How a Rooftop Painting Session Helped Me Break My Routine

When Life Feels Like Groundhog Day

Wake up, coffee, office, lunch, more office, home, Netflix, sleep, repeat. Sound familiar? That was my life until I stumbled upon a rooftop painting session that completely changed my perspective – literally and figuratively.

The Morning That Changed Everything

It was a Saturday morning, and I was about to settle into my usual weekend routine (read: doing absolutely nothing productive) when my colleague sent me a GoWeekends link. "Rooftop painting," she said. "Perfect for beginners. What's the worst that could happen?"

Famous last words.

First Brush Strokes

The rooftop overlooked the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar, but something about being above it all made the chaos seem peaceful. Our instructor, Meera, was this incredibly calming presence who made it clear that there were no rules – just colors and imagination.

"Paint what you feel, not what you see," she said. Revolutionary concept for someone who'd spent years following instructions and meeting deadlines.

The Revelation

Halfway through the session, as I was mixing blues and yellows to capture the morning sky, I realized I hadn't checked my phone once. My mind wasn't racing through Monday's meetings or weekend chores. I was just... present.

For someone who lives in constant planning mode, this felt like discovering a superpower.

Beyond the Painting

What I took home wasn't just a (surprisingly decent) painting of the Bhubaneswar skyline. I discovered:

• Mindfulness without meditation: Painting forced me to focus on the moment
• Permission to be imperfect: My painting wasn't gallery-worthy, and that was perfectly okay
• A new community: Met people who became regular weekend companions
• A creative outlet: Started painting regularly at home
• Stress relief: Better than any gym session

The Ripple Effect

That one painting session led to more creative experiments. I tried pottery next, then photography walks, even a cooking class. Each new experience added color to what had become a very monochrome life.

My apartment now has paintings from various rooftop sessions – each one a reminder that creativity doesn't require talent, just willingness to try.

The Science Behind the Magic

Turns out, there's actual research backing up what I experienced. Painting activates both sides of the brain, reduces cortisol levels, and improves focus. It's like meditation, but with visible results.

Why Rooftops Make It Better

There's something about the elevation that changes your perspective. You're removed from street-level stress but still connected to the city's energy. The changing light throughout the session adds natural drama to your work.

Plus, the Instagram photos don't hurt either.

Your Turn to Paint the Town

If you're feeling stuck in routine, overwhelmed by life, or just curious about tapping into your creative side, give rooftop painting a try. You don't need to be artistic – you just need to be open to surprising yourself.

Who knows? You might paint your way out of your comfort zone and into a whole new perspective on life.