Getting Glossy with Mindfulness

Glitter is a cultural affection most typically associated with cosmetics, decorations, and crafts. So why do we really love to see those tiny pieces shine ?

A few years ago, a team of researchers from the University of Houston and Ghent University in Belgium proposed the idea that our visual appeal for glitter isn't just merely linked to wealth and status, but that it might actually be explained through the evolutionary lens.

Careful scientific analysis and experimentation lead the researchers to believe that our impulse for things that glisten, could be heavily rooted in our natural human instinct to seek out water. It's no mystery that we need water to survive, so it's maintained that throughout history mankind has naturally sought out shimmering rivers and streams.

Now you might be asking yourself, "What does any of this have to do with mindfulness?" Well, I want to begin by defining

mindfulness as our basic human ability to calmly and consciously be aware of the present moment by accepting our feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

To practice mindfulness, you can create an artistic tool by simply combining a little bit of hot water, glue, and that shiny stuff us humans love so much inside a jar.

The "Mind Jar" functions as an artistic and therapeutic tool by letting our thoughts and emotions settle like the glitter in the jar. Those who suffer from anxiety and depression, know better than anyone else that we can't always help the way we feel, but we can try to control the way we respond to our feelings.

By practicing breathing techniques with each shake of the Mind Jar, you can combat some of those anxious and depressing thoughts in a creative and unique way.

While the connection between the allure of glitter and our innate need for survival must be further explored, I can definitely say that glitter has helped me survive in many ways.

Interestingly enough, it has helped me heal by combining the very thing us humans need to survive with that glossy stuff we love so much, in a culturally affectionate way!

To create your own Mind Jar:

1. Fill 20% of a Mason jar with glue and the remaining 80% with hot water (tap water is fine).

2. Add your preferred color glitter into the jar (Beginning with 1-2 tablespoons is recommended).

3. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring (not necessary, but recommended).

4. Blend the contents in the jar with a whisk.

5. Close the lid to the jar and shake to disperse the glitter throughout.

6. Remove lid and let the contents cool.

7. Once cooled, secure the lid with superglue to place it back on.

#health #wellness #mindfulness #art #healing