What is Mindful Art?

Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, focusing on  sensory experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It's a way to be fully engaged with your experiences, rather  than being overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions by:

  • Focusing on the Present: 

Mindfulness involves directing your attention to the here and now, observing your senses, thoughts,  and emotions without judgment. 

  • Observing, Not Judging: 

Instead of reacting to thoughts and feelings, mindfulness encourages you to observe them with a  sense of curiosity and acceptance. 

  • Reducing Stress:

By becoming more aware of your internal and external environment, mindfulness can help reduce  stress and anxiety. 

  • Developing Self-Awareness: 

Mindfulness can enhance your understanding of your thoughts and feelings, leading to better self awareness and emotional regulation. 

Introduction

Over the last six months BDS Training has introduced Mindful art to a minority of pupils with various  obstacles including mental health, bereavements, self-harm, sensory concerns and anorexia to name a  few, some pupils displayed more than one of these obstacles. It has allowed users to create a wide range  of personalised items using a circuit machine, which are smart cutting machines that use software called  Design Space to cut or draw on various materials, such as paper, card stock, vinyl, iron-on material, and  more, enabling the creation of everything from personalised gifts and home decor to apparel and  crafts. Other techniques involved a heat press and the art of sublimation, amongst others. As Art is a form of psychotherapy that utilises materials, using this machine and software as art materials it enabled a creative process resulting in a primary means of communication and expression, helping  individuals address emotional and mental health concerns. 

It's not about artistic skill, but rather about using art as a tool for self-discovery, emotional processing, personal growth and a respite service. 

So how did it go...

Our Findings:

  • It has been a powerful tool allowing pupils to access learning materials with a difference which also fits their different needs and learning styles.  
  • Personalised projects - has encouraged communication, pupils have communicated freely with their peers, sharing their stories or journeys. This has promoted an understanding of each other and their emotional and psychological needs. 
  • A peer bond seemed to form, and they were more tolerant of each other. 
  • The classroom became a relaxed space 
  • Pupils were proud of their own learning on how to use new software. 
  • Pupils were proud of their creations and some pieces created were sentimental to them so contained more thought and feeling. 
  • The pupils worked in companionable silence sometimes as the activity was thought provoking.
  • The activity helped to create a positive, inviting and effective classroom environment.
  • Through the creative process and discussions with the teacher and their peers, individuals gained a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. 
  • Using the Cricut machine and software helped individuals process difficult emotions and memories in a safe and supportive environment. 
  • Opened up a means of expressing emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate verbally in a basic teaching lesson. 

Pupil Feedback 

  • They found them to be a positive tool for learning and creativity. 
  • They appreciated the ability to personalise learning materials, create engaging projects, and develop essential skills. 
  • Felt valued, regardless of their background, abilities, or interests. 
  • Felt that it made the learning more interactive and memorable. 
  • Enjoyed the challenge of using the software 
  • Felt more relaxed  
  • Enjoyed each other’s company and learning more about each other 
  • Felt supported and safe in the learning environment 
  • Proud of their achievements 

The benefits of Mindful art surprised the BDS Team as we did not expect these results to be so varied and rewarding so we have decided to run this as a six-week course so your pupils can enjoy the benefits of this art. Every six weeks a project will conclude, and a new Project will begin allowing the pupils to stay longer if they need to. 

Pupil Photo Gallery