Amid our fast paced digital lives, we as adults are once again being drawn back to the simple pleasures of childhood. Out of the blue, colouring has been discovered and proven to be a great way to relax. There is an unprecedented emergence of adult colouring books. How is it that recently adults alone or gathered with other like minded ‘colourers’ at libraries, senior centres and in homes are colouring their time away? Stores offer us a seemingly mind boggling choice of colouring books and colouring tools of various shapes, variant sizes and vibrant colours. There is an endless array of pencils and crayons and markers. It has even been reported how this craze has pencil factories working overtime to meet demands.
With carefully chosen picture and selected pens or crayons at hand the joy of colouring begins. The rhythmic motion of colouring quiets the mind allowing new thoughts to surface and memories to return. This creative process calms us and allows our inner child to surface. As stated by Jacob Olesen in his web post:
When one reconnects with his/her inner child, a child full of innocence and love, one can actually become better as an adult … It helps one love him/herself more - unconditionally. This, in turn, helps one become one’s best self - a confident, radiant person who is ready to take on the world without fear. http://www.color-meanings.com/10-therapeutic-benefits-of-coloring-books-for-adults/
This pastime is not the only treasured childhood memory revisited. Many of us as adults hold precious memories of a cuddly childhood friend, often lovingly knitted or crotched by a friend or beloved grandma or treasure the recent gift of a stuffed animal. We are even becoming more comfortable in introducing our furry friends to other adults.
Although we sometimes consider we’ve outgrown the delight of childhood comforts, our beloved soft friends have their special way of lifting our spirits and comforting our souls. Their beguiling cuddliness seems to bring out the very best of us. It’s not foolishness to believe that with unspoken words they truly speak to our hearts. Margery Williams in her well loved children’s book, perhaps best understood only by adults, The Velveteen Rabbit, points out that our love for our soft stuffed friends makes them become real. They, in turn, make us real. Who makes you real?
“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse.
“You become. It takes a long time.”
- The Velveteen Rabbit
Whether it’s colouring or cuddling, our ‘inner child’ needs to be continuously nurtured for us to be our best self.
Sr. Loretta Hagen, csj, Sr. Magdalena Vogt, cps, Sr. Nancy Wales, csj