Thursday, January 7, 2010

I Knew Coloring Was Good For Me

Good morning, coffee company girls!

This morning I'm enjoying my homemade gingerbread latte in my to-go mug as I sit at my desk in my classroom- and since my classroom chairs are rather uncomfy, I'll just let you stay relaxed in what I hope is a comfy chair instead of inviting you "in." :)

I've always thought coloring was very therapeutic. In high school and college, I carried coloring books (Winnie-the-Pooh and Disney were my favs) and crayons in my bag and often pulled them out for a "color break" regardless of where I was. (I used to laugh because you would be surprised at the amount of college-aged boys who would want to sit and color, too.) And I happen to be a pretty good color-er, if I do say so myself. If could have a job as a person who colors things other people drew, I'd take it!

Over the last several years, I haven't really had as much of a chance to color, but I have been a doodle-r. I often have words and squiggles and shapes doodled around the corners of pages, or even whole sheets filled with nonsense. While this isn't necessarily artistic, it's quite fun.

But recently I found out that it's not just fun, it's GOOD for me!

For Christmas, my aunt gave me a book called Praying in Color. A woman named Sybil MacBeth stumbled upon the idea that some of us might find value in praying with doodles and scribbles and drawings and words and color. It can help you focus as you pray and the visual images stay with you in your mind. The idea is that you don't have to be artistic, but you can doodle, color, and pray.

What!?

This is perfect for me!

So.... keep in mind that I'm not an artist.... and these are just doodles (and not that well-colored).... but here are some of my heartfelt prayers.

For my college best friend's family.

for Husband and myself



about teaching

Next I'm going to borrow some thoughts from my new bloggie friend Southern Gal, who wrote and inspiring post about colors. You should check out her thoughts here.

Try it! It's pretty fun- you just need some paper and some markers, colored pencils, or other coloring utensil of your choice.


May YOUR day be very colorful!

15 comments:

  1. Beth,
    What a wonderful idea! That rocks...and yours are really pretty!

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  2. oooh, I have some pages I did with the praying in colour thing. Never got the book, although it is on my Amazon wish list, just used the pages she has on the website.

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  3. Oh beth I loved your post. I loved coloring too. What a great idea to pray in colors.
    Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed my visit.
    Have a Blessed colorful weekend.
    Sherry

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  4. I used to carry a coloring book too! It was this 'adanced mosaic' kind of thing - and my plan was to frame some of the pieces as art when I got my first apartment, but (very) sadly it got lost somewhere between the dorm and the apartment. Your prayers are so fun. I'll have to look into that book to see what it's all about :)

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  5. Those are awesome doodles! And very colourful :) My eldest is five, and she really enjoys colouring. I should take more time to sit with her and just colour. Hard to do quietly with two boys (3.5 and 1.5) wanting to join in!

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  6. Love the color a prayer idea! Thanks for sharing yours. One thing, though. You said you are no artist, but I believe you are wrong! Your prayers show lots of creativity. Creativity=Artist. So, there.

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  7. Beth...I love these! They are pretty and meaningful.,,perfect. I doodled last night too and found it very enjoyable. I never doodle anymore...although I do have a widely professed love of colored pens. Great post.

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  8. Well, I just love your doodles...very artistic and colourful! I always enjoyed colouring and it's my favourite thing to do with my grand daughter!

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  9. I've always known coloring is relaxing, but I never thought about coloring and praying. That could be a good way to keep your mind from wandering.

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  10. That is beautiful. You ARE an artist. Thank you for your kind words. Can't wait to see what you come up with for my inadequate words.

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  11. Love this idea! I really think my oldest, who just turned 14 yesterday, would love this! Thanks for sharing!

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  12. I really liked your doodles. . .although they looked more like art to my untrained eye :) What a wonderful idea. . .I might do this with my children this week!

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  13. yeah for coloring! Sam is sitting on my lap doing his own version as I type! He's now squealing in delight...!

    Finally made it to your blog!

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  14. So enjoyed dropping by your blog! What a cute idea, I love it! Will be back for a visit. Happy Coloring!

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