We’ll calm our minds by drawing lines in this mindful multicolored lines exercise.
This exercise is not about creating a complex and wonderful drawing. It’s about using the power of drawing to relieve stress and relax. This exercise is all about you.
Drawing lines is something anyone who can hold a pen or pencil can do. In this exercise, we add a bit of fun by using multiple colors for our lines. That way, we’ll create a sort of patchwork of colorful lines.
This activity is all about being in the present moment and focusing on the task at hand. Having trouble? Firstly, slowly breathe in and out a couple of times to calm your mind. Secondly, focus on what you’re doing and use your senses. Think about questions like; how does your pen feel in your hand, does it make a sound when you draw, what do you see, does your marker have a specific scent?
This can help you be more at the moment and forget about the rest for a while. When you combine it with the repetitive motion of drawing lines and the concentration you need to draw them, your mind can get into a flow state, where you forget everything around you for a while.
It can serve as a small escape or mental getaway from day-to-day stress.
I hope you have some well-deserved creative me-time with this exercise!
Have fun with this mindful multicolored lines exercise! Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Mixed media paper 300gr. (Strathmore), alcohol marker (ohuhu), washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use whatever material you have for this exercise, such as colored pencils, crayons, watercolors, etc.
Instructions:
Step 1
Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, add washi tape around the borders to create a frame around your drawing if you like.
Start by picking colors you like or make you feel good. From the edge, draw a small line with your first color. Grab a second color and add a small line to your previous one. Continue adding small lines in different colors. You can decide if you only draw straight lines or if you draw curves as well. Continue with this multicolored line until you reach the edge.
Step 2
Now, we’ll draw our second line. Keep it parallel to your last line. You can use different colors or the same ones you’ve used in step 1. Make sure the lines do not cross. Focus on your lines.
How does your marker or pen feel when you’re drawing? What do you see? Does your marker or pen make a sound? Focusing on your surroundings will help you to be in the present moment. Combining this with the repetitive movement of drawing lines can get you in a relaxed flow state, where you only think about this exercise and nothing else.
Step 3
Continue until your whole page is filled with these multicolored lines.
Slowly remove your washi tape. Keep your tape parallel to your page when you remove it to prevent tearing.
Now this mindful multicolored lines exercise is done! I hope you had fun.
You might also like my mindful flowy lines exercise if you liked this exercise.