What is a Mandala?
According to Nora Swan-Foster, "The mandala, which means 'circle' in Sanskrit, is both a spiritual and ritual symbol in Eastern religions, suggesting an image of the universe, or of the cosmos that holds all life.....The mandala is well researched by Art Therapists, and is often used in art projects because it ignites this ancient place within the psyche and provides a contemplative and compensatory calming vessel to hold chaotic unconscious material." In Cathy Malchiodi's Psychology Today bog post about mandala's she discusses how various spiritual practices across the globe have gravitated towards the circular design to bring forth the sacred, as well as how art therapists over time have seen their clients use circular designs in their work time and again.
In art therapy practices we often use mandalas as a form of bringing forth calm, exploring the inner world of the client, while also providing a safe and containing space in which to explore and express oneself. Creating your own or coloring in a mandala has been shown to lower blood pressure, activate the calming effects of parasympathetic nervous system. While most people are familiar with the adult coloring books which are filled with beautiful flower styled mandalas, a mandala is essentially a design within a circle and does not need to be symmetrical or perfect.
In art therapy practices we often use mandalas as a form of bringing forth calm, exploring the inner world of the client, while also providing a safe and containing space in which to explore and express oneself. Creating your own or coloring in a mandala has been shown to lower blood pressure, activate the calming effects of parasympathetic nervous system. While most people are familiar with the adult coloring books which are filled with beautiful flower styled mandalas, a mandala is essentially a design within a circle and does not need to be symmetrical or perfect.
Community Building While Social Distancing
The Mandala Project
During this time of crisis, uncertainty, and social distancing with COVID-19, one can often feel alone or disconnected. The mission behind this project is to help people feel more connected with others across the country and globe in a creative way. Each participant is asked to design a petal that will be added to the ever growing mandala design.
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Here's what you need to do:
1. Click on the image of the petal below to download the JPEG file you need. 2. Print & work on your design. Remember it doesn't have to be perfect! It can be whatever you want it to be and you are welcome to use what ever materials you have to decorate your petal. 3. After completing your petal design either email me a picture of it or you scan and email it back to me at MandalaProject2020@gmail.com |
The rest is up to me! I will then add it into the mandala design and post updates twice a week of our ever growing mandala. You will be able to see the design grow and change across various platforms including this website, Facebook, and Instagram.
To download the petal design click on the image below!
