Drawing with Your Eyes Closed: A Mindful Art Practice for Reconnection
What if letting go was the whole point?
In a world full of rubrics and rules, drawing with your eyes closed is a gentle act of creative rebellion. It’s also one of our favorite mindfulness practices at Upward Together—a moment of reconnection, ritual, and presence. No perfection needed.
Whether you're an artist, a student, or just someone craving stillness, this playful approach helps you slow down, tune in, and create from a deeper place.
A student practicing mindful drawing with their eyes closed during an Upward Together creativity session.
What Happens When You Close Your Eyes and Create?
You drop into your senses.
You stop focusing on how something should look—and instead feel into how it wants to move through you.
There’s no wrong way to draw in this practice. Just close your eyes, breathe, and let your hand move. It’s part meditation, part creative spark, and 100% freeing.
We’ve seen it in classrooms, wellness circles, and team retreats—once the eyes close, something opens.
Why This Practice Matters
Drawing with your eyes closed:
Reduces stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system
Improves focus and presence through sensory engagement
Fosters confidence and self-expression without judgment
Invites laughter, curiosity, and play—especially for youth
In the photo above, a student wraps their hood over their face to stay fully immersed. There’s no pressure to perform. Just pencil, paper, and possibility.
How to Try It
Grab a blank sheet of paper and a pencil or pen.
Set a timer for 1–5 minutes.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and begin drawing.
Don’t worry about the outcome—just move your hand freely.
When you're done, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
Bonus: Do this with music, during a staff wellness break, or as part of your next Upward Together session.
