Wind Down Wednesday: Buddha Boards

I started off this Wind Down Wednesday series a few weeks back with my post on adult coloring. Not only do I want to share the ways I’ve found to deal with stress best, but writing is one of my favorites, so why not kill two birds with one stone (pats). We all have our stress, but it’s the way we handle it that makes or breaks us. And I’ve done my fair share of breaking.

Work is a place where a large portion of my stress stems from. My day-to-day features a high-intensity, fast-paced environment paired with high-dollars and high-ranking officials watching my every move. Being that I’m also a perfectionist, this is a known recipe for disaster. I end up bringing my work stress into my home far too often instead of dealing with it at the best place possible, AT WORK.

While my fiancé was browsing a local toy store at home for Christmas gifts, he stumbled across a Buddha Board.

From the creators: “Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment. You simply paint on the surface with water and your creation will come to life in bold design. Then as the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind, ready to create a whole new masterpiece.”

Knowing all too well the stress I deal with at work, he picked one up and excitedly brought it home for me (figuring $14 is worth it if it can save just a slice of my sanity). I love to think I’m #Zen; although, I’m far from it, but the idea intrigues me. So, instantly I figured I’d give this a shot.

I went to work the next day, placed the mini Buddha Board on my desk, filled the tray with water and waited for the perfect moment to test it out.

6:00am and the perfect moment had arrived (doesn’t take long when your morning starts bright and early at 4:15am). Instead of cursing under my breath (if my co-workers are lucky), as I normally would, I picked up the mini paintbrush and doodled. Just freely moving in an unclear motion in an environment that’s so rigid and restricted was INSANELY calming! I did this at least 10 times throughout the day. I really felt better and for such a small price!

I can’t always change the environment around me, so why not work on what I can!