A Simple Guide to Mindful Colouring as a Pause
- From the Editor’s Desk
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 15
In a world that constantly pushes us to go faster, do more, and stay connected, finding genuine moments of rest can feel like a luxury. But what if unwinding was as simple as picking up a pencil and truly seeing the colours unfold?
At OutOfTheLines Press, we believe that slowing down isn't just nice — it's essential. And one of our favourite ways to practice this is through mindful colouring as a pause.
This isn't about creating a masterpiece or staying perfectly within the lines. It's about giving yourself permission to step away from the rush, embrace a moment of calm, and reconnect with your inner self through a simple, beautiful act.
What Exactly is Mindful Colouring as a Pause?
Think of it as a mini-meditation, but with colour and creativity. It's the intentional act of focusing on the present moment while colouring, letting your worries fade into the background.
It's not about the finished product; it's about the process. The gentle scrape of pencil on paper, the vibrant shades emerging, the quiet focus on the details — these are your anchors to the present.
Why Choose Colouring as Your Pause?
Mindful colouring offers unique benefits that align perfectly with slowing down:
It’s Screen-Free: A genuine break from digital overload, giving your eyes and mind a much-needed rest.
It Encourages Presence: It pulls you into the "now," away from past regrets or future anxieties.
It Embraces Imperfection: There’s no right or wrong way to colour. Those "uneven edges" become part of the unique charm, just like in life.
It’s Accessible: No special skills needed! Just you, a book, and some pencils.
It Fosters Reconnection: It's a quiet time to check in with yourself, listen to your thoughts, or simply be.
Your Simple Guide to Taking a Mindful Colouring Pause
Ready to trade the rush for a gentle rhythm? Here's how to begin:
1. Set the Scene (A Micro-Ritual):
You don't need a perfectly silent room. Just choose a space where you feel comfortable. Maybe put on some gentle music, brew a cup of tea (like we talk about in "Start with the Kettle Boiling"), or simply listen to the sounds outside your window. This is your personal invitation to unwind.
2. Choose Your Tools (Keep it Simple):
Grab your mindful colouring book. Pick out a few colours of pencils or pens. Don't overthink it; trust your intuition.
3. Pick Your Page (Let It Call to You):
Flip through your book. Which page catches your eye today? Don't worry if it looks complex or too simple. The goal is to simply begin.
4. Tune In (The Core of the Pause):
Before you start colouring, take a deep breath. Notice the weight of the book in your hands, the texture of the paper. Feel the pencil in your fingers.
5. Begin to Colour (Mindfully):
Start with any page. As you colour, bring your attention to:
The motion: How does your hand move?
The sound: The soft whisper of the pencil on the paper.
The colour: Notice its shade, how it feels as it fills the space.
Your breath: Keep it slow and steady.
6. Release Expectations (No Perfection Needed):
This is crucial. Let go of the idea that it needs to be "good" or "finished." If your colour goes outside the line, that's okay. If you pick a colour you don't love, that's okay. The point is the act of colouring, not the outcome. This is your space to embrace those uneven edges.
7. When You're Done (For Now):
You can colour for five minutes, ten, or an hour. When you feel ready to stop, gently put your tools down. Take another deep breath. Notice how you feel. A little calmer? More present?
Your Pause Awaits
Mindful colouring is a beautiful, accessible way to remind yourself that in a fast-moving world, you have the power to choose your own rhythm. It's an invitation to disconnect from the digital, reconnect with yourself, and find immense joy in the simple, deliberate act of putting pencil to paper.
So, next time the world feels like it's spinning too fast, grab your favourite OutOfTheLines Press book and your pencils. Your gentle pause is waiting.
