Tattooing requires such complete focus and concentration. You are in that moment and nowhere else. There is nothing peripheral. There is no longer outside worry. Any lingering anxiety is gone. I am steady. The only thing that matters in the world is pulling the next line.
Thank you, tattooing. You are my paid vacation from real life.
In my field of work we call this a perfect example of how art therapy works! Glad to hear you are able to find a creative escape. Have you ever tried creating a mandala? Another excellent way to escape from anxiety :)
ReplyDelete-Janet
I remember you telling me about your work with art therapy. That's exactly it. Not sure what I'd do or where I'd be without it.
ReplyDeleteI actually remember making mandalas as a little kindergarten school project. But looking into it now, they look like some pretty heavy interesting stuff. Definitely cool.
I'm not one who is big on stats because I support the individual experience but, there has been plenty of research that shows mandalas induce a state of meditation and relaxation. The circular formation, pattern, process it's all very grounding and centering. They have been used since ancient times and Carl Jung shared their roots with the more modern day world :) I've actually played around with the idea of getting a tattoo of one some day.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blogs!