Remember coloring in coloring books when you were a child? Have you ever considered them as a form of meditation?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, meditation is “the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed”. So doesn’t that imply that meditation can come in many forms? In my view, yes.
I find in my work with clients that for some, at least initially, the traditional form of meditation is challenging for them at best. Upon exploration I learn that for some gardening, painting, playing the piano, journaling, knitting, virtually any act that allows your mind to focus on something so deeply that the rest of the world, and the thoughts that go along with it release, are in themselves meditative.
Imagine my surprise when I read about coloring in an article in Psychologies:
”Concentrating this way replaces negative thoughts and creates a state of peace, and many people who have a difficult time with concentrative meditation can find this easier. This gentle activity where you choose the colours to create your picture and the repetitive action of colouring it in focuses the brain on the present, blocking out any intrusive thoughts.”
So I thought, “What the heck! I’ll try it!” Since learning about this I’ve not only been trying it myself, but I’ve recommended it to a few of my clients, several with ADHD or other anxiety-related disorders – with surprising results! All of them so far have reported back that they find the practice not only fun, but have noticed an increase in their sense of peace and a decrease in their anxiety and head chatter. Not bad, huh?!
All you need to get started are some coloring books and colored pencils, paint pencils or paint pens.
RESOURCES:
Ready to get going? I have several resources for you, one of which you can download for free and a few you can order.
FREE DOWNLOAD
About the time I was composing this article, I received an email with a free download of Leonie Dawson’s mammoth 100-page coloring book Creative Soul, containing whimsical, inspiring, creative coloring pages suitable for adults and children. She’s given me permission to share it with you. You can download it (no opt-in required) by clicking HERE.
Color Zen
A portable coloring book containing all sorts of mandalas, an ancient form of meditative art, that draw your eye towards their center and it’s believed that coloring them in relaxes the mind, body and spirit while also allowing you to explore your creative side. Some of them are more detailed than others.
Color Love
Don’t have a lot of time? Or want something you can complete in a relatively short period? This one is a fun, playful portable book with a few detailed images, but most are more loose in nature and can be done in a short coloring session.
Color Your Own Stickers Inspirations
How about some images you can color in and then peel and stick to your planner, mirror, candle or even frame? I LOVE this one! It has also sorts of images with inspirational words like “joy”, “be brave”, “go for it”, etc. that you can color in and then peel and stick or even frame!
Let me know how it works for YOU!
If you’ve been looking for a way to connect with your spirit more and the thought of coloring intrigues you, give it a try and then stop back by and let me know how it works for you, okay? I always love hearing from you. 😉
With good energy,
Debra W. Guttas, Mid-Life Transition Doula™, HTP
“Are you in a mid-life transition? I provide emotional, mental and spiritual support in the ‘birthing’ of your new life path.”
Debra Guttas is Author of the forthcoming book “Personal & Business Success through the 7 Gateways – Spiritual & Practical Tools for Crafting Your Life from the Inside Out”