by Carrie
Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle. Much more than a circle, it is a symbol for wholeness, with no beginning and no end. Its shape is one that has been existent in nature since the beginning of time. One can find its shape in a cell, a flower, a tree, a snowflake, a hurricane, or even in a familiar face. The mandala is a quiet power, silently inherent in our lives, whether or not we consciously know of it.
For thousands of years, the mandala has been used throughout the world in many different ways; functioning as calendars, astral observatories, ceremonial centers, and objects of ritual and meditation. What makes the mandala a universal symbol is the fact that regardless of religion, lifestyle, beliefs, and values, all cultures have made use of it in one way or another.
I wrote my art therapy master's thesis on mandalas and their effect on adolescents with anxiety and depression. I have found that over the years, my experience with using mandalas in counseling has supported my original theory that mandalas provide a safe space for healing creative expression. No matter the age, ethnicity or problem of the client, as long as they were willing to create, I have witnessed that the response or outcome has been the same. I have seen individuals who have not picked up an art material since they were a child, find that the circle invited them to express an emotion through art in a way that their words could not express. I have also observed the mandala's power as a tool for relaxation and mindfulness, where in the act of coloring a balanced design brought peace and focus to one's state of mind.
In conclusion, and to put it more simply, I have witnessed mandalas work wonders for my clients, so they may work for you too. I invite you to trace a paper plate on a page and scribble something inside. It doesn't matter what it looks like, because it represents your inner emotion and energy, which is not meant to be judged. Or if you would like to try to color a mandala design, put on some calming music and focus all your attention on the colors you choose and the motion of your hand on the page. For some free printable mandala designs, click on the link below.
Free Printable Mandalas
Mandala is the Sanskrit word for circle. Much more than a circle, it is a symbol for wholeness, with no beginning and no end. Its shape is one that has been existent in nature since the beginning of time. One can find its shape in a cell, a flower, a tree, a snowflake, a hurricane, or even in a familiar face. The mandala is a quiet power, silently inherent in our lives, whether or not we consciously know of it.
For thousands of years, the mandala has been used throughout the world in many different ways; functioning as calendars, astral observatories, ceremonial centers, and objects of ritual and meditation. What makes the mandala a universal symbol is the fact that regardless of religion, lifestyle, beliefs, and values, all cultures have made use of it in one way or another.
I wrote my art therapy master's thesis on mandalas and their effect on adolescents with anxiety and depression. I have found that over the years, my experience with using mandalas in counseling has supported my original theory that mandalas provide a safe space for healing creative expression. No matter the age, ethnicity or problem of the client, as long as they were willing to create, I have witnessed that the response or outcome has been the same. I have seen individuals who have not picked up an art material since they were a child, find that the circle invited them to express an emotion through art in a way that their words could not express. I have also observed the mandala's power as a tool for relaxation and mindfulness, where in the act of coloring a balanced design brought peace and focus to one's state of mind.
In conclusion, and to put it more simply, I have witnessed mandalas work wonders for my clients, so they may work for you too. I invite you to trace a paper plate on a page and scribble something inside. It doesn't matter what it looks like, because it represents your inner emotion and energy, which is not meant to be judged. Or if you would like to try to color a mandala design, put on some calming music and focus all your attention on the colors you choose and the motion of your hand on the page. For some free printable mandala designs, click on the link below.
Free Printable Mandalas
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