Colors of Reflection

A project can take you back through memory lane, evoking feelings and stirring forgotten moments. The human psyche is truly fascinating. During my recent vacation, I experienced the stark contrast between busyness and relaxation. The first half of my trip was filled with the energetic buzz of art Basel, where I immersed myself in art exhibits, savored delicious food, and danced the nights away. But then, seeking solace and tranquility, I ventured to Fort Lauderdale.

In Fort Lauderdale, I discovered a magical place called Thermae, a retreat center that offered the perfect environment for resetting and embracing quiet time. For four days, I spent 3-4 hours each day at Thermae, following a calming routine. I would begin in the meditation room, losing myself in the intricate patterns of coloring mandalas for an hour. Then, I would enter the infrared sauna, where I found solace in chanting 108 times to gamesh, feeling a sense of complete recalibration.

Next, I would take a refreshing cold shower in the serene zen garden area before returning to the meditation room. Sitting in the chair surrounded by the soothing vibrations of Tibetan bowls, I allowed myself to be enveloped in a sense of peace. Finally, I would enter the finishing sauna, chanting to quan yin 108 times, before concluding with a shower and getting dressed.

During one of my deep coloring sessions, a distant memory from my fourth-grade years suddenly resurfaced. It was a memory of a long-forgotten crush I had on a boy. Although I couldn't recall his name, I vividly remembered a class project we worked on together. Our teacher had assigned us to draw and color a woman in a dress, and all the drawings were displayed on the walls for a class vote. It was inspired by a book our class was reading called The Hundred Dresses.

I distinctly recall my own dress, adorned with rainbow colors, but what stood out even more were the two best dresses in the class. One belonged to a talented artist named Alex Tu, and the other was this classy looking woman with a blue hat. I don’t remember the name of the classmate that drew it, only how stunning the piece was.

I had a crush on a boy in my class. Despite his lack of skill, he confided in me about his disappointment with his creation. His piece was a stick figure woman that didn’t have much to her. As we voted anonymously on each other's pieces, I intentionally chose his as my favorite because I liked him.

When the results were revealed, and he discovered that someone had voted for his dress, his face lit up with joy. I can still picture his smile and the excitement in his voice as he exclaimed, "Someone voted for mine! I can't believe it!" That moment, so vivid in my mind, resurfaced as I colored in the retreat center. Perhaps it was the act of coloring that unlocked this memory, or maybe it was the quietude and introspection that allowed me to access a deeper part of my brain.

In that moment, I realized the power of small gestures and the impact they can have on others. It made me ponder the connections between creativity, self-expression, and the human experience. How often do we underestimate the significance of our actions, unaware of the lasting impressions they may leave on others? As I continued to color, I couldn't help but wonder how many other forgotten memories and profound reflections lay dormant within me, waiting to be awakened.

In the end, this simple act of coloring became a catalyst for introspection and a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human mind. It served as a testament to the power of art, expression, and the profound impact we can have on others, even in the smallest of ways.

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