Companion page

Quiet Circles

A Calm Mandala Coloring Book for Adults and Teens: 50 Designs from Bold and Easy to Intricate

The designs start bold and easy, with thick lines and big shapes, and get gradually more detailed toward the back of the book. Open it at the front on a tired day, or further in when you want something to sink into.

The Jellypaper Calm app is on its way. When it's ready, this same link will open the book inside the app.

The 50 designs

01

Start anywhere. There is no right first color.
02

Breathe in for four counts and out for six. Then pick up a pencil.
03

Color one petal slowly, as if it were the only one on the page.
04

Notice your shoulders. Let them drop a little.
05

Choose three colors and use only those today.
06

If your mind wanders, that's fine. Come back to the next shape.
07

Before you begin, name five things you can see around you.
08

Try coloring from the center out.
09

Now try it the other way, from the edge in.
10

Leave some shapes white. Empty space is part of the design.
11

Feel the pencil in your hand. Notice how hard you're pressing.
12

Pick a color that reminds you of a place you liked being.
13

Hum quietly while you color. Low and slow.
14

There's no deadline here. Half a page is still a page.
15

Breathe out for longer than you breathe in. Three times.
16

Color only the circles first and see what appears.
17

Unclench your jaw. Let your tongue rest.
18

Mistakes can stay. They often look better a day later.
19

Use the darkest color you own somewhere on this page.
20

Listen for the quietest sound in the room.
21

Try two shades of the same color side by side.
22

Leave your phone in another room for this one.
23

Count your breaths up to ten, then start again at one.
24

Color this one with someone you care about in mind.
25

Choose colors by feel, not by plan.
26

Notice your feet on the floor. They're holding you up.
27

Make one ring all the same color and rest your eyes there.
28

Warm colors on one side, cool colors on the other.
29

Take a sip of water before you begin.
30

Slow your hand down by half.
31

What do you need right now? You can write it in the margin.
32

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
33

Color the background first and see what changes.
34

Let this page stay unfinished if that feels better.
35

Pick the color you use least and give it a turn.
36

Notice where the light falls in your room right now.
37

Press lightly first, then go over it again for depth.
38

Think of a sound you love while you color.
39

Stretch your fingers wide, then begin.
40

One color per ring. Go around like a clock.
41

Remember something kind someone once said to you.
42

Color five shapes, then pause for one slow breath.
43

Look out of a window for ten seconds before you start.
44

Let the pencil wander and follow where it goes.
45

Borrow colors from something near you: a mug, a plant, a sleeve.
46

Breathe in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four.
47

You don't have to finish to have done enough.
48

Try a color you think you don't like.
49

Notice one thing that went right today.
50

This is the last one. Take all the time you want.

A note on care

This book is for relaxation and creative enjoyment. It is not a medical device and is not a substitute for professional care. If you are struggling, please talk to someone: in India call Tele-MANAS on 14416, in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123, in the US call or text 988.