Students gathered for an afternoon of colouring and meditation at the first Colour Yourself Calm event in the Mamidosewin Centre on Sept 18.
Colour Yourself Calm is a new event that is held every Friday in the Mamidosewin Centre. Students can come to colour and calm their minds from any stress they may be feeling.
“Many students experience stress and anxiety,” said Jackie Tenute, aboriginal counselor at Algonquin and creator of the event. “In a world where there is so much emphasis on being busy and doing, it is important to take time to play and be creative. This is one way of doing it and helping oneself to relax and unwind.”
Students begin by taking part in a few breathing exercises to get their minds in a peaceful state before the colouring started.
The session begins by allowing participants to choose what they want to color or doodle with.
“We gauge our anxiety or stress levels then we begin with a short guided meditation and mindful breathing practice,” said Tenute. “We speak about staying in the moment and noticing our breath as quiet Zen music plays in the background, and we begin to color. At the end of the session, we again gauge our stress and note if it has receded.”
If the event is well received by students further sessions will be running until the end of December. But after only one session students are already more than happy with the event.
“I really enjoyed this event, I think there should be more things like this,” said Kylie Waghorn, first-year general arts and science-aboriginal studies student. “It was really calming and a comfortable non stress environment. I came in just for this; it was great for releasing tension and to wind down after a long week.”
The calming and quiet environment created the perfect atmosphere for students to relax and experiment with an artistic outlet.
“I draw on a daily basis but it was nice to come to a quiet place, not worry and just draw,” said Melina Mandoshkin, first-year library and information technician student. “It was fun to experiment with colours, understanding the photo you chose and give it meaning.”
Even students who haven’t coloured since they were children came to experience and appreciate the relieving qualities of colouring.
“It was nice to loosen up and let go of the world for a while,” said Gerrard Desormeaux academic and career entrance student. “It’s very beneficial for students, it helps clear the mind and makes us as students more engaged and ready to work.”