Deep relaxation through drawing and sketching
For quite some time now, bookshops have increasingly been coloring books with the words "For adults? noticed. When leafing through it quickly became clear that this age requirement by no means refers to the all-time adult motifs, but the largely filigree lines of the templates is owed. This results in some very small Ausmalflächen that require a mature fine motor skills, if you do not want to paint over the boundary lines constantly. With wax crayons, watercolors or the children's favorite jumbo crayons, you will quickly reach the limits of the possible. A small internet research has revealed that these coloring books are fully in line with the trend of "new mindfulness". lying and adults should get into a kind of meditative state when coloring. Also, the recently strained concept of deceleration was read in the descriptions of the coloring books again and again. Mandalas, elves, unicorns and flower ornaments seem to work particularly well, at least these motifs make up the lion's share of the offers in the bookstores.
Full-stop full-stop comma line?
I did not like coloring books when I was a kid and nothing has changed about that until today. But as soon as I get my hands on a blank sheet of paper and a pen, am I unable to stop? then scribbling, sketching and drawing, until the page is full. I quickly get into a state of psychology with the beautiful term? Flow? denote: completely detached from time and space and permeated by blissful self-forgetfulness. For a while, as a young adult, I seriously considered embarking on a graphic design study. But then life, women, and the need to make money came into play, sweeping my plans for the future off with a casual wave of the hand. How is it, this old Jewish proverb ?? Oh yes, that's right: man plans and God laughs. I think you know what I mean. In any case, paper and pencils have long been almost forgotten, until recently I fell ill and my GP prescribed a break from work for me.
Taking a break from work as a creative opportunity
Luckily, it was not a serious illness that forced me to stay in bed. So I suddenly had a lot of time available that wanted to be used. "Draw something again?" Suggested my fiancée, "you have so often regretted that you have no time for it anymore." This sounded tempting and I rummaged my old craft, drawing and creative cardboard from the loft, sifting material. Actually, everything was still there, except for reasonable drawing paper. Of course, you can also use normal printer paper, but it is definitely worth a few euros to invest in high-quality paper. Wisely, I left my debit card at home, put only 20 euros and made a little trip to Berlin's most dangerous business. Dangerous, because I could easily get through there a monthly salary in half an hour. The Berliners among you may know the shop? his name is? idea? and is right around the corner from KadeWe. There is a huge selection of craft, drawing and hobby needs, as I said: extremely dangerous. I bought a simple sketch block of the house brand for less than ten euros and was out of the store after just under three hours. Whew.
The required material
Since I only draw and do not do elaborate painting, the required material is manageable. Here's a quick overview of the materials I use most:
- Drawing paper 190 g / m², DIN A4 or larger
- Mechanical pencil in B or HB or normal pencils (HB, B and 2B)
- Black fineliner in at least two strengths
- colored pencils
- eraser
- sharpener
Of course, this compilation is intended only as a suggestion. Everyone will gradually discover their own individual equipment.
The route is the goal
Of course it's nice to have a great result at the end of a character session, but at the same time it does not matter what comes out at the end. The process of drawing itself is important, after all, it's not about impressing others or proving something to yourself. As a member of our performance-oriented society, it is difficult to break away from the self-imposed performance pressure. But if it succeeds, it can be a very liberating feeling to produce something that is not subject to evaluation by others (bosses, colleagues, acquaintances, etc.). I notice how, as I draw, my whole body gradually relaxes, breathing and heartbeat become calmer and my thoughts begin to flow completely detached. This is exactly where the "flow state" begins, in which children play in a completely natural and natural way while playing. Time and problems become relative and soothing contentment is spreading.
Out of pure curiosity, I measured my blood pressure before and after drawing.In the half hour I was busy with paper and pencil, he has sunk from 145/90 to 130/75. But only as an additional incentive for all hypertensives.
Meanwhile, my sick leave expired and the working world has me back under control. However, I do have the good intentions of occasionally picking up my markings and releasing myself from all constraints for a pleasant moment. Try it out, just with the materials that are at hand. I have already seen pen art on the back of beer mats. Have fun and? Good stroke ?!
