How to Apply Mandalas for Self-Improvement and Reflective Personality
How to Apply Mandalas for Self-Improvement and Reflective Personality
Mandalas are circles that are filled with intricate designs, reflecting wholeness and unity, used in various cultures throughout history for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Since the designs are symmetrical, they emit an image of being in balance, thereby making it a very effective tool for growth and reflection. Here's how you can incorporate mandalas in your journey of self-discovery.
Understanding the Significance of Mandalas
Mandala," from the Sanskrit words meaning "circle," and which are symbolic of the universe in many of the world's spiritual traditions, represent a visual version of the cosmos. People use mandalas as a tool to center themselves in both thought and emotion, providing a structure for introspection and self-discovery. Focusing upon the shape or activity of creating or coloring often brings a sense and peace that allows a deeper look into one's interior life.
Making Your Mandala
Collect What You Need: You will need paper and colored pencils, markers, or paints. You can have a precut and drawn mandala, or you can draw your own. Mandalas are beautiful in their simplicity; do not worry about perfection, but the process.
Quiet Space: Choose a quiet space for concentration with minimal distraction. You could do this at home, in a cozy corner, in the garden, or in some other friendly spot.
Take a minute to think about what you might want to achieve by doing this exercise. Clarity, stress reduction, or understanding on some topic? Intention may help your creative process along.
Reflective Process
As you are drawing or coloring your mandala, let your mind just wander. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Are patterns emerging? Are the colors symbolic of emotions? This is one of the most profound insights you can get into your own self and experiences through mindful observation.
Color Symbolism: Colours also represent various feelings and states of existence. For example, the color blue may call out for serenity, while the color red stands for passion. Try colors out and see what makes you feel that way about their intentions and emotions.
Patterns and Shapes: Do you notice any patterns in your mandala? Patterns may be repeating to represent themes or parts of your personality that are repeating their frequency in your life. Contemplation about these patterns can help you discover areas where you'd like to grow.
Mandalas as a Tool for Daily Reflection:
Mandalas can be integrated into your daily life as a source of lifelong self-growth. Dedicate one or two minutes each day to coloring or making a mini-mandala, then journal about any insights that surfaced during the process. Some prompt ideas to consider when writing in the journal are:
What emotions surfaced for me in this creative exercise?
Were there thoughts or patterns that surprised me?
How might I apply these insights to my everyday life?
Mandalas are beautiful designs, but they are so much more than that: powerful instruments of reflection and development. They help you look at your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Expressed in drawing and colored mandalas, this can be a perfect way to come in touch with yourself on a new level. Take your supplies, set your intentions, and off to this new journey of self-discovery!
How to Apply Mandalas for Self-Improvement and Reflective Personality
