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Art as Mindfulness: How Creative Practice Supports Mental Wellbeing with Artist Jo Bryan

Join professional artist and teacher Jo Bryan for an inspiring conversation about how art naturally creates flow states, builds confidence, and supports mental wellbeing - even if you think you "can't draw."

What You'll Experience:

• How the philosophy of "mark-making" removes pressure and opens creative possibilities
• Why sketching creates deeper memories and presence than photography
• The natural flow states that emerge when completely absorbed in creating
• How art classes build confidence from "I can't draw" to gallery exhibitions
• The meditative quality of creative practice and intentional observation
• Community connections formed through shared artistic exploration

Episode Highlights:

• Jo's insight that "if you can write, you can draw" - challenging limiting beliefs about creativity
• How drawing forces you to slow down and really see in our rushed, snapshot world
• The difference between art classes and art therapy - important distinctions for mental health
• Why learning new creative skills keeps our brains flexible and resilient at any age
• Real stories of transformation, from rediscovering pencil on paper to exhibiting work
• The accessibility of art - any pen, any paper, anywhere can become a mindful practice

Perfect for anyone who believes they "can't draw," those curious about accessible mindfulness practices, people seeking confidence-building activities, or anyone interested in how creative learning supports mental wellbeing throughout life.

Important Note: This episode explores art classes that offer wellness benefits, not art therapy. Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession where qualified therapists use creative processes in clinical settings to help people process trauma, emotions, and psychological challenges.

Connect with Jo: 

Facebook: Joanna Bryan's Art Classes 

Instagram: Joanna Bryan's Art Classes 

Courses available at Percival Guildhouse (Rugby) https://percival-guildhouse.co.uk/

This Week's Challenge: Make some marks on paper - any marks, with any pen. Notice how the simple act of mark-making affects your mental state and presence.

Remember: Sometimes the most powerful wellness practices are hiding in the simplest activities we can do anywhere, anytime.

Support the show

Curious about EFT tapping? If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself lately, it could be just the thing. Host Sarah Gorev offers EFT and energy sessions via Zoom, plus virtual EFT tapping card decks if you'd like to explore at your own pace - find everything at tapintoyou.co.uk. Come and say hello on Instagram too @sarahgorev

This podcast is here to inform and inspire curiosity, not to tell you what to do. Everything discussed reflects the personal experiences of our guests, and Sarah doesn't personally endorse any particular practice or approach. You're always in the driving seat — it's entirely your choice whether to explore further. Where guests offer the chance to try things for yourself, you'll find links below. And as always, nothing here is suggested as a substitute for personalised advice from your own healthcare professionals.

Thanks for listening.

All rights in this recording and our Vocal Identity remain exclusively ours under UK,