Vision Yoga for creativity

There is no must in art because art is free. 
― Wassily Kandinsky

I recently ran a Mindful Seeing event for the Arnolfini’s Season of Healing. We practiced Vision Yoga techniques and then went to see Emma Talbot’s exhibition.  

At the beginning, people seemed more conservative and preoccupied, but they soon became relaxed and friendly as we practiced. This is something that I’ve often found in my yoga classes - people are often less stressed and more social afterwards.  

Some of the participants had already seen the exhibition, and it was interesting to find out their different experience this time around. 

There are thought provoking statements interweaved within Talbot’s work. On their first visit, many of them said they ended up focusing on the words and their meaning, more than the imagery. The texts are integral part of her work, but it’s surprising because much of the artwork is visually striking, large and colourful.  

Words often have a tunnel vision effect on people, as languages are deeply connected to our formative educational experience.  We are often taught to read and write in a way that focuses on the central vision and minimises the periphery. We end up being fixed on the text and lost in our thoughts to the point that we cannot see our environment. Devices, glasses and spending too much time indoors can also have this effect on our vision.  

Natural vision therapy is about relaxation and honouring the natural function of our eyes. To see in a balanced way, it’s crucial to maintain the relationship between the central and peripheral awareness.  

After Vision Yoga practice, people felt more relaxed and perceived more colours, form and depth. They noticed details of the artwork and the whole exhibition space, such as the colour of the walls. They also seemed more focused and expressive, and I realised that this is an ideal condition for creative work.  

Just like warm up that performers do before a show, doing a relaxing preparatory practice enables creativity flow naturally and easily. Yoga and creative activities are known to be beneficial for our mental wellbeing, so you’ll get double the benefit! 

I’ve also found sparks of inspiration from my regular practice. Interesting ideas would naturally pop into mind. When I’m in a relaxed meditative state, I simply enjoy the process of creating. I’m curious and experimental, and less concerned about the outcome. 

I did a degree in Illustration and Animation over twenty years ago. Even though I successfully graduated, I remember feeling stressed and dissatisfied because I was worried about the final piece. It’s ironic as I chose to do it because I loved drawing and making things; it made me feel absorbed and connected. This is how I feel when I’m doing yoga.  

My relationship with art changed when I started doing it for the enjoyment of creating. I felt less pressured and free to make mistakes. Rather than seeing it as a mistake, I now think of it as a process.  

In Vision Yoga for Creativity workshop, we won’t be focusing on theory of art or it’s techniques, we’ll explore how to bring a creative relaxed state. I will be more of a holistic guide than an art teacher. 

I will suggest enjoyable and fun creative activities, but you’re welcome to explore your ideas and projects. 

You don’t necessarily need to draw or paint, and there are many ways to be creative. You can have a go at photography, writing, knitting, music, singing, dancing, pottery, sculpting and thinking. The list goes on! 

I believe that we can all be creative when we make space and the right conditions.

Let’s explore how to see clearly and uniquely........and get inspired! 

Vision Yoga for Creativity workshop on 25th April from 2-4pm at the Bristol Yoga Centre. Everyone welcome.