How To Start A Simple Art Journaling Practice

Many people do not think they have enough time to add art to their daily lives. But what they might not know is that the soul speaks to us in images and words that long to be expressed through our hands’ energy. If you believe that you are an energetic being then including an ongoing spiritual art journaling practice may be your answer for your soul’s expression. This is a regular way of connecting and also expressing oneself no matter what faith you may hold. This technique has been my saving grace, rescuing from the depths of despair and also a way to develop a meditative calm through drawing.

While drawing may be scary to some, the encouragement to stay on the path of the soul needs to express to us in a language that is not verbal but visual, is an enlightening experience. I have found that looking back at journals from years ago shows me how far I have come in my own art practice. It is amazing to see the progress! Art journaling it can also be done virtually anywhere including the airplane! The best place for me to stick to ensure my ongoing art habit stays on track is to keep it in one spot. I call this my Creativity Corner. This really is a table where things are laid out in a specific order for me to find intuitively. Having this area allows me to get right into the work

The process is simple, allowing me to align with my creativity quickly. While there are many different kinds of art journals, I have included an example below to illustrate how simple it really is to make one. However, there are no strict rules. Eventually you may want to try using different art supplies and techniques. The following tutorial is a great way to get started. Just think you may even create an invaluable keepsake for a loved one who may need your energetic encouragement in the future. You may even want to try imagining it like I do: I am creating a reminder to my future self that I always loved her.

Supplies:Blank Sketchbook or Notebook With Acid Free PaperPencilPencil CrayonsMarkersGlue Scissors

1. Go through your collection quotes and/or affirmations that encourage you. Write in at least ten in pencil at the bottom of each page. You can fill these in daily as you add to your art. You can also add quotes as you are find them and fill them in. These will act as prompts for your future drawings and doodles.

2. Read through the quotes to find one that resonates with you. What do you feel? What images and colors come to mind? Make a light pencil sketch of what you would like to

express. Add color with pencil crayons, marker or the medium of your choice.

3. To make this a regular practice, set up a spot where you can come back to create regularly(hopefully daily) without the hassle of gathering and set up.

4. As you complete your pages you will feel a sense of accomplishment! You may even feel the need to journal some of your own thoughts onto the pages. You can also glue in photos of interest as well. Don’t be afraid to try new mediums too!

The idea of having a personal place to pour your spirit is one practice that can count on. In my times of sadness, it is a sacred place to reconnect with the divine. As I look back through my own finished art journals, I connect to my past self and a healing that has come full circle takes place. To me there is no one right way to do honor our divine connection to spirit. This is simply one of my ways that I choose to live in my life. If you would like to read more about this topic, see more art journaling pages and other ways I am loving life, please visit my blog and leave a comment. Don’

Cassandra Russell is an artist, author and creative advisor on art and how it empowers people to change their lives for the better. Her workshops and reading materials are available on her blog www.CassandraRussell.typepad.com.