I was a bit dubious when it was first suggested to me that I get some adult coloring books. (Thanks Julia Treat!) I kind of passed it off at first and then started to see articles and ads for them EVERYWHERE! I was amazed at how I had no knowledge of them and then saw ads and articles for them wherever I looked. I took it as a (second) sign from the Universe and ordered some.
I have found it to be one of the most relaxing, absorbing and meditative practices I’ve ever engaged in.
The first ones that I learned about were those with Mandalas.
According to Wikipedia, a Mandala (Sanskrit: मण्डल, lit, circle) is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Indian religions, representing the universe. In common use, mandala has become a generic term for any diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically; a microcosm of the universe.
I hopped on Amazon (my favorite place to shop) and got two books. (Scroll each link and click to see more on Amazon.)
I scrounged all my kids’ colored pencils and sharpened them all and started with them. I like the softer, creamy colored pencils. My first couple of creations were completed with various brands of them.
(Click on the pictures to see them larger.)
I soon got guidance from several people to try gel pens… then my coloring world really opened up! This is the first set I got – and they are great! So easy on your hands for long coloring sessions. (I should mention here, this is very addicting!)
Here’s my first Mandala with the gel pens:
(Click on the picture to see it larger.)
With the pens, I also got more books. (I was on a roll!)
(Scroll each link and click to see more on Amazon.)
And here are some of my other creations so far.
(Click on the pictures to see them larger.)
So as I write this, I’m on a plane headed back home after a lot of great travel to Miami and Phoenix. I’m looking forward to having some time to reacclimate and zen out with some cuddle time with my rescue puppy, Sashi (interestingly – a Sanskrit name I chose which means Moon) and some coloring time. Bliss…
