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Mar 14, 2014, 10:52 PM
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Member Since: Mar 2014
Location: United States
Posts: 3
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I have had OCD all of my life, and one of the greatest sources of relief for me is art. In fact, I am studying art in college at the moment, because I find nothing squelches the OCD part of my brain better than creating.
Art helps me overcome the need for "perfection," because I know that whatever I make will never be perfect--or anything close. However, my OCD typically focuses morality and religion, constantly weighing distressing scenarios and possibilities in my head. Art is the only way I can fully quiet that constant flow of thoughts.
As Somber Scribbler posted, Zentangle is great. I found it distressing at first, because I felt like I couldn't get it 'right,' but it does result in a sort of 'zen,' as the name suggests. Times passes very quickly during Zentangle, so I highly recommend you give it a try.
Something that similarly works for me is drawing Celtic knots. You can get access to easy patterns online (YouTube is good) or in books (my library had quite a few). The patterns are made using a simple, grid-like structure. Like Zentangle, its repetition is a very peaceful process-- very refreshing for us OCD folks.
Mostly, I find art helps, because it allows the brain to switch into "off mode" for a little while. When my art stops, my OCD will start again, but it is easier to cope with because I've had a break--however small and seemingly insignificant.
Sorry, that was long (is rambling a sign of OCD too? )
Good luck to you!
Kate
P.S. Lovely art journal, Yogix!
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