The Mandala is a perfect sacred sphere which predates history and represents wholeness, they are used within many spiritual traditions including, Aztecs, Hindu, Islamic art, Native American, and notably Tibetan Buddhism, and samples of them can be found in the windows of some Christian churches., the mandala is the union of the self and the universe, well known in Jungian psychology and used for exploring the hidden recesses of the self, it is considered symbolic of the effort to reunify the self, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung said “ drawing mandalas expands ones thinking, exercises integrity, exposes unconscious traits, focuses attention, and brings self knowledge, it calms and relaxes the psyche” Mandalas are as easy or as difficult as you want them to be and are suitable and helpful for all ages, all that is needed is a square piece of paper and basic geometry, and any of the following, coloured pencils, felt pens, crayons, or paint, whatever medium you choose, it is possible to download or buy the designs for both adults and children, myself I have found it very simple and better if possible to make them yourself beginning with a compass, plate or lid to draw the circle , using basic geometric tools and following the simple instructions for the basic geometric design.

Anyone who is caring for someone who is in the first stages of dementia or Alzheimers, or who is coping with a hyperactive child, and maybe suffering from stress themselves will find as I have that drawing mandalas is a great help, to give you an example of my own experience, the results I achieved and explaining what a mandala is you can then proceed to enjoy the benefits that drawing mandalas bring, and I am sure your results will surprise you. Each and every mandala is unique to the individual and you cannot make a mistake, you can take as long as you want to with regard to the time taken doing it, you can work as slowly or as fast as you want to, putting it down and resuming its completion when you are ready, it is best to persevere and finish it as it is always a lovely and sometimes amazing surprise, those who are caring for anyone who has the first stages of dementia knows that it affects the frontal lobes of the brain, decision making, lack of focus, attention and concentration, maybe memory difficulties. When I first introduced the idea of drawing mandalas to my husband who was diagnosed with dementia several years ago he reminded me that all his life although he was very good at maths he had no imagination, or artistic creative ability, after explaining the basics to him he was willing and ready to begin drawing his first mandala.. When creating a mandala it entails using both hemispheres of the brain, the logical. And the creative, also decision making in choosing the pattern and colours, at first he was hesitant, but with gentle persuasion and encouragement he gained confidence and continued, I watched his concentration improve and the smile on his face as the pattern emerged, he surprised himself at his creative art, and it was an excellent and pleasing effort, I joined him in his efforts by drawing my own mandala and both of us found it very relaxing, I have found making a mandala is good for me also as it relieves stress. There is achievement, and a feeling of well being and satisfaction in making a mandala, and children find joy and calm relaxation in doing them too, and it has been known to have a very good effect on their behaviour. There is much more to learn about what a mandala truly is, you will find very good links below with interesting and valuable information and pictures. Only by making the effort do we achieve anything and making a mandala is truly worth it for everyone.

 

To view Larger Pictures please press here.....Ken Halls Mandalas

Useful links

What is a mandala  Madala Project

Mandala colouring includes easy samples for beginners  Mandala Colouring

Kids craft mandalas  Creative Kids at Home



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