Monsters, demons, goblins, we all carry some around. Each one of us with their own unique blend. Some try to ignore them, others to befriend them. But sooner or later, we all have to face them.
There is a great meditation technique called “Feeding your demons”, in which you try and visualise your demon sitting in front of you. You ask it why it exists, and what it wants. Because deep down, they are all hungry for something, whether that's love, acknowledgement, . Once your demon has told you what it wants, you imagine feeding it. You feed it whatever it needs until it's full and until it can finally rest and leave you in peace.
Today, we will do a visual version of this exercise, so get ready to face your monsters.
The Activity: Draw your monster and feed it what it needs
Step 1: Find your monster
Sit somewhere quiet and close your eyes (after reading this, I mean). Take a couple of deep breaths and focus on the sensations in your body. Where do you feel discomfort? Is there a knot in your stomach? Tightness in your shoulder?
Hone in on that sensation for a few breaths. What does it feel like? Which texture does it have? Is it rough, or smooth, or hot, or slimy?
Once you have identified the texture, try to imagine its colour. Is it blue, green, or orange? Does it glow? Or is it dark?
Now imagine the monster, with its colour and texture, leaving your body and turning into a proper being sitting in front of you. What does it look like? Does it have arms, legs, eyes? Teeth?
Here it is, your monster
Step 2: Draw your monster
Keep the image of your monster in mind. Take a piece of paper and draw it to the best of your ability using any medium you like.
Step 3: Feed your monster
While you are drawing it, ask yourself what your monster needs. Normally, our monsters are monsters because they aren't happy. What does yours need to make it feel better?
Add those things to your drawing. Keep adding things until your monster is satisfied.
Step 4: Reflect
Feeding our monsters is a great way to get in touch with our deepest needs, fears, and insecurities. I hope meeting your monster helps you identify things you need more of in your life, or maybe less off. Next time your monster rears its head, say hi and give it a bit of what it needs, and hopefully it will go back to where it came from.
My Example
Today, I'm feeling anxious, so my monster is hot pink and a bit ruffled up.
It wants to be loved and celebrated. It wants to be comforted and taken by the hand to be led somewhere safe. It wants to be strong and it wants to succeed. And it wants ice cream and sunshine.
Poor thing is always so scared. Next time I see, I'll give it a big hug and tell it that everything will be ok, and that we're safe. And then hopefully, it'll let me get on with my day.
That's a lot better than just a few years ago, where I thought feeding my monster endless pints of beer would do the trick.
And you, what did your monster need today?
Love, Lorena
Online Workshop this Sunday!
There are still some spots left in this Sunday's Painting for Stress Relief workshop. Come join our little group (it's free) to hang out, create some art, and get over that Sunday Blues.