A delightful twist on traditional mindfulness exercises. Instead of describing emotions directly, participants express their feelings using colours. Here’s how you can facilitate this activity:
Introduction
- Gather a group of participants (this works well in team-building sessions, workshops, or any group setting).
- Explain that today’s mindfulness exercise will focus on colours and emotions.
- Emphasise that there’s no right or wrong answer—each person’s interpretation is unique.
Colour Associations
Begin by introducing a few colours and their common associations:
- Yellow: Represents joy, optimism, and energy.
- Blue: Symbolises calmness, tranquillity, and introspection.
- Red: Signifies passion, intensity, and courage.
- Green: Evokes balance, growth, and harmony.
Feel free to add more colours based on your group’s preferences.
Sharing Circle
- Form a circle or sit in a relaxed arrangement.
- Invite each participant to share their colour of the day along with a brief explanation.
- Encourage everyone to listen attentively without judgment.
“Today, I’m feeling yellow because I woke up with a sense of excitement about the day ahead.”
Benefits of Colour Mindfulness
- Creativity: Using colours sparks creativity and encourages participants to think beyond words.
- Nonverbal Expression: Sometimes emotions are hard to articulate verbally. Colours provide an alternative channel for expression.
- Connection: Sharing colours fosters a sense of connection within the group. It’s a simple yet powerful way to understand each other.
- Mindful Awareness: By focusing on a specific colour, participants become more present and attuned to their feelings.
- Positive Vibes: Associating colours with positive emotions uplifts the mood and promotes well-being.
Variations
- Colour Cards: Prepare colour cards (each representing an emotion) and let participants choose one randomly.
- Guided Visualisation: Lead a guided meditation where participants visualise themselves surrounded by their chosen colour.
- Group Art: After sharing colours, create a collaborative art piece using those colours.
Closing
- Conclude the activity by thanking everyone for their openness.
- Remind participants that they can carry this practice beyond the icebreaker—notice colours throughout the day and reflect on their emotional impact.
Let me know how it goes for your next workshop! Leave some comments below.
