Ink for Mettā
February 1, 2021 J. To
The article proposes integrating Chinese calligraphy with mettā (loving-kindness) meditation as a practice within expressive arts therapy. Chinese calligraphy is described as both an aesthetic art and a Buddhist meditative practice for self-awareness, while mettā meditation fosters compassion from self toward others. Rather than confronting emotions, practitioners acknowledge them and return to the present moment, allowing expressive arts therapy to explore unattended feelings for well-being. The approach is structured on the expressive therapies continuum framework. The authors discuss concepts and applications of this integration and suggest future incorporation of dance and movement therapy.