The Healing Art of the Mandala
Mandala Art represents the universe or the ‘self’ and in building or creating one you can reveal what is in your soul. I use Mandala Art as a healing tool.
Buddhist Monks chant and/or meditate on something specific while they spend days building Mandalas in large spaces with colored sand. In India with flower petals. Once completed, the Monks simply blow it away as an offering to the universe to take forth their intentions for healing and answers.
With this in mind, my Mandala Building workshops focus on intentional art. What is on your mind and in your heart whether it be a challenging circumstance or a question of should I or shouldn’t I? It may be something that causes for concern or a life changing decision or it can be a focus on what direction to take to get closer to arraign your goals.
When building our Mandala we focus on our intentions, opening our hearts and minds to the possibilities while breathing deeply and creating symmetrical designs. Even the mistakes become a part of the design just like life itself!
The final creation of a Mandala comes in many forms. I have done paintings on canvas with acrylic paint and India ink. Painting Mandalas on stones and large rocks takes on a very organic journey for me. I meditate at the waters edge while collecting and holding each stone, giving thanks and taking its energy and then very thoughtfully add a mandala to it. A unique reminder of your accomplishments or a lovely gift for a loved one, even a special touch for the garden!
For Summer Solstice my family and I built a Sun Mandala in the sand to pay homage to the Sun and Mother Earth giving thanks for the warmth and light. A fun and an interactive lesson for children to take pause, focus and be grateful for nature and beauty around them.
Whatever and however you choose to build your own Mandala, have fun and be reflective keeping an open mind and heart. Always remember, it’s the journey that counts and you will see just how beautiful the outcome turns out to be!
These beautiful Mandalas were created by my students at Durham Mental Health Services in the New Leaf Program!
