Have you ever felt like your mind is a whirlwind, constantly buzzing with thoughts and ideas? If you have ADHD, you might know this feeling all too well. In this episode, we chat with Cynthia Hauk, an ADHD strategist, who has discovered a powerful way to navigate the chaos and find calm: through mindful art.
Cynthia's journey with art started in her late teens and early twenties when she experienced anxiety and panic attacks. Instead of traditional meditation, she found solace in creating, drawing inspiration from the mindful approach of artist Bob Ross.
This wasn't about becoming the next Van Gogh, but rather about using the creative process as an "anchor point" to bring herself back to the present moment. She explains that this process is like meditation but using art as the focus, not breath.
Cynthia's experiences weren't just limited to anxiety; she also used art as a way to heal and cope during her cancer treatment in her late 20s. She discovered the power of intuitive collage, where she allowed images to “choose” her instead of actively searching for them.
This helped her connect with feelings for which she didn’t have words. She later trained in the practice and went on to teach others.
Over the years, Cynthia has seen how mindful art practices can help people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who struggle with verbal expression and/ or have challenges related to neurodiversity.
She shares stories of working with children, adults and those on the autistic spectrum, and how she adapts her approach to meet their individual needs, such as through alternative materials, and setting expectations. She gives the example of how she tailors the process for people with sensory sensitivities, like her nephew who finds the sound of pencils unbearable.
This podcast is not just for artists, it's about discovering how simple creative activities like drawing, painting, or collage can be used as a tool for self-care, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.
Cynthia provides a range of guided practices and prompts that use the art process, such as breath doodles which link breathing to drawing to create a meditative state. You'll also learn how adding music into the art making process can affect the creative process by offering a different medium for self-expression and focus.
Tune in to hear how Cynthia transformed her own life with mindful art and how you can start your own journey to find calm, creativity and focus, especially if you're dealing with the daily challenges of ADHD.
You will learn that mindful art isn't about perfection; it's about the process. It is about being curious, and present in the moment, and allowing yourself to create without pressure. Cynthia shares her own personal experiences, how her creative practice has evolved and become a daily habit and a means of supporting her own well-being.
This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring stories and a wealth of knowledge, and explores how art can be used as a powerful tool to find focus, manage stress, and embrace your creative side.
Share this post