Coloring my way to creativity

A gift that helped me unplug

A few weeks ago,

Shubz

gifted me a book on Mandala art. Truth be told, I saw it as a thoughtful yet unexpected gift—one of those things that seem interesting but might just sit on the shelf for a while. I appreciated it, but with travel keeping me busy, I never found the time to get to it.

I reluctantly picked it up after I got back from travels. And boy, what started as a casual attempt quickly turned into something more—a creative escape, a quiet space to unwind, and, unexpectedly, a way to reduce my screen time. And how!

A different kind of flow

Here is how it began. One evening, out of curiosity more than anything else, I picked up a set of colors, flipped open the book, and began filling in the intricate patterns. Unlike my usual creative outlets—writing, problem-solving, or physical activity—this required no overthinking, no structured goal. Just colors, patterns, and the slow rhythm of filling spaces.

What is Mandala art?
Mandala, a Sanskrit word meaning circle, represents balance, wholeness, and the universe in various cultures. Traditionally used in Hindu and Buddhist spiritual practices, Mandala art consists of geometric patterns radiating from a central point, symbolizing harmony and interconnectedness. While some people draw Mandalas from scratch, many (like me) find joy in simply coloring pre-designed ones—a meditative practice that calms the mind and fosters creativity.

A welcome shift from screens

Like many of us, I spend a large part of my day in front of screens—working, writing, researching, or, at times, scrolling mindlessly. While physical activity has always been my natural escape, Mandala coloring has introduced me to another kind of break. Instead of reaching for my phone during idle moments, I have started picking up my colors.

And just like that, without forcing it, my screen time has started to drop. There was no conscious effort to ‘cut down on distractions’—I simply found something more engaging. Unlike social media, which fragments attention, this required presence. There was nothing urgent, no external validation, just the quiet satisfaction of seeing colors bring a pattern to life.

Small acts, big impact

In Brushstrokes of Love and Trust, I wrote about how small gestures—whether in relationships or in the way we engage with the world—carry a beauty of their own. This experience with Mandala art has only reinforced that idea.

Coloring a Mandala is not groundbreaking. It is not a ‘productive’ activity in the conventional sense. But it creates a moment of pause, a simple act of engagement that, in its own way, brings clarity and joy. Like a perfectly timed word of encouragement from a loved one, or the quiet comfort of an evening walk, these little things add up.

Lessons from Mandala coloring

Mandala coloring has taught me a few unexpected lessons:

• Not everything needs to be built from scratch – Sometimes, adding to what is already there is just as fulfilling.

• Creativity is not limited to one form – Whether it is movement, writing, or filling in a pattern, it all comes from the same place.

• Small rituals matter – The few minutes spent coloring can shift the energy of an entire day.

Looking back, that book was not just a gift—it was an invitation. To slow down. To explore a different kind of creativity. To find joy in something as simple as filling colors into a page.

And for that, I am grateful

Shubz

.