Lately I have been finding a desire to just sit quietly for a few moments to color and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. It may only be 15 or 20 minutes, or I may sit longer. There is something very relaxing and soothing about coloring or doodling that I have found drawn to. Sometimes I’m alone, other times I’m sitting by my husband or children, or I’m at a coffee house chatting with a friend while coloring. Sometimes it is silent; sometimes I am listening to instrumental music.
One of the things I love about the adult coloring books is that the pictures are drawn for me and all I have to decide on is the color I will choose to use. My tip to fighting the perfectionist in me who often keeps me from making art is purposely choosing colors that seem unnatural for the image or uncommon for me to use. In this way I am stretching my own limits. All in all, sitting with a coloring book is fairly mindless leaving me to be in the moment or ponder other thoughts. The movement of the pencil to the paper is also very soothing.
Doodling is something I have been trying to do more of lately. I grab a black pen and draw an illustration of something and then color it in with colored pencils or gelatos. My tip to fighting the perfectionist here is to do something simple and on a smaller sheet of paper. I’m getting more comfortable with small, simple images until I build my confidence, and talent, in drawing. Its been a fun experience.
Coloring seems so simple but it can be so therapeutic for self-care. Pairing it with a comforting beverage, a comfortable environment, and/or a pleasing and relaxing essential oil like Tranquil or Lavender makes it that much more enjoyable and effective.
Share with us some of your favorite doodles or coloring books! Join us on social media at FB or Instagram.