Mindfulness through zen Buddhist painting

A FREE workshop at Bendigo Library for people with complex or diverse mental health conditions will explore the ancient tradition of the Enso; a circle hand drawn or painted in one or two brushstrokes.

The workshop is specifically designed to provide opportunities for people with mental health experiences to explore the arts, develop skills and become part of a creative community.

As part of the class, local artist Sara McQueenie will go through the process of making an Enso using brush and paint on paper, then lead a short meditation incorporating breath work.

McQueenie said the Enso is characterized by minimalism and is considered a disciplined creative practice within the Zen Buddhist tradition.

“The (practice) is about wholeness,” she said. “It’s about meditation. It symbolizes enlightenment, strength, elegance in the universe. It brings in the wabi-sabi concept of perfection in imperfection.

“Because it’s actually a meditation in action, you have to be in the now.

“It allows people that have no artistic background to still move into the creative process. They’re not going to be inhibited by a lack of skills, ultimately.

“I understand and have seen the benefits of this because (just participating) is a small win, and we all need wins in our lives.”

Enso Mindfulness Painting with Sara McQueenie, which is funded by not-for-profit charity Schizy Inc, takes place at Bendigo Library on 30 August from 1pm to 3pm.

Register at Eventbrite.