Pick a color, look for it on your usual route, and notice how much more you see.
A color walk is a small scavenger hunt: choose one color and look for it as you walk. TIME's Angela Haupt spoke to artists, counsellors and a content creator about why such a simple idea seems to work.
Why it works
Maine-based artist Kim Bernard describes finding everything yellow on one walk, from manhole covers to a bucket of cat litter. Counsellor Cheryl Fisher says the game encourages focused attention, and creativity coach Mari Reisberg calls it an easy starting point for people who do not think of themselves as creative. According to the experts, the benefits include:
- giving your mind a small task, which quiets other mental chatter;
- pulling your attention up from your phone and onto your surroundings;
- revealing details on routes you thought you knew;
- adding structure while leaving room for discovery; and
- creating a shared activity if you do it with friends or family.
How to try it
- Pick a color. It can be a favourite, a random paint swatch, the color of your jacket, or one you spot halfway through.
- Decide how strict to be. "Green" is broad, "midnight blue" is a challenge.
- Walk your normal route. It does not need to be scenic.
- Pause on each find instead of rushing to the next one.
- If you like, take photos and turn them into a collage or grid.
It costs nothing, takes no special equipment and works in a car park as well as a park. Try it on your next lunch break.
Source: TIME
