Draw a River

What is Draw a River?

Draw a line with your finger. Water fills it, little fish swim along, and flowers and stones appear on the banks. It is one of 23 small, calm places in Pocket Meadow, a relaxation app for iPhone and iPad.

What it looks and feels like

The meadow is soft green with little tufts of grass. As your finger moves, a sandy riverbank appears and fresh blue water flows along it. Small koi and fish swim with the current, lily pads float on the surface, and white flowers, reeds, stones and bushes pop up along the banks. Every river you draw looks different, and every one feels alive.

Why it can help you slow down

Drawing slowly is a lovely way to focus on one simple thing. In Draw a River there is no right or wrong shape: any line you draw becomes a living stream.

Watching water and fish follow your own line is gently absorbing, which many people find helps their busy thoughts quieten down.

How to use Draw a River

1. Open Draw a River. A soft green meadow waits.
2. Draw a line slowly with your finger.
3. Watch water flow along it and fish swim in.
4. Lily pads, stones, flowers and reeds appear along the banks.
5. Undo or clear to start a new river.

When to use it

• When you want something creative but easy
• When your mind is busy and needs one thing to follow
• With children, as a calm activity
• On a short break away from work

Tips for a calmer moment

• Draw slowly for a smoother river.
• Try long, winding curves.
• Use the speed control to make the water calmer.
• Draw several rivers that meet.

Try it without the app

Take a pen and paper and slowly draw a winding river from one corner to the other. Add little stones, fish and flowers. Go slowly and follow the line with your eyes.

Good to know

Draw a River is one of the free places in Pocket Meadow, so you can try it straight after downloading the app. It belongs to the Create & grow group. You can change how fast every place moves with the pace button on the home screen (slow, normal or lively), and turn sounds and gentle vibration on or off. Pocket Meadow has no ads and no account, and collects no data: what you write, draw or photograph stays on your iPhone or iPad.

Questions

Pocket Meadow is a relaxation app, not a medical treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a doctor or someone you trust.