Express Yourself: An Art Therapy Exercise with Music

Express Yourself: An Art Therapy Exercise with Music

Art therapy is a powerful way to connect with your emotions, alleviate stress, and encourage self-expression. Combining art and music creates an experience that stimulates both your creative mind and emotional self. In this blog post, we'll explore an art therapy exercise that invites you to express yourself artistically while playing your favorite music. The combination of music's rhythm and the freedom of art can help you tap into deep emotions and foster a sense of mindfulness.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started:

Step 1: Create a Comfortable Space

Before diving into the creative process, set the stage for a peaceful, distraction-free environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the exercise. Here’s how:

• Find a quiet space: Choose a room or corner where you feel relaxed. If possible, dim the lights or use soft lighting to create a calm atmosphere.

• Gather your art supplies: You don’t need to be a professional artist to benefit from this exercise! Simply gather some basic materials like paper, crayons, markers, paints, or colored pencils. If you're working digitally, open up your drawing software.

• Prepare your music: Make a playlist of your favorite songs, ones that evoke emotion or resonate with your current mood. Ensure you can easily play the music while you work.

Step 2: Set an Intention

Take a moment to reflect before beginning. Consider setting an intention for the exercise:

• What emotions or thoughts are you hoping to express?

• Do you want to explore something specific, like joy, sadness, or nostalgia?

• How does the music make you feel, and how might you represent that through art?

This intention will guide your creative process, though feel free to let go of any pressure or expectation of “making something perfect.”

Step 3: Begin Playing Your Music

Start playing your music and let it fill the room. Allow the rhythm, melody, and lyrics (if applicable) to inspire you. Let the music be your guide, giving you a sense of freedom in how you move your hand and create.

• Let the music influence your movement: If the music is upbeat, let your hand move quickly across the paper. If it’s slow and mellow, you might find yourself using softer, gentler strokes. Don't overthink it; just let your body respond to the music’s pace and mood.

• Pay attention to the emotions that come up: Notice how different parts of the song affect you. Are there moments that bring up particular memories or feelings? Let these sensations be your guide in your artwork.

Step 4: Create Freely

Now comes the fun part: creating without judgment. Focus solely on the process, not the outcome.

• Use abstract forms: Let your hand flow with the music. You don’t need to create anything recognizable; instead, focus on colors, shapes, and textures that reflect how the music makes you feel. You could create swirling lines, jagged edges, or soft washes of color.

• Express your emotions visually: If the music brings up sadness, you might choose darker tones and slow, deliberate strokes. If it’s a joyful song, use bright colors, energetic lines, or bold shapes.

• Move between mediums: You might find that your emotions shift as the music changes. Don’t hesitate to change art supplies mid-creation. Maybe you start with colored pencils, then switch to watercolor paints as the song picks up tempo.

Step 5: Reflect on the Process

Once the music ends and your art is complete, take a moment to reflect on your creation and the experience.

• Look at your artwork: What does it say about your emotional state during the exercise? Do you notice any surprising shapes or patterns? Don’t worry if it feels abstract; the purpose is not to create a "perfect" piece, but to express yourself.

• Journal your feelings: Consider writing down how the music influenced your art. Did the song change the way you approached the process? Did you express emotions you hadn’t expected to? Reflect on what emotions came up, how the music shaped your creative choices, and how you feel now.

• Recognize any shifts: Did you feel lighter, more energized, or perhaps more connected to your feelings? Notice any emotional shifts that happened during or after the exercise.

Step 6: Finish with Gratitude

When you're done, take a few minutes to sit in silence and express gratitude for the time you've spent with yourself and your creativity. Acknowledge any emotions that surfaced, whether they were comforting, challenging, or liberating. This exercise can serve as a beautiful reminder of how art and music can help us connect with and understand our inner world.

Additional Tips for Deepening the Experience

• Try different genres: Explore different types of music for future exercises. Classical music may prompt calm, flowing designs, while rock music might inspire more jagged, energetic art.

• Create a routine: Consider making this art therapy exercise a regular practice. Playing your favorite music while creating can help build a strong connection between art, music, and emotional release.

• Share if you feel comfortable: If you feel comfortable, share your artwork with someone you trust. Sometimes verbalizing what your art represents can enhance your self-awareness and lead to deeper personal insights.

Conclusion

Art therapy is about freeing yourself from perfection and allowing your authentic emotions to flow through creativity. By integrating music into the process, you can enrich your emotional experience and enhance your connection to the artwork you're creating. Remember, the key is to let go of expectations and simply allow your artistic expression to unfold in response to the music.