Coloring Mandalas as a Meditation Technique
Coloring mandalas could be a great way to establish a movement meditation practice. Mandalas directly mimic the practice of meditation, which encourages you to take small steps over a period of time to release layers of the self and the outside world to reach a place of inner clarity and peace. As you color a mandala from the outside to the inside, you can focus on letting go of an external thought, worry, or burden with each layer and concentrate on being present in the current moment. Then, as you continue to color and move closer and closer to the innermost layer, your thoughts about yourself and the outside world can begin to dissipate and your mind and body can begin to feel more connected, engaged, lighter, and free.. Each mandala is a unique professional quality creation hand drawn by the artist, that you will find no where else. Perfect for every age and skill level. Increasingly more complex mandala designs as you progress through the book. Your skills will grow as you color. Each image is printed on its own one sided page of pure white paper to minimize scoring and bleed-through.
Healing Benefits of Coloring Mandalas
From more serious conditions like dementia or PTSD to more common issues like stress or fatigue, mandalas can have healing benefits. Coloring mandalas activates both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Because of the concentric circular pattern of mandalas, the coloring process is a journey that incorporates both creative self-expression and logic.
The organized and somewhat linear nature of the concentric circles creates structure and boosts focus. The left brain is triggered to hone in on the details and organization of the mandala. Then, within those parameters, there's room for individuality and imagination. The right brain is able to access the inner self and deep-rooted desires that want to be expressed at the time of creation.
Mandalas and Mindfulness
Coloring and mindfulness go hand in hand, so what makes coloring mandalas particularly special? The reason calls back to the use of the two sides of the brain in tandem and the balance of freedom and structure that mandalas create.The concentric circular pattern of mandalas requires the brain to focus and be active in the present moment. This immediately helps to deter the mind from wandering to the past or contemplating the future. However, it's balanced by the opportunity to express creativity through coloring the mandala, which allows the mind to open and expand. The perfect harmony of concentration and freedom lets the mind become fully absorbed in the current moment. This is what makes coloring mandalas an excellent activity to incorporate into any mindfulness practice.