Coloring Pages

The Simple Joy of Coloring Pages

             doll coloring book lol

 

In our hyper-connected, screen-obsessed world, it's more important than ever to unplug and find simple pleasures in life. One of my favorite ways to relax and express my creativity is through the humble coloring page. 

Coloring pages aren't just for kids anymore. The "adult coloring book" craze has taken off in recent years, with publishers releasing scores of intricately designed coloring books themed around everything from botanicals to mandalas. But you don't need a specialty book to start coloring. A quick online search can turn up thousands of free, printable coloring pages on any subject imaginable.

The act of coloring is naturally therapeutic. Having to concentrate on shading intricate shapes and patterns taps into your mind's creativity while allowing other thoughts to be temporarily released. It's a simple form of meditation and mindfulness. Your worries can melt away as you lose yourself in the repetitive motions of filling a design with color.

Coloring also connects us to our childlike senses of play and wonder. We may not have colored since we were kids, but picking up crayons, colored pencils or markers can instantly take us back to those blissful days of undilected imagination. It's a refreshing pause from the metaphorical coloring books of taxes, schedules, and responsibilities that we fill in as adults.

So print out a few coloring pages or buy a coloring book, grab your favorite writing utensils, put on some relaxing music, and allow yourself to simply enjoy this basic creative pleasure. You may be surprised at how recharged and centered you feel after devoting just a little time to activating your inner child again through coloring. In our fussy adult worlds, we need little recesses like this to remain grounded and inspired.