I believe a regular creative practice is essential for a healthy, well-balanced life. My creative practice revolves around visual arts, though your practice may center around a different creative outlet. 

Looking back on periods in my life, I have noticed a difference between the times where I am consistently engaged in making art and the times where I have put my creative practice on the back burner. There are a variety of reasons why a creative practice is helpful.

I am creating time for self-care.

Whether it's 5 minutes to create a drawing or 1 hour to work on a painting, I am creating time during the day that is designated for me. 

It's an outlet.

Artwork is a tangible representation of my inner process. It allows the artist to examine thoughts and feelings from a distance. 

It's meditative.

Perhaps you've heard of the word "flow" related to making art. The art making process helps me enter into a meditative zone; my mind clears and I'm simply in the moment. 

So, I was very excited to see the Instagram project #100dayproject started by Elle Luna. The 100 day project supports creatives to create a piece of artwork every day for 100 days. I was hesitant to begin because I started a bit late, and was encouraged by a quote Elle posted stating,

So, I began! For the next several weeks I will be sharing recaps of my 100 Day Project, focused on Zentangle Bijou tiles, mini versions of Zentangle tiles. And if you'd like to join, it's not too late. Start a daily practice of making something, whether its a Zentangle inspired piece of art, or anything with a material you think is fun.