On a first visit art therapy visit, I often invite a patient to draw a picture of something that “brings you joy.” It’s an opportunity to learn about a patient and to build a relationship through a happy memory or wish. One hospice patient knew immediately what he would draw and set to work with the oil pastels. He created a picture of a beloved pet. We talked together about the animals he had cared for and the love they brought to him. He shared his grief about finding a new home for his cat when he was no longer able to care for him, and the neighborhood cat that sometimes visits for a treat. As is often the case during these conversations, the patient engaged with his senses as he explored memories and talked about his drawing- the soft fur and purrs, the majestic facial expressions, the funny antics… We laughed and cried a little too as we talked about the impact of the animals in our lives.

Multisensory exploration of a happy memory or environment can be a mindfulness tool during times of anxiety, a sort of guided meditation. The patient made this connection easily as we talked, and I encouraged him to use this tool in between our visits. I offered him another idea, just in passing: to write a haiku about a mindful or present moment. Haiku was new to him and he was intrigued. Haiku is a form of poetry with a long history, and is written in only three lines. One goal is to try to capture and emotion or single moment using few words. He jotted the instructions down in a notebook he keeps by his bed: First line, 5 syllables. Second line, 7. Third line, 5 again.

On our second visit, just on a whim, I wrote down a haiku I had written to share with him. Imagine my surprise when I arrived to find his cat’s portrait hanging at the foot of his bed with an eloquent haiku posted alongside! He shared that he had not only written several of these poems, but was now exchanging them with friends. After our art session together, he worked to compose a poem about the work he had created, and we posted it alongside his first work. This mindfulness practice has enriched our sessions, formed connections with friends, and provided an eloquent way for him to express his gratitude to caregivers and his faith. I look forward to seeing what he has written when I return!