Clayfulness by Samuel López-Lago
Given the rise in popularity of mindfulness practices, there are a great array exercises and opportunities being shared and promoted, including here at Benefits of Mindfulness. So how do we know which are right for us? We know that it can feel quite overwhelming to decide on what practices to focus on for you or your clients. One of the beautiful aspects of mindfulness is that its application is so diverse and a wonderful way to consider new experiences and approaching life with openness and curiosity.
We wanted to share a beautiful example of a mindfulness practice, using clay, cheerfully dubbed, “Clayfulness”, a series of exercises originally designed by Samuel López-Lago, based on his Master’s level training in crafts and meditation, combined with more than a decade of experience in these areas.
About Clayfulness
Clayfulness is an essay exploring the intersection of mindfulness meditation and working with clay published by Experimenta Editorial. Rooted deeply in scientific research and grounded in the personal practice of the author, the book offers over 20 practical exercises for using clay to achieve mindful states of consciousness. You can find a link to the book here. We hope you find the below article from the author himself interesting and that it inspires you to consider trying out the practice.
How to Get Started with Clayfulness
Finding tranquillity in today’s busy world is essential for our mental and physical health. One powerful method to achieve this balance is by combining meditation with clay work. This unique practice promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters creativity, offering a holistic approach to wellness.
To begin, you only need to gather some basic clay supplies such as air-dry clay and a few sculpting tools. Start by setting aside dedicated time for your practice, ensuring that this period is free from distractions to maximise the benefits. Here’s a guide on how to benefit from and practice this unique meditative art.
5 Steps of Clayfulness Practice:
1. Set your intention
Begin your clay session by setting a clear intention, such as finding relaxation or creating a specific piece. This helps focus your energy and gives purpose to your practice.
2. Focus on your breath
Incorporate deep breathing exercises to maintain a calm state. Start with a few minutes of slow, deep breaths to centre yourself and continue this mindful breathing throughout your session.
3. Engage with the clay
Pay close attention to the sensory experiences of working with clay. Notice the texture, temperature, and pliability of the material to deepen your connection with the present moment.
4. Repeat your gestures
Use repetitive motions like kneading, rolling, or pinching the clay. These actions can be soothing and meditative, similar to repeating a mantra.
5. Focus on the process, not in the end
Embrace the imperfections in your work. Focus on the process rather than the outcome, promoting self-compassion and reducing perfectionism.
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation Work with Clay
Combining the stress-relieving properties of meditation with the tactile experience of working with clay results in a powerful tool for enhancing relaxation. The repetitive motions of moulding and shaping clay help soothe the mind, reducing stress effectively. This practice also naturally encourages mindfulness, as clay work requires focus and attention to detail. Engaging with the texture and form of clay helps you stay present and fully engaged in the moment. Additionally, clay is a versatile medium for artistic expression, offering a therapeutic outlet for emotions and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Beyond the psychological benefits, manipulating clay also improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which supports both artistic development and cognitive function.
Takeaways from Clayfulness
Meditative clay work offers a unique path to holistic wellness, blending the calming effects of meditation with the tactile and creative experience of working with clay. This integrative practice helps reduce stress by soothing the mind through the repetitive motions of moulding and shaping clay. It also enhances mindfulness, as the focus required for clay work encourages you to stay present and fully engaged in the moment. Moreover, clay serves as a versatile medium for artistic expression, allowing you to channel emotions and foster a sense of accomplishment.
For those interested in delving deeper, “Clayfulness” is an essay exploring the intersection of mindfulness meditation and working with clay published by Experimenta Editorial. Rooted deeply in scientific research and grounded in the personal practice of the author, the book offers over 20 practical exercises for using clay to achieve mindful states of consciousness. These exercises were originally designed by Samuel López-Lago, drawing from his Master’s level training in both crafts and meditation, as well as over a decade of experience in these fields.
Start your journey today and discover the transformative benefits of mindfulness practice.
About the photographs:
All photographs in the book were taken by Jorge Armestar, an award-winning photographer from Peru who has been living and working in Extremadura for decades, for clients such as El País, El Mundo, la Agencia EFE or Europa Press among others. The photos feature Samuel López-Lago and Juan Manuel Pérez, the co-founder of Terracota Mérida, an avant-garde pottery atelier and design studio recognized in exhibitions such as Expo Dubai 2020, Mostra Espanha, and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Samuel and Juanma have been collaborating on various acclaimed creative projects since 2013.
