My good friend Heidi is an author of children’s books. She writes here about the meditative process of coloring! Thank you, Heidi!
As a child, I loved to color. I wasn’t by any means the most gifted young artist in my family. That honor went to my older sister, Karen, who (unlike me) was quite adept at coloring within the lines. I gave up coloring in first grade, and never much thought about it again; that is, until last year when I came across a coloring book for adults containing 31 ‘stress relieving designs.’
“Hmm,” I thought. “I could use a little serenity in my life right now,” and so I purchased the book, along with a set of high-quality artists’ pencils.
Since then, coloring has become an important part of my daily routine. Each morning when my schedule allows, I sit at my dining room table and color in whimsical designs such as swirls and leaves and succulents and waterfalls. During this time, I let my mind wander. I don’t think about the news or anything else that might possibly intrude upon my Zen moment.
And the best part? Choosing my color palette! Should I go with a delicate robin’s egg blue, or, for a bolder look, candy apple red?
For anyone looking to achieve some serenity in their lives, I highly recommend Sarajo Frieden’s artists’ coloring book series. I found mine at the Paper Store for only $4.99. Here is a photo of one of my favorite designs. I am proud of my newfound ability to color within the lines!
