in the beautiful Spanish Alicante region of Spain. Linda graduated in the UK in 1996, gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Art and Design from Caerleon University, Wales, and a City & Guilds Teaching Certificate from Bath University.