The Meditative Power of Repetition: How Lines and Shapes Influence Our Minds.
Introducing Myself. Hello, Akron, Ohio! I’m Michael Clingerman, a new artist in your vibrant community specializing in color field painting and sculpture! With a deep-rooted passion for art and a rich background in meditation, my work explores the serene and transformative power of color.
"Concentric Circles" by Wassily Kandinsky:
This painting features multiple circles of varying colors nested within each other. The repetition of the circular shape and the vibrant color contrasts create a mesmerizing effect that can draw the viewer into a contemplative state, similar to the focus required in meditation practices.
In the realm of meditation and visual art, there's a fascinating intersection that has captured the attention of both practitioners and researchers alike. The use of repeated lines and shapes, whether in traditional mandalas or contemporary geometric art, has been found to have a profound impact on our brains and our ability to enter meditative states. This connection between visual repetition and mental calm offers intriguing insights into how we can use art as a tool for mindfulness and self-reflection.
When we observe repeated patterns, our brains naturally seek to create order and meaning. This process, known as pattern recognition, is a fundamental aspect of how we perceive and interact with the world around us. In the context of meditation, focusing on repeated lines and shapes can serve as a powerful anchor for our attention. As we allow our gaze to soften and our mind to settle on these repetitive elements, we often find ourselves slipping into a state of relaxed awareness – a cornerstone of many meditative practices.
Neuroscientific research has shown that engaging with repetitive visual stimuli can lead to changes in brain activity. Specifically, it can increase alpha wave activity, which is associated with relaxation and reduced stress. This shift in brain waves is similar to what occurs during meditation, suggesting that the simple act of observing repeated patterns can induce a meditative-like state. Moreover, this engagement with repetition can also activate the default mode network in the brain, a region associated with introspection and self-referential thinking, further enhancing the meditative experience.
Title: Soft Gaze in White
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Dimensions: 30" x 40"
Artist: Michael Clingerman
The power of repeated lines and shapes extends beyond passive observation. Many meditation techniques, such as mandala coloring or creating geometric art, incorporate the active production of repetitive patterns. This hands-on approach combines the focusing effects of repetition with the mindful awareness of the creative process. As individuals engage in these activities, they often report a sense of flow and present-moment awareness, hallmarks of a meditative state.
In our fast-paced, often chaotic world, the simplicity and order found in repeated lines and shapes offer a visual respite and a pathway to inner calm. Whether through viewing art, practicing traditional meditation techniques, or creating our own repetitive patterns, we can harness the power of visual repetition to quiet our minds and deepen our capacity for mindfulness. As we continue to explore the connections between art, meditation, and neuroscience, we may uncover even more ways in which the simple act of engaging with repeated forms can transform our mental landscape and enhance our well-being.
Citations
Andrade, J. (2010). What does doodling do? Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24(1), 100-106.
This study explores how simple, repetitive drawing can aid concentration and memory.Lusebrink, V. B. (2004). Art therapy and the brain: An attempt to understand the underlying processes of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy, 21(3), 125-135.
This article discusses the neurological processes involved in creating and viewing art, including repetitive patterns.Lazar, S. W., Kerr, C. E., Wasserman, R. H., Gray, J. R., Greve, D. N., Treadway, M. T., ... & Fischl, B. (2005). Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness. Neuroreport, 16(17), 1893-1897.
This study examines the neurological changes associated with long-term meditation practice.Hölzel, B. K., Lazar, S. W., Gard, T., Schuman-Olivier, Z., Vago, D. R., & Ott, U. (2011). How does mindfulness meditation work? Proposing mechanisms of action from a conceptual and neural perspective. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6(6), 537-559.
This review article discusses the various mechanisms through which mindfulness meditation affects the brain and behavior.Sandor, M. K. (2005). The labyrinth: A walking meditation for healing and self-care. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 1(6), 480-483.
This article explores the use of labyrinths, which often feature repetitive patterns, as a tool for meditation and healing.
