Author Topic: Coloring Therapy  (Read 2254 times)

Certain Hope

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Coloring Therapy
« on: October 14, 2007, 10:18:27 AM »
http://ezinearticles.com/?Coloring-Therapy:-How-a-Coloring-Book-and-Crayons-Can-Help-Dissolve-Stress&id=296837

This really works  :D 
As a kid, everything had to be "just so" and it never would have occurred to me to color a thing anything other than *realistic* shades... :P
Tired of mourning the losses in creativity and an adventurous spirit... it's time to learn to color outside the lines  8)
And you really can't beat the smell of a fresh box of Crayolas... although my son prefers pencil crayons at his advanced stage of development.. lol
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Remember when you were a child, lying on your tummy on the floor, coloring book open, crayon in hand with the other crayons spilling out of the box? Can you remember the sense of peace and enjoyment you felt while you were coloring? Why not consider revisiting this favorite childhood pastime to help during those times when you find yourself feeling on edge.

Coloring is one of the best forms of meditation

For many of us, when we think of coloring, we connect to the innocence of childhood and a time when we weren’t burdened by responsibility and expectation. Picking up a crayon once again can help us reconnect to a sense of simplicity we have temporarily lost.

You could think of coloring as letting your inner child come out and have a fun time, or you could think of this activity as a form of meditation. Choosing colors and the gentle, repetitive motion of your hand as you bring color to paper helps quiet your mind--bringing your usual rapid-fire thoughts down to a much slower pace.

Now that you’re an adult, there are no limits

Not only can you now give yourself permission to color outside the lines, you can keep your coloring as simple, or get as sophisticated, as you want.

For less than $10 you can buy a jumbo coloring book and a box of Crayola crayons. There is nothing like the smell of new crayons and getting reacquainted with your favorite color as well as opening a fresh coloring book and looking through all the possibilities before choosing your first page to color.

(You can also search the Web for the many sites which offer free, printer-friendly coloring pages.)

You may find that you have outgrown crayons and want to color using something with a different texture and a different feel. Pencil crayons and felt pens are an affordable alternative. But you may want to spend a bit of extra money and try colored pencils, Conte Crayons, oil pastels, pastels or watercolor pencils.

These days, many coloring books are used to market and promote children’s movies or TV cartoon characters. Finding books containing basic illustrations of flowers, food, animals, etc are a bit more difficult, but not impossible. Themed coloring books are often best sellers.

Also, if you feel the need to bring some intellectual stimulation to your coloring time, there are several coloring books containing illustrations of the anatomy. It is said, one of the most effective ways medical students learn about the intricacies of the human body is by coloring detailed illustrations of various body parts.

Want to get a little risqué? There are also adult-themed coloring books as well.

To make coloring a true meditative and spiritual experience seek out a pre-made mandala design or create your own to color. Mandalas are complex, symmetrical geometric designs which draw the eye toward the center. Many religions use mandalas as a means of connecting the self to a higher power. Within Buddhism, mandalas are created as sacred places which, by their very presence, remind a viewer of the vastness of sanctity in the universe and its potential with in his or her own life. Creating a mandala is said to be a very powerful and sacred experience.

Think of coloring as a creative quick-fix

We all love to create. However, for some of us, painting and/or drawing is not our forte. And for those who do enjoy painting and/or drawing, sometimes it’s difficult to find the time to begin a project. Coloring is the perfect creative quick-fix for anyone. It’s a time to experiment with color and to express your moods with color in an effortless, convenient and affordable way.

Coloring alongside children can be inspiring. How about inviting a friend or two over for tea and some coloring time? And for any artists who are feeling a bit burnt out working in their usual medium, why not use coloring as a way to rejuvenate your creativity?

More than just as a stress reliever

Coloring is being used in formal therapeutic settings such as eye-hand coordination development and to help heal victims of trauma. Regardless of your needs, there is so much to be gained by spending some time coloring.


Leah

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2007, 10:32:00 AM »
Wow Certain Hope,

I have never dared share my 'coloring' experience!

It was some time after my life had fallen into shreds, it would be about three years ago now, when one afternoon I walked round the small nearby town and spotted an adult themed coloring book with each page containing a countryside/nature themed picture. 

Never would have entertained the idea at any time previous in my life (aside from enjoying my hours of happy coloring with my son)

So I simply picked up the book and walked along down the store to select a pack of colorful pencil crayons.

At the time, I could not read a book to save my life, could not focus on the words, could not recall what I had just read after turning a page!

So instead, each evening in bed I would sit and color in a picture, thereby unwittingly becoming absorbed!

And would soon after would feel relaxed enough to drift off to sleep.

Never told anyone in case they thought I was nuts!!

Thank you, Certain Hope, for evoking that most pleasant gentle memory.

Though at the time I never thought it as therapy.

Most certainly, I can recommend 'Coloring Therapy' - it truly did work for me.

... winter nights ahead and maybe I ought to think about looking out my crayons again  :)


Leah xx
« Last Edit: October 14, 2007, 10:43:48 AM by LeahsRainbow »
Jun 2006 voiceless seeking

April 2008 - "The Gaslight Effect" How to Spot & Survive by Dr. Robin Stern - freedom of understanding!

The Truth About Abuse VIDEO

Certain Hope

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2007, 10:43:46 AM »
(((((((((((Leah)))))))))))  :)  Thank you so much for sharing your experience now!

There really is something just so very peaceful and simple and joyful about the process... selecting colors, filling in lines and shapes, outlining for emphasis, just being there in the moment and bringing the picture to life.

I'm easily overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings. This gentle act of coloring interrupts the old thinking habits in the most gentle and satisfying way. Very difficult to describe in words... but I'm really looking forward to coloring my next picture!

Find those crayons!!  :)

Love to you,
Carolyn




tayana

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2007, 10:51:40 AM »
I haven't done this for a long time, but I thought I would add that Dover makes coloring books with things like dinosaurs, butterflies, etc.  M has never been big on coloring, but he does have some of the Dover books.  They're a little more expensive, about $3, but they're more complex.

I think I might get one today at the craft store.
http://tayana.blogspot.com

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you
really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot
do.
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Leah

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2007, 10:54:55 AM »
((((((((((( Carolyn ))))))))))  :) Thank you.

You are so right, there was, and is, something so peaceful and simple, and yes, joyful, about it all.

Many times I have thought and reflected how in our busy world today, we have lost the joy of the 'simple things' in life.

Well do you know, I am going to find those crayons ..... the crayons in a pretty tin, that I progressed onto, only to hide them
away in a cupboard somewhere, where they remain sealed and unopened!

I'm truly humbled and overwhelmed at the timing of your thread.

Today is turning out to be a precious gentle day of wonderfully simple joyful surprises.

Love to you,
Leah

Jun 2006 voiceless seeking

April 2008 - "The Gaslight Effect" How to Spot & Survive by Dr. Robin Stern - freedom of understanding!

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BonesMS

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2007, 11:03:04 AM »
I wonder if the bookstores has coloring books for people our age?  I need to confront that painful memory as I could never color anything in peace without rage-aholic Nmother literaly getting in my face and pounding on me because I wasn't coloring it PERFECTLY HER WAY with the RIGHT COLORS!  Same thing whenever I tried to read anything.  If it didn't meet HER APPROVAL, she would pound on me again!  I finally gave up and started hiding just to get away from her, no coloring, nothing!

Bones
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Ami

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #6 on: October 14, 2007, 11:12:18 AM »
That is so sad,Bones. The person(N M) is gone,but we carry the legacy in our heads---BLEH      Ami
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.        Eleanor Roosevelt

Most of our problems come from losing contact with our instincts,with the age old wisdom stored within us.
   Carl Jung

Leah

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #7 on: October 14, 2007, 11:21:44 AM »
I wonder if the bookstores has coloring books for people our age?  I need to confront that painful memory as I could never color anything in peace without rage-aholic Nmother literaly getting in my face and pounding on me because I wasn't coloring it PERFECTLY HER WAY with the RIGHT COLORS!  Same thing whenever I tried to read anything.  If it didn't meet HER APPROVAL, she would pound on me again!  I finally gave up and started hiding just to get away from her, no coloring, nothing!

Bones


Dear ((((( Bones )))))

Yes, indeed, there are many many adult themed coloring books (which is what I had purchased)

It was because of my NMother that I put away the pretty brand new tin of watercolor artists crayons that I had progressed onto,
after she had laughed at the thought of my sitting alone in bed at night "crayoning myself to sleep," as she had said.

Get yourself some soft pastels and choose gentle pictures to color to start with.

By the way, the above link has many links to free coloring resources to print off, though I have not checked them out.

With love,
Leah





Jun 2006 voiceless seeking

April 2008 - "The Gaslight Effect" How to Spot & Survive by Dr. Robin Stern - freedom of understanding!

The Truth About Abuse VIDEO

Certain Hope

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #8 on: October 14, 2007, 11:28:50 AM »
Oh, Tayana... thank you! I hadn't heard of Dover, and I'm so happy to see their books... they look ideal!

Here's a link - may have a wider selection than in the stores...
http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-coloring-books.html

(((((((Bones)))))))  I know what you mean... I gave up alot of things, too. And I also know that it's not too late to revive those old hopes and dreams and ways of seeing... and to revise the response we get when we are simply ourselves. Maybe check out that Dover link?
Yesterday when I stretched out on the floor to color, I reached for an appealing shade and heard in my mind - "oh, but you really must first consider your entire color scheme and be sure that will match...."  and I laughed out loud and said, "WHY???"    :D

Leah  :D   Your crayons in their lovely tin sound so perfect... just right for this gently joyful today!

Much love to y'all,

Carolyn

Leah

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #9 on: October 14, 2007, 12:36:06 PM »

Oh the Dover coloring books look absolutely wonderful ((( Tayana))) and thanks for posting the link ((( Carolyn )))

http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-coloring-books.html


Love the 'tiffany' and 'celtic' design examples, but, instead, have chosen 'The Language of Flowers'


Love to all,
Leah
Jun 2006 voiceless seeking

April 2008 - "The Gaslight Effect" How to Spot & Survive by Dr. Robin Stern - freedom of understanding!

The Truth About Abuse VIDEO

tayana

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2007, 01:31:18 PM »
The craft store didn't have the Dover books, nor did they have the beads I wanted, so I'll just order wholesale.  It's cheaper anyway. 

I do know you can get the Dover books at bookstores and some craft stores.  The better craft stores have them.  I usually go to a different store, or order online.
http://tayana.blogspot.com

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you
really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot
do.
-Elanor Roosevelt

BonesMS

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #11 on: October 16, 2007, 12:08:44 PM »
That is so sad,Bones. The person(N M) is gone,but we carry the legacy in our heads---BLEH      Ami

Thanks, Ami.

Bones
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BonesMS

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Re: Coloring Therapy
« Reply #12 on: October 16, 2007, 12:11:37 PM »
I wonder if the bookstores has coloring books for people our age?  I need to confront that painful memory as I could never color anything in peace without rage-aholic Nmother literaly getting in my face and pounding on me because I wasn't coloring it PERFECTLY HER WAY with the RIGHT COLORS!  Same thing whenever I tried to read anything.  If it didn't meet HER APPROVAL, she would pound on me again!  I finally gave up and started hiding just to get away from her, no coloring, nothing!

Bones


Dear ((((( Bones )))))

Yes, indeed, there are many many adult themed coloring books (which is what I had purchased)

It was because of my NMother that I put away the pretty brand new tin of watercolor artists crayons that I had progressed onto,
after she had laughed at the thought of my sitting alone in bed at night "crayoning myself to sleep," as she had said.

Get yourself some soft pastels and choose gentle pictures to color to start with.

By the way, the above link has many links to free coloring resources to print off, though I have not checked them out.

With love,
Leah


Thanks, Leah.

I have Crayola pencils already.  I want to be able to pick up and look at some coloring books to see which one appeals to me the most.

Bones
Back Off Bug-A-Loo!