52 Ways to be Mindful: Autumn Colouring
Finding mindfulness amongst the autumn hues.
The soft rustling of fallen leaves. The warm embrace of a knitted sweater. The fragrant aroma of a chai latte wafting through the air. Autumn is a symphony of sensory delights, and amidst its enchanting palette, there lies a quiet, meditative practice waiting to be rediscovered: colouring.
The Joy of Colouring
Many of us remember the simple joy of colouring as children. Those big boxes of crayons, the excitement of choosing the perfect shade, and the utter immersion in filling blank spaces with vibrant hues.
As we grow older, the pace of life often accelerates, and innocent pastimes might seem like distant memories.
But the art of colouring is not confined to childhood. For adults, it’s an oasis of calm, a meditative ritual, and a return to simpler times.
Why Autumn Makes It Special
With its myriad of colours, Autumn is an especially fitting season to reignite this passion. The season naturally invites introspection and slowing down. Just as the trees shed their leaves and prepare for the colder months, we, too, can find solace and rejuvenation through the mindful act of colouring.
You can draw inspiration from the flaming oranges, deep reds, and mellow yellows of the falling leaves. With each stroke of the pencil or pen, we can translate the beauty of the world around us onto paper, all while being deeply present in the moment.
The Mindful Aspect of Colouring
Mindfulness is about being present, aware, and fully engaged in the here and now. It's about noticing the rich tapestry of our immediate experience without judgment. And what better way to do this than through the rhythmic and repetitive motion of colouring?
Each time we fill in a section of our colouring book or sketch, we are:
1. Being Present: Focusing on the act itself, the sensation of the pen or pencil gliding on the paper grounds us in the present moment.
2. Releasing Stress: The rhythmic motion can have a calming effect, similar to the gentle repetitions of a mantra during meditation.
3. Expressing Creativity: There's no right or wrong in colouring. It's an invitation to express yourself, play, and explore.
4. Boosting Mental Well-being: Engaging in art-based activities has been shown to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and even improve focus and concentration.
How to Begin Your Autumnal Colouring Journey
1. Choose Your Tools: Invest in a set of quality colouring pencils, markers, or crayons. There are lots of themed colouring books available, or you could start with a blank sketchbook.
2. Create a Calm Environment: Find a quiet, cosy spot. Light an autumn candle or play some soft instrumental music.
3. Inspiration from Nature: Take a walk in the park, observe the shades of the leaves, and try to replicate those colours in your drawings.
4. No Pressure: This is your personal journey. There's no need to be perfect. Enjoy the process rather than focus on the outcome.
5. Connect with Others: Consider joining a colouring group or sharing your coloured masterpieces with friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to bond and share the joy.
As the world shifts and prepares for winter, let the gentle art of colouring guide you to a place of mindfulness and serenity. With each hue you lay down, you're not just colouring a page but your soul with the tranquil tones of peace, presence, and pure joy.
Before I leave you this week, I’d like to share one of my favourite poems about Autumn by Emily Brontë:
Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day; Every leaf speaks bliss to me Fluttering from the autumn tree. I shall smile when wreaths of snow Blossom where the rose should grow; I shall sing when night’s decay Ushers in a drearier day.
In peace and mindfulness
Ellie x