Mindful Lemniscate Drawing

The rhythm of breath, the loop of the the hand and the return

The Lemniscate

The lemniscate or infinity symbol, has been around since ancient times. It is endless with no beginning and no ending. If you feel like a gentle somatic exercise to bring you back into the present- the lemniscate is very easily accessible. You can even trace it on your arm or hand when you are out and about.

With hands only:

Crossing the midline with both hands in a rhythmic movement pattern can help regulate emotions.

• Hold one hand over another and create a lemniscate (infinity symbol) over a smooth surface (or sand) with your hands only

• Introduce gentle breathing as you move. You may notice a natural rhythm develops.

With a pen, pencil, or pastel:

This exercise promotes coordination, relaxation, and the gradual release of braced postures in the body.

1. Take a few slow breaths to centre yourself.

2. Draw a lemniscate (horizontal figure-eight) on paper.

3. Trace over the shape repeatedly, focusing on the movement.

4. Allow the rhythm of the motion to synchronize with your breathing.

As a Creative Arts Therapist (AThR), I have been trained in Guided Drawing - a process that often uses bilateral stimulation. If you are curious to find out more about this, and how the lemniscate can be used for emotional regulation feel free to visit: The Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy. I have completed a Guided Drawing Certificate through this Institute.