[Yogix]

Has anyone tried to do this? More recently in therapy I've been talking about a lot of OCD behaviors that I never realized I had. And lately, I've been trying to make changes to such rigidness, and one of my hobbies which I've always struggled with because of my OCD was creating art. Free art - by this I mean bringing out the most creative parts of me, not worrying about each and every paint stroke being perfect, or the content being how I imagined. It's so hard to even do art now.

I was wondering if anyone has attempted to combat their OCD tendencies with art?

Sorry if that was a bit long.

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[Teddy:)]

Yes, I am currently doing something similar, mine is in regards to drawing. I always enjoyed art, but I lost interest and an ability to engage in it, throughout the years. It has only been in the last month that I have really gotten back into it. My challenges have been allowing myself to make mistakes, being fine with it and realising nothing bad will happen, which is extremely scary and hard. My task was to draw imperfect drawings- seems easy enough, but I had no idea how to begin to imagine deliberately drawing an imperfect picture. I struggled really badly with this task and as a result ended up giving up for a few days. I became really angry with myself because I couldn't make one tiny mistake. In the end I thought I had mastered imperfection but I had in fact continued with perfection. So my task is continuing and this time I basically have to draw something that is impossible for me to be perfect at. My progress so far is 0, I have been avoiding it! I have 10 days left until I have to hand it in, so we shall see how that goes!

[misskrome]

No. I use my OCD as a tool in creating my art.

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?p...57532971525423

[Yogix]

Originally Posted by Teddy:)

Yes, I am currently doing something similar, mine is in regards to drawing. I always enjoyed art, but I lost interest and an ability to engage in it, throughout the years. It has only been in the last month that I have really gotten back into it. My challenges have been allowing myself to make mistakes, being fine with it and realising nothing bad will happen, which is extremely scary and hard. My task was to draw imperfect drawings- seems easy enough, but I had no idea how to begin to imagine deliberately drawing an imperfect picture. I struggled really badly with this task and as a result ended up giving up for a few days. I became really angry with myself because I couldn't make one tiny mistake. In the end I thought I had mastered imperfection but I had in fact continued with perfection. So my task is continuing and this time I basically have to draw something that is impossible for me to be perfect at. My progress so far is 0, I have been avoiding it! I have 10 days left until I have to hand it in, so we shall see how that goes!

I am in the same boat. I couldn't imagine drawing something that wasn't perfect! I'm so glad you are continuing to try to do this for yourself. I think it can be such a great tool to get over the urge for order and perfection.

Today I'm going to the craft store to get tools to being my art journal. I need mess, chaos and hopefully I'll be able to do this project without a breakdown 😏


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[Somber Scribbler]

Have you ever tried zentangles? I used to love to draw, but I stopped because I was too concerned with the final product. Drawing became stressful and I started avoiding it.

Zentangle is a method of drawing structured, repetitive patterns. Repetitive = relaxation and focus. I find it's a good way to clear your head. When you look at a zentangle for the first time, it looks complicated. The whole idea behind zentangles is that you can do anything, but one step at a time. You focus on the patterns, not your preconceived idea of what the final result should be. Without an expectation in mind, it is easier to make mistakes.

[Yogix]

Originally Posted by Somber Scribbler

Have you ever tried zentangles? I used to love to draw, but I stopped because I was too concerned with the final product. Drawing became stressful and I started avoiding it.

Zentangle is a method of drawing structured, repetitive patterns. Repetitive = relaxation and focus. I find it's a good way to clear your head. When you look at a zentangle for the first time, it looks complicated. The whole idea behind zentangles is that you can do anything, but one step at a time. You focus on the patterns, not your preconceived idea of what the final result should be. Without an expectation in mind, it is easier to make mistakes.

Wow! That does sound awesome. I'll have to look into that because I really need to method to focus on each step of the process and not my dreamed outcome.

I'm really going to look into that. Thanks!!

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[Yogix]

For anyone keeping up with this, this was my attempt at art journaling as a way of combating OCD.

I can't tell you how much I almost had a panic attack everytime something came out smudged or crooked or messy.

But, I lived through it. I can definitely feel how art can be so therapeutic.

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[merrykate]

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!

[Yogix]

Originally Posted by merrykate

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!

Thank you SO much for your post. It really helped me to see that it can be so useful. I'm so glad you've chosen art to study too. Sounds like it's working wonders for you!

I've been looking into zentangles and it looks like it could be really therapeutic for me. Going to give it a go! As well as the Celtic knots.

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[merrykate]

Thank you SO much for your post. It really helped me to see that it can be so useful. I'm so glad you've chosen art to study too. Sounds like it's working wonders for you!

I've been looking into zentangles and it looks like it could be really therapeutic for me. Going to give it a go! As well as the Celtic knots.

So glad to be of help, Yogix! Good luck with your art!