time required: 5+ minutes 

materials: camera & journal (optional)

benefits: stimulates visual processing, heightens awareness, increases visual memory, sparks inspiration

Pick one color and take 5 minutes to observe and record everything you see in this color. You can take a walk, or do this at home, in the office, or even in the room where you are. Notice every instance of this color. What are the different shades of the color? How does the color change in the context of what is next to it? What does the materiality of the color - hard, soft, synthetic, natural? What does the light do to the color? If you are inside, look out the windows and see what you find in the color and how it differs from what is inside. Record your observations and take note of your favorite shades, color combinations and how they differ. Take pictures with your phone or camera if you like.

This exercise continues to encourage a connection with your surroundings and nature while honing your observation skills.  80% of our sensory impressions are registered from sight, so color is an important stimulus for the brain. Intentionally focusing on a single color stimulates the brain's visual processing and heightens awareness.  You will be more attuned to nuances, increase your visual memory, and potentially spark new ideas or inspiration.