Mindfulness, Mindful and art therapy are now words that we come across all the time. In this piece the intention is to look at Mindful colouring and its therapeutic qualities.
To set the scene let’s look at what Mindful colouring actually is. Here is a quote from the Huffington post: 'Mandala Colouring For Grown Ups Is The Creative's Way To Mindful Relaxation. ... For the unfamiliar, a mandala is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, made from a nest of squares and circles, that represents the cosmos.
A Mandala Coloring Book For Grown Ups Is The Creative's Way To Mindful Relaxation. ... For the unfamiliar, a mandala is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, made from a nest of squares and circles, that represents the cosmos'. (www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/14/mandala-coloring-book_n_7057932.html (14 Apr 2015)
Mindfulness is about living in the moment and enjoying what you are doing with full attention and appreciation of the art itself. My first experience of mandala colouring was on a mental health ward. It brought to me an escape from my treatment, the daily routine and most of all some space to express myself without the need to talk.
Now I use it as stress release and always colour for 10-15 minutes every morning to help me start the day on a positive note. So I know just how justified these activities are and how beneficial they can be for a wide selection of people.
The mandalas and other colouring books for adults are both successful for me and combined with other relaxation activities help me to manage my mental health better than I ever expected.
A particular favourite book is The Mindfulness Companion by Sarah Jane Arnold. Her definition of mindfulness is 'deliberately paying full attention to the present moment, with an attitude of acceptance, kindness, compassion, openness and curiosity'. Her book is different is others I have tried. With each colouring page you also get a poem or guidance to think about whilst you colour.
She challenges and channels your thoughts before you begin to colour and that makes it a more powerful tool to help with the benefits that you can get from mindful colouring.
In summary I believe that mindful colouring is accessible to everyone in some way and can prove to be an essential tool for those with mental health problems as well as the general public today.
So what is everyone waiting for? Get out there, find a book you like the look of and get started.
You don't have to buy expensive books either - check out Poundland and the works first as they have an array of books that are cheap but still great and have a go.
Plus, not enjoy colouring? Look for something else. Channel yourself in on your favourite magazine, read the paper you so desperately wanted to finish, counteract your thoughts by sub-merging yourself into an audio book, or leaf your fingers through your favourite book that’s sat on the side unread for the last month.
Mindfulness is definitely a powerful tool.
