What Drawing Can Teach Us About Happiness

The Happiness Project

“Drawing exercised an unaccustomed part of my brain, but apart from that, just the fact that I was taking a class boosted my mindfulness.”
- Gretchen Rubin

We tend to think of happiness as ease, comfort, and pleasure. But Gretchen Rubin, one of today’s most influential thinkers on happiness and human nature, challenges that idea. In The Happiness Project, she makes an unexpected discovery: happiness doesn’t always feel good in the moment.

While exploring mindfulness – the practice of being fully present and aware, Rubin realized that true mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or deep breathing. It’s also about stretching the mind in unfamiliar ways. That’s how she found herself in a Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain class, confronting the frustrating, awkward process of learning something completely new.

Growth Over Comfort

People often say they can’t draw, but what they really mean is that they haven’t learned how to look. The process can feel frustrating at first, but that discomfort is precisely where growth happens.

For Rubin, learning to draw was both physically and emotionally taxing, yet deeply rewarding. She describes the struggle as an “atmosphere of growth,” where the challenge itself became the source of gratification. By engaging her brain in an unfamiliar way, she became more attuned to what she was seeing, feeling, and experiencing.

That’s the paradox of happiness. Activities that contribute to long-term fulfillment don’t always feel good in the short term. Whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument, or learning a new language, stepping outside our comfort zone creates the conditions for growth. And over time, these experiences enrich our lives, deepening our connection to the world around us.

Happiness and the Art of Paying Attention

Drawing demands attention. It forces you to slow down, observe intently, and notice relationships that might otherwise be overlooked. This practice of looking closely, Rubin found, made her more present and engaged with her surroundings.

Mindfulness, as she discovered, isn’t just about feeling calm. It’s about seeing without judgment and paying attention to what’s in front of us. Studies show that practising mindfulness can lift moods, reduce defensiveness, and improve overall well-being, but it often requires effort. It asks us to engage deeply, even when it feels uncomfortable.

A Different Kind of Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just about stillness; it’s also about exploration. Drawing is one way to train your mind to notice more, engage fully, and develop a sharper awareness of the world. It’s a skill, but more importantly, it’s a way of thinking, one that fosters resilience, curiosity, and ultimately, a deeper sense of happiness.

Rubin’s journey reminds us that growth and challenge are essential parts of a meaningful life. If you’re looking for a way to cultivate mindfulness, break out of old patterns, and experience the joy of seeing the world anew, learning to draw might be the unexpected shift you need.