Back to the inner child.
I've recently heard the hype on the mindfulness colouring books and when in Big W yesterday I found one. I also purchased some wind up crayons. Now I am not in any way an artist nor am I 6 years old but OMG I love this! They say working with your hands is a great way to soothe anxiety and reduce stress and I have to agree. It's been fun and relaxing to colour these amazing patterns whilst watching TV and in the ad breaks. concentrating on the patterns calms and clears the mind. The book was only $10. It has helped with those empty uncomfortable moments. Strange but calming. It's called Colour Me Calm.
Go cranky 76. See cranky if we had continued smoking we would be missing out on all these new experiences an of course the fun. I have a seven year old little girl so no shortage of colouring in at my house, but I agree with you it is very relaxing and for some reason when you colour in you switch off for a while. I admire you for being really resourceful this weekend and having a good dose of fun and trying new things. That's what life is supposed to be about. You'll have to change your post soon to Calm 76. goooooo girl we will get there xx
I'm trying much the same thing, but with a twist: I'm using electronic coloring books on my phone (Colorfy app), and I'm pleasantly surprised to see how calm and craving-free I am when I color.
I have recently come out of hospital. We are encouraged to colour in mandalas. This passes the time and the mind becomes more tranquil and balanced. I bought a book of them when I got home. I popped a colouring in into the post as a thankyou card for a relative. I used some water colour pencils. I added a few brush strokes to brighten it up. Hurray.
Just discovered this wonderful post, thanks Cranky. Nice to see others enjoy colouring as much as I do. I have recently found these fabulous colouring books too for my daughter, we've always thoroughly enjoyed drawing & colouring together. Having an artistic background it's in our blood, but I encourage everyone to be creative whether your talented or not, it is for everyone to enjoy no matter what. Doesn't matter what age you are, I feel the same about music, singing & dancing, it's a release for everyone. I get so engrossed with the books I don't want to stop. Colouring books have certainly come a long way from when I was a kid. It's rather like a little meditation, it takes you away and you can escape to a kind of peace for a while.
I've been thinking about getting some of these books and now I'm convinced. I think it will really take the edge off and it will be a fun activity. Yesterday was my first day smoke free and I started a crossword and found it a great way to take my mind of smoking also.
What a grand idea! One of my strategies is doing things with my hands- this sounds like so much fun!