Think of this. You are seated in a quiet room surrounded by a rainbow of coloured chalky sticks, each a little lightning bolt of opportunity. And that, my friends, is the wonder of pastel painting. Specifically, 和諧粉彩, where mindfulness mixed with art produces peace. This is a humble but exciting kind of art. Like riding a bike for the first time almost exactly. Read more now on the tingology

Imagine now the sensation of the pastel breaking to powder, turning under your hands. On paper, there is a visual symphony of color dancing in harmony. The mild treatment reflects the meditative pulse. You are talking with yourself, not only painting. Any tension? melted away, much as butter does on a hot day.

Let us now explore a bit more the mystery of why, among all things, pastels enable us to escape the noisy chaos of contemporary life. Perhaps their gentle feel calls for us to calm down and enjoy the moment. Alternatively could it be their vivid colors, each one screaming to our senses, “Look at me!” – yet, in a faint whisper, of course. What about it, like a mother hugging her child, draws your attention and welcomes your ideas?

Pastels really have a remarkable ability to gently guide us into the present. It’s remarkable how difficult it is to live on yesterday’s sorrow or tomorrow’s worries when you’re concentrating on the tones and subtleties of every brushstroke. Every color seems to have a spark of peace, a little reminder that the most basic elements of existence define its beauty.

For those whose minds resemble squirrels on coffee, believe me; pastels help your brain to relax like a soothing tea. One stroke can help you to discover that rhythm—undisturbed but passionate. Your breath matches every brushstroke on the paper, the soft reflection of a calm sea rising and falling. “Hang on,” you could say, “Is this what peace feels like?” You would be on to something.