CHALLENGE 2
ALL THE COLOURS
Last week's challenge to eat less meat was simple in terms of 'the rules'. However, it involved considering the health, political, and ethical implications of being an omnivore which was a little intense. So this week, let's do something a little lighter. A little more... colourful.
The world would be a horribly dull place without colour. But when was the last time you sat down and played with colour? Unless you're four, it's probably been decades. There's been a surge in adult colouring books over the past year or so, but many of us have yet to get around to trying it out. Let's take a look at why we should.
Apparently, colouring has a slew of therapeutic benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress, creating mindfulness and enhancing focus. In this respect, colouring has the same benefits for your mind as yoga and meditation do.
For many, colouring books offer a "real elixir, a way of getting past hurdles — mental, physical or both — that can’t be replicated by more-traditional approaches." says the Washington Post.
So, OK, colouring books can be good for the individual - for our mental health and our stress levels. But how is this good for the world? How are we making the world a better place by colouring?
SO WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
It just comes down to being more present. Any practice that makes you more mindful is good for everyone. Mindfulness enables you to listen better, attain focus, and think more clearly. It's easy to see how that would make you a better partner, parent, co-worker and just overall human.
Every day this week, set aside 10 minutes for colouring. You don't have to buy a colouring book, you can just print off images such as this or this, or search for your own on sites like this. You will, however, need colouring pens or pencils. Those in the know suggest fine tips as precision in colouring helps with the meditative effect.
As this challenge is so simple, there will be daily add-ons in the closed Facebook group. If you haven't joined already, jump in. I found it incredibly useful as a source of recipes and tips for the Eat Less Face challenge.
I can't wait to see pics of all your colouring efforts for this next challenge. Mine are definitely going to be Picasso-level masterpieces (if Picasso were the name of a hipster's pet gerbil.)
WHAT NEXT?
Remember, the idea is not to drop any of the challenges, but to keep going with them at a level that you are comfortable with. Read more about how that works here.
For last week's challenge, think about where you want to end up in terms of how much and what kind of meat you eat. Keep taking baby steps towards that goal - try new meat-free recipes and crank up your veg intake.
Your body, the planet, and the animals in line to be one of the 56 billion slaughtered each year will thank you for it. (Told you we needed a lighter challenge next!)
Our individual efforts won't have much of an impact if there are only a few of us making these small changes. The more people we can get involved, the bigger a difference we can make. So - tell a friend or use the buttons below to share this page on Facebook or Pinterest. We'll be getting on Twitter soon!
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