What is Mandala and Art Therapy?
The Mandala, a Sanskrit term meaning both ‘circle’ and ‘completion’, carries a rich history and is acknowledged for its profound spiritual significance and embodiment of unity. The act of sketching or colouring a mandala is often found to be a meditative process. As individuals concentrate on filling the patterns of the design, they experience relaxation, and mental tranquility, and may even transcend into a spiritual realm.
The act of crafting a mandala is inherently therapeutic and emblematic. The selection of shapes and hues mirrors your inner state during the creation process. The renowned psychoanalyst Carl Jung described the mandala as ‘an expression of the unconscious self.’
The key aspect to remember about this tool is that the emphasis is not on the end result, but rather on the journey. It’s about discovering a creative outlet for self-expression and a serene method to stay present in the moment explains the leading contemporary artist in India, Shantala Palat.
Regarding the Process
Following the Compassion session on Tuesday morning, you ventured outdoors to engage with your parents
and confront your negative and positive grave. Once this was accomplished, you returned indoors to find an array of paper and coloring supplies. You were encouraged to utilize these materials to articulate your current emotions. The image that emerged from this process was your Compassion mandala.
What is the Post-Process Tool Usage?
Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, coloring, modeling, or collage can be a wonderful way to achieve a meditative state. This experience can be further enriched by spending time in nature, performing a Quad Check, or listening to a visualization, all of which can help you connect with your Spiritual Self.
How to Create a Mandala?
You may try the following to create a Mandala:
Draw a large circle on a piece of paper.
Choose a box of crayons or pastels and let your instinct guide your creation on the page. Express yourself in the form that feels most natural at the moment.
Consider experimenting with the expression of each part of your Quadrinity. Allow them to freely express. What will your Intellect, Emotional Self, Body, and finally, your Spiritual Self express?
Remember, don’t judge your creation, be open and curious about what wants to be expressed.
What are the Other Creative or Art Activities You Might Try?
Collaging: This is another way to express yourself creatively. Browse through some magazines, notice which images attract you, and cut or tear them out. Then, glue the pieces onto a piece of paper, allowing your intuition to guide you. This can also assist in refining your Vision.
Art Classes: Participate in an art class to tap into your creative abilities. Try to enjoy the experience for its own sake, even if it’s a stretch for you behaviorally.
Coloring: This can be a relaxing part of your self-care toolkit. Purchase a coloring book, or download images from a free image website like Pixabay, and immerse yourself in the moment with your favorite coloring pens or pencils.
Modeling Clay: This can be another form of creative expression, and can be repurposed for other tools like cathartic release work and fun, play, and humor too. Use your whole body, your voice, and your intention to express as you work.
