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Creating Stillness: Mindful Art Practices and Stories for Navigating Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Discover the healing power of expressive arts with this hands-on guide to using creative mindfulness to reduce stress, find presence, and unlock self-knowledge
Expressive arts educator Rachel Rose weaves together mindfulness practice and art therapy to demonstrate how tapping into your own innate creativity can help you find peace in a stressful world
This self-directed guide teaches ten key principles of mindfulness through ten creative invitations, along with a series of simple exercises and guided prompts to help you start noticing and flexing your creative mindfulness
Requiring no prior experience of the arts or mindfulness meditation, Creating Stillness provides tools to explore difficult emotions and find insight into personal struggles and traumatic wounds.
In each chapter, Rose draws from her personal experience as a teacher and facilitator of creative mindfulness to share stories and examples that help ground exercises like sketching, creative writing prompts, and more.
Rose carefully walks through the process each time, explaining how to set intention and arrive in the present moment before embarking on your mindful art session; how to use objects and thoughts as creative prompts; how to return your attention to your work as you move forward; and how to distill the wisdom you have found in the process.
For seasoned artists, creative mindfulness offers a chance to slow down and rediscover the transformative power that art can offer when it is detached from the need to produce something beautiful or useful. For those coming to expressive arts with existing mindfulness practices or engaged in a therapeutic process, a mindful arts practice may reveal a passion for creation you didn’t know existed. And for everyone, creative mindfulness can help us make sense of our feelings and find new ways of expressing ourselves--in art and in life.
Expressive arts educator Rachel Rose weaves together mindfulness practice and art therapy to demonstrate how tapping into your own innate creativity can help you find peace in a stressful world
This self-directed guide teaches ten key principles of mindfulness through ten creative invitations, along with a series of simple exercises and guided prompts to help you start noticing and flexing your creative mindfulness
Requiring no prior experience of the arts or mindfulness meditation, Creating Stillness provides tools to explore difficult emotions and find insight into personal struggles and traumatic wounds.
In each chapter, Rose draws from her personal experience as a teacher and facilitator of creative mindfulness to share stories and examples that help ground exercises like sketching, creative writing prompts, and more.
Rose carefully walks through the process each time, explaining how to set intention and arrive in the present moment before embarking on your mindful art session; how to use objects and thoughts as creative prompts; how to return your attention to your work as you move forward; and how to distill the wisdom you have found in the process.
For seasoned artists, creative mindfulness offers a chance to slow down and rediscover the transformative power that art can offer when it is detached from the need to produce something beautiful or useful. For those coming to expressive arts with existing mindfulness practices or engaged in a therapeutic process, a mindful arts practice may reveal a passion for creation you didn’t know existed. And for everyone, creative mindfulness can help us make sense of our feelings and find new ways of expressing ourselves--in art and in life.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 7, 2023
I loved this book! The practices have just the right amount of direction, making the process clear while allowing for maximum creativity. I also found the chapter on languages of knowing so helpful in clarifying concepts I've always had a hard time wrapping my head around. A wonderful mindful practice guide!
March 7, 2023
Rachel has something unique to offer in this diamond of a book; her authenticity. Experience. Wisdom. You kind of feel like you know her (and trust her!) after reading it and making space for your practice with her guidance.. You don't need to have 'done' mindfulness for this to be your companion book.
Rachel's warmth shines through every page as she guides you skilfully and gently towards what is here inside, whatever it is, in this moment, and, without words, (but with a bucket load of FUN) and with curiosity, she allows us and invites us to approach the WHATEVER-IT-IS that's in there, that wants to come out.
This is for everyone interested in self-awareness - not just for arty folks. Honestly - get primitive - this book gets into what its REALLY all about. This book is about expression not art sales.
It's more of a course than a book, or a manual of dealing with emotions through scribbling and creativity. About feeling the URGH and working through it, the joy, the pain, the sadness, the unspeakable, whatever - it's a new way of approaching what we always thought we had to be good at, but we don't, we just need to show up - for ourselves, and this book invites us to do that. Through scribbles, splodges, rocks and sticks. It's so simple yet so clever. So fundamentally creative and transformative.
I haven't read it all yet, I kind of don't want to, as it's the kind of book you just want to carry about with you and dip into, like a kind of supportive friend, - you could do this with friends, weekly?, and that would be so cool, in fact I might just do that. Thank you Rachel for such a gem. I'm looking forward to going through it slowly. Definitely recommend this especially to do with friends. (for the feedback and support).
Rachel's warmth shines through every page as she guides you skilfully and gently towards what is here inside, whatever it is, in this moment, and, without words, (but with a bucket load of FUN) and with curiosity, she allows us and invites us to approach the WHATEVER-IT-IS that's in there, that wants to come out.
This is for everyone interested in self-awareness - not just for arty folks. Honestly - get primitive - this book gets into what its REALLY all about. This book is about expression not art sales.
It's more of a course than a book, or a manual of dealing with emotions through scribbling and creativity. About feeling the URGH and working through it, the joy, the pain, the sadness, the unspeakable, whatever - it's a new way of approaching what we always thought we had to be good at, but we don't, we just need to show up - for ourselves, and this book invites us to do that. Through scribbles, splodges, rocks and sticks. It's so simple yet so clever. So fundamentally creative and transformative.
I haven't read it all yet, I kind of don't want to, as it's the kind of book you just want to carry about with you and dip into, like a kind of supportive friend, - you could do this with friends, weekly?, and that would be so cool, in fact I might just do that. Thank you Rachel for such a gem. I'm looking forward to going through it slowly. Definitely recommend this especially to do with friends. (for the feedback and support).
February 8, 2023
This soulfully written Creating Stillness: Mindful Art Practices and Stories for Navigating Anxiety, Stress, and Fear book reminds us that creativity is an important tool, an ally, in helping us make meaning of the pain and suffering that we encounter when living as humans on this planet.
Too often we tuck “mindfulness” and “creativity” in two separate slots, stereotyping one as the serious and serene meditator and the other as a wild and moody artist.
In her new book, Rachel Rose shows how each one enhances the other, and as a creative arts educator, offers a variety of simple and yet powerful practices, meditations and activities to cultivate and expand our creative selves.
As a practitioner and trainer in psychodrama, which is sometimes referred to as the original creative arts therapy, I applaud books like this that invite us to look at our experience with freshness and curiosity. I will definitely be suggesting “Creative Mindfulness” to the people I work with, including my trainees, supervisees and colleagues.
Too often we tuck “mindfulness” and “creativity” in two separate slots, stereotyping one as the serious and serene meditator and the other as a wild and moody artist.
In her new book, Rachel Rose shows how each one enhances the other, and as a creative arts educator, offers a variety of simple and yet powerful practices, meditations and activities to cultivate and expand our creative selves.
As a practitioner and trainer in psychodrama, which is sometimes referred to as the original creative arts therapy, I applaud books like this that invite us to look at our experience with freshness and curiosity. I will definitely be suggesting “Creative Mindfulness” to the people I work with, including my trainees, supervisees and colleagues.
March 7, 2023
I feel most fortunate to have discovered Rachel Rose’s book, “Creating Stillness, Mindful Art Practices & Stories for Navigating, Anxiety, Stress and Fear”.
As a compassionate, caring and insightful guide, Rachel gently leads and helps you to uncover your own unique and innate creativity. Beautifully written, while her writing is very clear, inspiring and precise. I felt very relieved to learn about the term “creative knowing”. As an artist, and for years, I have wondered about the way I view the world. Knowing now about “creative knowing” (author's term) and how for thousands of years people have embraced and practiced “creative knowing”, I understand that I’m actually part of humanity’s continuum. In reading her book, you will be gifted with a special and enlightening experience. As a go to book, I know I will return many times to re-read the chapters, and practice the exercises explained in detail.
As a compassionate, caring and insightful guide, Rachel gently leads and helps you to uncover your own unique and innate creativity. Beautifully written, while her writing is very clear, inspiring and precise. I felt very relieved to learn about the term “creative knowing”. As an artist, and for years, I have wondered about the way I view the world. Knowing now about “creative knowing” (author's term) and how for thousands of years people have embraced and practiced “creative knowing”, I understand that I’m actually part of humanity’s continuum. In reading her book, you will be gifted with a special and enlightening experience. As a go to book, I know I will return many times to re-read the chapters, and practice the exercises explained in detail.
March 7, 2023
This book is GOLD for all those who are looking to cultivate a deeper relationship with themselves and the world through the medium of expressive art.
The first section focuses on understanding creative mindfulness and art as a way of knowing. The second section focuses on creative invitations that focus on various challenges that can be explored through art (such as societal pressure, anxiety etc.).
One thing that I love about the book is how Rachel provides both a big picture of art as a way of knowing, as well as memoir, stories, and prompts to show what this looks like in practice. Rachel's personal stories and how she uses art as a way of processing her life were my favourites--deep, evocative, and meaningful. Overall, I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough.
The first section focuses on understanding creative mindfulness and art as a way of knowing. The second section focuses on creative invitations that focus on various challenges that can be explored through art (such as societal pressure, anxiety etc.).
One thing that I love about the book is how Rachel provides both a big picture of art as a way of knowing, as well as memoir, stories, and prompts to show what this looks like in practice. Rachel's personal stories and how she uses art as a way of processing her life were my favourites--deep, evocative, and meaningful. Overall, I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough.
March 7, 2023
Creating Stillness is the book I could have used in my early quest when seeking an informed book about using art to support me in paying attention to my inner life. The author speaks to readers as a knowledgeable friend, so I appreciate the work that has put this information in one cohesive place that will help myself and in turn, others creating a mindfulness space in their lives. I learned that paying attention to my thoughts and reactions brings an open, curious attitude to process my emotions and feelings. I will return to this book, to use the practices Ms Rose invites us to use in our own creative process as a supportive resource. It brings me joy to be reminded - my art supplies are my tools in my quest for stillness.
May 18, 2023
Creating Stillness focuses on the use of expressive arts to create an atmosphere of peace and mindfulness. There is no doubt that mindfulness can be a key component of a calm and grounded life. Research demonstrates this, as well as my personal experiences. However, as a person with ADHD some more traditional mindfulness practices are very challenging. Anything that involves sitting still in my middle aged body and trying to calm my thoughts is unlikely to be successful. I think the strength of this book is that the author uses more "active" techniques to move toward calmness. I recommend this book to anyone exploring various mindfulness practices and those who would like to integrate creative practices into their other mindfulness activities.
March 8, 2023
Altough I’m an artist, having a habit of numbing my hard feelings, I’ve always felt the need to heal myself with creativity, but didn’t know how. This book gave me gentle steps, what to do, how to do and why to do it.
You can use the methods in this book in times of grief, for releasing strong feelings, when feeling desperate, to overcome creative blocks, or to simply come back to the peaceful present.
If you’re looking for finding peace and healing through expression, making the connection with your own creativity stronger than ever, this is the book for you.
You can use the methods in this book in times of grief, for releasing strong feelings, when feeling desperate, to overcome creative blocks, or to simply come back to the peaceful present.
If you’re looking for finding peace and healing through expression, making the connection with your own creativity stronger than ever, this is the book for you.
March 7, 2023
This was a gem of a book.There is a part of me that seeks comfort in difficult times by finding ways to work with my hands and my mind. Creating Stillness provides the reader with the acknowledgment that when our emotions are troubled, we are not alone and can turn to our own creativity as an outlet. I appreciated the gentle encouraging tone of the writing and look forward to exploring the guided artistic exercises.
March 7, 2023
This was an enjoyable book to read, rich with stories, metaphors and activities to try. It has been a long time since a nonfiction book has drawn me in so fully. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down. I finished reading it and I am now am going back to do some of the activities. I would recommending this book to anyone (professional and lay people) dealing with stress, anxiety and fear.
March 8, 2023
A book for anyone interested in self-exploration. In Creating Stillness, Rachel Rose offers infinite ways for us to explore and be present with self, anxieties, fears, and experiences in a transformational way. This is not an art “how-to” book, but a wise and constructive guide toward inner clarity and stillness through creative action and knowing.
Diana Dunkley, artist and initiator of the Respect Among All Things project
Diana Dunkley, artist and initiator of the Respect Among All Things project
February 16, 2025
It took me far too long to finish this book but part of the reason is that I am part of Rachel’s online community at Workshop Muse and I am able to practice with her there. It is a wonderful community for both live and recorded practices.
Reading the book was so similar to the practices we’ve done in group. It must have been hard to reflect Rachel’s heart and support and spirit on the page but I believe she did so in this book. I will keep coming back to these practices again and again.
Reading the book was so similar to the practices we’ve done in group. It must have been hard to reflect Rachel’s heart and support and spirit on the page but I believe she did so in this book. I will keep coming back to these practices again and again.
December 21, 2022
I am really enjoying Creating Stillness, it’s filled with practices that stretched me and took me out of my comfort zone. I am new to the practice of art therapy, i found this book is an excellent introduction to it. I enjoyed all the practices, the author sharing her experiences and the guidance provided. I look forward to working through the remainder of the book.
March 6, 2023
Story, deep thought, and wisdom are woven into a journey of self discovery. Rachel invites you to join her on the path, she herself is walking, to build a better relationship with yourself and with the world around you. She offers easily accessible tools to finding personal meaning from your thoughts and feelings, as you navigate your own lived story.
January 29, 2024
I read this book whilst going through a very rough year. I felt lost and wanted to find a way back to being creative. This book helped so much, the exercises are simple enough to not be overwhelming yet still challenging you to build your creativity and expression. This book is great for people struggling with depression or anxiety who want to try art therapy.
March 9, 2023
True to its title, Rachel Rose’s first book will help you to do just that - create your own sense of stillness. If you are seeking insightful and heartfelt ways to know yourself and find your calm, this book is a must read!
March 8, 2023
Creating Stillness spoke to my heart. Gentle guidance through creative practices helped me to deepen my understanding of myself through process.
April 17, 2024
Beautiful ways to work through the emotions of life through art.
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews