Mandalas are one of the world’s most ancient and persistent symbols. The Mandala (Sanskrit for “circle” or “completion”) has a long history and is recognized for its deep spiritual meaning and representation of wholeness. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung has called mandalas a representation of the unconscious self. Zendalas incorporate the principles of mandalas, but using tangles and patterns. As a mindfulness activity, mandalas and zendalas can help you focus on the present.
Many people and cultures have vouched for the mandala’s intrinsic meaning. Buddhists, Tibetans, and Hindus have all derived meaning from the mandala and its captivating beauty. Psychoanalyst Carl Jung has called it “a representation of the unconscious self.” The mandala is widely recognized as a meaningful reflection of its creator. Mandala art therapy & healing can be a great source of reflection on one’s soul.
Mandalas can be seen all around us, but are not just people-centric. They are larger than life. Mandalas represent life as we know it, but they also represent a larger ecosystem and universe that exceeds our consciousness. Mandalas and zendalas help our brains experience relief by entering a meditative state. Imagery is a form of meditation, and meditation can be a great tool for healing and restoring. The very nature of creating a mandala or zendala is therapeutic and symbolic. Whatever you are feeling at the time you make your mandala will be represented in your art. Zendalas incorporate the principles of mandalas, using tangles (patterns) – they are often used by younger children as an introduction to the concept of mandalas as they can be segmented and filled with easy to draw patterns. Zendalas and Mandalas are snapshots of our emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing leading to a more meaningful and authentic life.
The very nature of creating a mandala is therapeutic and symbolic. The shapes and colors you create in your mandala art therapy will reflect your inner self at the time of creation. Your instinct and feeling should inspire and guide you through the process of creation. As with most art therapy, it’s not about the final product, it’s about the journey. Creating mandalas is a personal, introspective activity that can be thought of as visual journaling. When you reach your destination, you will have a representation of something meaningful and personal, a snapshot of you for a brief moment in time expressed through your mandala. Once weve finished our mandalas and zendalas, we will reflect on the connections between your creations and the emotions that you experienced while creating.
