A week ago, I attended a most relaxing, inspiring workshop, "A Mediation on Morandi," at the Phillips Gallery in Washington, DC. The program blended instruction and information about the basics and essence of meditation with a presentation of the contemplative still life art work of Italian artist, Giorgio Morandi (1890-1964).
Instructors Jim Goodwin and Erin Wilhem (both of whom have wonderful, mellifluous voices!) guided the participants through several meditations, the last of which gave us an opportunity to contemplate on a Morandi painting that we felt particularly drawn to. Workshop participants reported results from the various meditations that included relief from tension, reduced pain in certain parts of their bodies where they had discomfort, and new perspectives in their perception of the art work. I personally noticed that colors seemed brighter and bolder when we meditated on a group of vases and bottles for a few minutes. Morandi used to spend hours or days meditating on such items before painting them.
After the workshop, I realized that I could adapt and adopt some of the techniques and information provided to add variety and more beauty to my meditation practice. Reflecting on a piece of art can enhance the soothing aspects of meditation. It's fun and easy.
One technique you can incorporate into your meditation practice is to select a piece of artwork you have in your home or office - a print, a poster, or even a postcard of a piece of art. I have numerous postcards of Impressionist paintings that I have picked up during my various treks to the National Gallery of Art displayed around my office cubicle. Choose a painting that especially relaxes or energizes you. For example, I like Renoir's painting, "Monet Painting in His Argenteuil Garden."
Before you start to meditate on the piece of art, get still, perhaps do a few alternate nostril breaths to totally relax and just gaze upon the art work. Place yourself in the scene and notice the myriad colors and their intensity, imagine the mood of the artist while painting the work as well as the mood evoked by the work, listen for any sounds that would likely emerge from the scene while inhaling and exhaling gently and deeply. Close your eyes and just listen and continue breathing deeply and quietly. Continue this for your mediation period (mine is usually 10-15 minutes).
At the very least, you will feel deeply relaxed. You may also gain a greater understanding of the painting's meaning and what the artist was trying to say and insights that you can apply to your life when you go about your daily business. It's just another simple meditation to soothe your soul.
Wisdom of the Day: "One can travel the world and see nothing. To achieve understanding, it is necessary not to see many things, but to look hard at what you do see."~Giorgio Morandi