Modeling clay, giving it shape, is a way to focus on something tangible. It is also about learning to make mistakes and start over.
Manipulating clay offers numerous benefits for the mind, combining creativity and mindfulness in a single experience. The art of ceramics is not just an artistic practice, but it is also a powerful tool for mental well-being. Through direct contact with clay, concentration is enhanced, stress is reduced, and a deep connection with the present moment is fostered.
What it is mindfulness?
MIndfulness is the practice of paying attention that helps us live consciously in the present moment. Mindfulness means paying attention in a specific way : intentionally, in the present moment, and without judgment.
Which are the benefits of practicing mindfulness?
Scientific studies have shown that the practice of mindfulness meditation can bring healthy changes in the brain. Mindfulness meditation positively influences the brain patterns underlying anxiety, stress, and anger.
It improves creativity, memory, and personal relationships.
Therefore, mindfulness can play a significant role in enhancing a person’s psychophysical well-being.
Mindfulness practices, such as focused attention and self-acceptance
in the present moment , allow the development of self-awareness through direct observation.
The Stress-Relieving Benefits of Clay on Body and Mind
Clay has a deep connection with humans, rooted in our history and culture. Part of the reason lies in its origin.
Clay is formed from the disintegrating action of rain on rocks; it is the memory of our earth. When we hold a piece of clay in our hands, we are connected to this history.
Clay satisfies a basic evolutionary need, such as the necessity to touch and grasp.
Through working with clay, there is the freedom to seek and discover rhythm through the movement of hands, body, and breath. Working with clay is an anchor to the present, allowing us to live in the here and now and to silence the noise from the outside world.
It stimulates the expression of emotions and offers us the opportunity to communicate without words. It allows us to tune into our inner selves thanks to its slow and meditative nature.
Davis (2015) stated, “When art and mindfulness are paired, this deepens introspection and helps people to turn toward rather than away from emotional pain with openness, novelty, and psychological safety”
Davis (2015) delineated that contemplation, art making, and reflection are the elements of mindful art therapy. The benefits of these components were confirmed by Drass (2016) who identified that the act of creating and working on the same piece of art for an extended period of time promotes distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
Sarah Vespini From : Clay work as Mindfulness-based practice Herron School of Art and Design 67.
This experience can be achieved simply by working with clay, as happens in my courses, where the benefits of clay manipulation are continuously explored.
But it’s not just manipulation that stimulates mindfulness; decoration and the freedom to express oneself through colors are also excellent ways to experience mindfulness through an active practice.
The practice of clay as a mindfulness practice
So how are mindfulness and clay practice connected?
Mindfulness is the practice of awareness, and working with clay helps us stay focused on the activity we’re engaged in, concentrating on the present moment.
We are able to set aside thoughts about the past and future, which makes us more serene.
Moreover, working with clay allows us to discover our abilities without planning for perfection or worrying excessively about the final result, enabling us to benefit from the process itself.
Clay & Mindfulness: A Way to Let Go and Be Less Perfectionist
Non-judgment
One of the cornerstones of mindfulness is non-judgment. Practicing mindfulness means avoiding judgment of what is happening to us. We just need to experiment and observe. Our mind is constantly engaged in a judging activity that swings incessantly between negative and positive judgments, making it difficult to find inner peace. Working with clay helps to reduce this self-judgment by encouraging us to become observers of what is happening in the present moment.
Beginner’s Mind
Another cornerstone of mindfulness is adopting a Beginner’s Mind, which means setting aside judgments and hasty conclusions to focus on what the experience has taught you, and using that learning constructively and positively.
With clay practice, we continually expose ourselves to the possibility of viewing mistakes as guidance rather than as failures.
It is wonderful to see how, over time, our sensitivity in our hands develops and our work improves in small steps, at a pace that is our own. This rhythm differs from the inhuman speed of machines and aligns with our human pace, which is unique to each of us.
Ceramics and the Desire to Create Something Tangible
We are overwhelmed by a society that pushes us towards multitasking, a duty-driven culture that offers little room for practical activities. Our thoughts remain trapped in the past or the future and never focus on the present.
Sitting for hours in front of a computer leads us to crave doing something tangible, where we can physically touch the results of our work.
Who is this activity suitable for?
I believe that working with clay is suitable for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and reclaim parts of themselves that have been suppressed or set aside over time.
It is a great opportunity to improve one’s relationship with oneself and others, and to take a chance on personal growth.
There’s no guarantee that it will work for everyone, but experimenting is always a good way to find out.
If you’d like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to email me at info@angelicalucchetti.com.
If you’d like to experience how working with clay can be a mindfulness practice, you can find my courses here. For more information, feel free to email me at info@angelicalucchetti.com.
