Colored Pencil Instruction

As you well know, not everyone (perhaps very few) can remain in place long enough to reach a meditative state. The more you spend the more difficult it is going to push thoughts of your mind and stay the course. Before you know you're fretting about work, planning a dinner menu, or simply abandoned. Our action-oriented, multi-tasking, Western society has simply not made with traditional techniques of Eastern meditation. This is where meditation comes to the rescue force.

Active meditation, sometimes called moving meditation, is easier to learn, but just as powerful as the eastern techniques you may be more familiar. When practicing active meditation you choose a simple movement, like coloring, drawing, or even on foot, to give you more focus. The repetitive motions act as a constant reminder that you can easily change your focus on meditation, returning at once, before any fleeting thoughts enter. Negative images, regrets the past and future concerns are simply put aside as you take the time to enjoy the present. What is the last time you did that? Or have you already done?

In my book, and in my workshops, I use to color the primary active meditation technique. After all, it is easy, inexpensive, fun and allows you to open your creative side, something that adults rarely. Below are the basic instructions step-by-step on how to meditate in full color. If you're ready, take your supplies and find a quiet space to enjoy this quiet hobby.

First step: Start the session with a smile. Do not skip this step just because it sounds a bit ridiculous. He holds a slight smile on your face will help you put in a state of mind receptive to meditation. In fact, studies have shown that smiling, even when you're not satisfied, can raise the level of endorphins (chemicals improve mood) in your brain. So start smiling!

Step Two: browse a coloring book and take the first drawing that peaks your interest. There are many beautiful adult coloring books available in bookstores and online. Some authors, including myself, offer free coloring pages on their websites.

Third Step: Choose your first pencil or a marker and then begin to color. No need to think too much, in fact, I'm always amazed at the color combinations that I come with being a meditation and how they look wonderful together. I often find myself with colors I would normally ignore, then enjoy the final result. Whenever possible, the colors are chosen.

Step Four: Watch the design to life every time. Enjoy the experience of the movements, hear the sounds of pencils on paper, or feel the markers as they glide across the page. As thoughts or images pop into his head (and they) just recognize them and then return your attention to the color. The color will always bring you back. With a little practice, you will find more easily enter a state of deep relaxation, almost detached.

Coloring is a peaceful pastime used by a variety of peoples, religions, and institutions to heal the mind and body. To learn more about active meditation, explore the topic of the interpretation of color, or download a free mandala drawing, please visit my website at www .30 minutemandalas.com.