CREATIVE MINDFULNESS
Creativity is often considered within the context of music, dance, poetry, and the visual arts. Creative imagination is indeed a component of these artistic expressions, but creativity also extends to most of what we think and do. Creativity isn’t a talent, but rather an innate skill within all of us, even if we feel we’re not creative.
In these series, creativity is embedded in mindful practice. Research indicates that engaging in simple creative activities have the capacity to positively influence physical health and sense of wellbeing. Listening to musical sounds and rhythms while meditating has the potential to increase the meditative experience by gently holding focus, supporting a natural breathing rhythm, and creating an inviting environment for mindful movement. Creative expressions in therapeutic art also have the ability to play to the senses, holding one’s attention while offering a compassionate environment for expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to articulate.
Creativity as mindfulness is an approach based on evidence that has the capacity to enhance self-awareness, offer new pathways of insight, and deepen focus in mindful meditation. The integration of music, the written word, and exploring shapes and colours are all components of the contemplative creativity series, gently led by Sharon in a safe, compassionate virtual space. You do not need to have any musical or artistic skills. Rather, the explorations are in listening, sensing, and imagining through simple guided exercises and meditations. By offering a space to reawaken, develop, and stretch your natural creative self, our intent is to share with you the broader possibilities of contemplative practice.
Session Details
Start Date: Monday, September 14th, 2026 (6 sessions with 2 week break in-between)
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM (ET)
- Please contact NNC with any inquiries at [email protected]
What Participants Can Expect?
Guided mindful meditation practices
Gentle creative exploration through art, simple writing activities and music
Individual reflection
Small group discussion
Opportunities for curiosity rather than “perfection”
A welcoming and supportive community
Intended Audience
These sessions are open to anybody who wishes to deepen and expand their current mindfulness work, or who feel they would like a new avenue for understanding inner thoughts and feelings.
What We Will be Exploring
Curiosity
Presence
Creative expression
Kindliness/compassion toward ourselves
The relationship between mindfulness and imagination
Seeing ordinary things in new ways
Sensory Awareness
Playfulness
Suggested Materials
Many of the supplies you’ll need may be already in your home. The very basics for most of our sessions are:
Paper
A pencil (and eraser)
A permanent marker (such as a Sharpie)
Scissors
Colourful things, such as pencil crayons, markers, children’s crayons, or oil pastels.
As our sessions progress through the year, we may invite you to find some basic additional materials. These will all be available at dollar stores, thrift shops, office supply stores, Michael’s, Walmart, or online at Amazon or Temu. These might include glue, air-dry clay, a basic math set with ruler and compass, a small watercolour paint palette and brushes, watercolour paper, and a small journal or old book you’re willing to turn into a creative project.
Please reach out to us if you’re experiencing difficulty obtaining these supplies. We will help you. We don’t want anyone to be left out.
FAQs
- Do I need artistic experience?
- Not at all. No artistic or musical experience is needed. Creativity is nurtured through simple listening, abstract mark-making, and mindful meditation exercises.
- What if I miss a class?
- It’s okay to miss a class. Each six-week session is based on a theme, but each class contains offerings that are self-contained. Missing a class doesn’t mean you’ll fall behind.
- Will we share our artwork?
- Not if you don’t want to. There is time and space to do so, but there’s no expectation to share. These sessions are for self-discovery and the deepening of your own personal practice. We do this through mindful creative exercises, and discussion. Sharing this journey together is most successful when we explore in discussion what feels best for ourselves.
- What if I don't think I’m creative?
- Creativity is within us all. Artistic talent is not a requirement for these classes. What is requested from you is to have a few basic art supplies at hand, the willingness to stay curious, and the desire to do some creative exploration.
- What is the difference between therapeutic art and art therapy?
- Therapeutic art is not the same as art therapy. Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach whereby creating art becomes an adjunct to clinical psychotherapy. Therapeutic art offers a path to curiosity, insight, and understanding thoughts and feelings through facilitated creative work.