You’re probably starting to see books such as Creative Coloring Mandalas popping up everywhere. They aren’t new; but they are the new craze! In fact, they’ve been around for quite a long time. I remember going to Borders book store while in middle school and going in ‘halfsies’ on a book that my friends and I would make copies of and color during sleepovers. I didn’t understand back then what I was doing. I just thought I was making gorgeous works of art that didn’t come from a coloring book for a 5 year old.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. I’ve got all these responsibilities and you want me to color? I’ve been there before. The first time I was re-introduced to coloring was in a yoga class where we were given homework. Simple; mindful things to do each week between practices. Then she handed out a coloring page and explained the art of adult coloring – and instructions for completing our ‘yoga homework’. When I picked up the page I thought, “Yeah right! I’ve got work, teacher training, homework from that, classes AND a life. I’ll get right on that.” I think it was partly my initial thought on it, but when I finally remembered to pick it up, I sat down to watch a TV show and brought out my trusty old Crayola markers. Immediately I wished I had found time sooner to do it. It was so relaxing to color. Ultimately it took me 3 days to complete mine. I would just start wherever I left off the night before. What I learned was it didn’t matter how much I did, but in just doing some I felt more at ease.
Here is the finished product from my yoga homework!
So, what is it that makes coloring so relaxing? Well, researchers say it ultimately takes us back to a time in our minds before we had to worry about making ends meet.
Before we had to worry about what bills we had and how we were getting those paid.
Before we had to worry about schedules and the only true cares we had in the world were when dinner was, and what time you had to be home by.
It does not require the talent of painting, drawing or really any sense of creativity.
Ultimately, this form of zen coloring is the perfect way to step back from the stress of everyday life, be imaginative when you haven’t a creative bone in your body and just relax! The meditative benefits of putting pen (or in this case marker/colored pencil) to paper that offer an opportunity to channel anxiety into a nourishing creative accomplishment.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go color! Print the attachment in your email (if you subscribed) or download your own. Spend some time working on it and post a picture of your finished project. 2 winners will win a Zen color book of their own!