Colouring her world

Colouring her world

A victim of glioblastoma, a highly aggressive, incurable form of brain cancer, my beloved Anne has become obsessed with colouring, which propels her into a world of complex beauty and symmetry.

Here we see Anne colouring with Latifa, her personal support worker (PSW).

Colouring is a calming and therapeutic activity, much like doing puzzles, especially for those who have experienced psychological trauma or the ravages of brain cancer and subsequent therapies. Both activities engage the mind in gentle, focused ways and can foster a sense of accomplishment and relaxation, while serving as a peaceful escape from daily stresses, sparking creativity, and providing a sense of accomplishment. Engaging in colouring can be meditative, allowing for mindfulness and relaxation, while also unlocking joyful childhood memories.

For those suffering from a brain tumor or trauma, colouring and puzzles can help maintain cognitive function, improve fine motor skills, and offer a creative outlet.

Both activities serve as soothing escapes. Colouring is often used in art therapy to help people process emotions and reduce stress. The repetitive motions and focus required for colouring can induce a meditative state, easing anxiety.

Indeed, for someone carrying psychological scars, colouring can offer much more than a simple distraction. The act of filling a blank page with vibrant hues creates an inviting gateway into a gentler, more beautiful world—one where the worries of reality momentarily recede. This mindful immersion allows the individual to experience solace, peace, and even joy, as each stroke becomes a gentle assertion of control and creativity. In this way, colouring can provide not only an escape, but a sanctuary—a place where healing begins with every shade and every line.

In the wonderful film “Puzzle,” the jigsaw puzzle serves as a powerful symbol that reflects the protagonist’s internal and external journey. The puzzle represents the complexity of life, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. As the main character assembles pieces, it mirrors her efforts to piece together aspects of her own identity and relationships.

This work, featuring Kelly MacDonald and the late great  Irrfan Khan, has always been one of our favourite films, and serves a harbinger for what Anne may pursue next: the solving of puzzles, which will call upon her sense of harmony, focus on detail, and quest to make sense of the fate which has befallen her.

Your friend,

Robert

https://robertmcbrydeauthor.com/