Mindful moments with doors
Doors. When you stop and think about it, for much of our days, we are surrounded by doors, gates, entrances and exits.
Especially with lockdown. We’ve been spending a ton of time behind closed doors; we might take delight closing a door to our room to snatch some alone time or we might love the sound of opening the front door to escape for a run or walk in the sunshine.
“…doors and openings provide the transition point to change” – gorgeous words I found in this beautiful article on the symbolism of doors.
So as we spend a little longer in lockdown, surrounded by doors, let’s consider a new way to look at the doors inside of, and outside our homes and all the potential that can be behind a closed door.
This week, I wanted to create something quick, simple, but FUN based on doors.
Mindful moments with doors uses imagination and our new gained appreciation of doors.
Before you start, consider for inspiration:
- Doors that make you stop and say ‘wow’
- Take a moment of stillness, close your eyes – what’s the door you see?
- What colour is it? Is it exotic from a far-away place you’d like to visit? Or is it the door that leads to the safety and comfort of your own home?
- What’s behind the door…adventure? a friend? something you wish for?
- Consider what you want around it – a winding path? cobblestones? more doors??
And if you want to add in some extra mindfulness this week, try this tip suggested using doors to connect into the present:
“Every time you pass through a door, direct your attention to the present for a moment. Leaving your home, getting in and out of your car…visiting a friend, and returning home. There are doors everywhere reminding you to pay attention to your world and connect with life.”
The Symbolism of Doors (psychologycentre.co.nz)
What you’ll need:
Material: Paper – any size.
Medium: Watercolour and felt tip pen to outline.
Technique: Imagination and inspiration for a quick, easy creation.
Set-up:
Grab some images of doors from magazines or online for visual inspiration. Scatter your paints about and go for it!
Step 1: Sketch your door so you are happy with the dimensions/ position
Step 2: Add in detail on the door – handle/ panels/ any glass
Step 3: Sketch what’s around your door
Step 4: Add paint. Consider what is behind your door – can you show a glimpse of this? (eg. I imagined brilliant streaming light behind my door – reflecting the light and potential inside all of us – so I wanted to paint in that glow).
Step 5: Use a felt tip black pen to outline where needed.
May you never look at a door the same way again 🙂 Happy painting.
