Drawing is one of the effective ways to release feelings and connect with inner wisdom. Drawing can be a way to let go of the energy blocked in the mind and the body without having to use words to name inner experiences. Children and youth, in particular, can benefit from drawing their feelings and memo- ries, as well as create positive images for themselves and their future.
Mandalas
Mandalas are circular drawings and designs that are found in many cultures around the world—Asia, India, the Middle East, Africa, and in Ma-yan and other indigenous cultures of the Americas. The word “mandala” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning, “circle”. Psychologist Carl Jung thought of the mandala as a universal
expression of the human psyche. He used mandalas to help people to integrate their rational and intuitive selves. By reflecting on the mandalas we create, we can see more deeply into our intuitive nature and inner wisdom.
Drawing a Mandala
Mandala drawing can be a simple exercise with individuals or groups. All that is needed are some pencils and scraps of paper. You can trace a circle on a clean sheet of paper, or you can draw your own circle. If colored pens or crayons are available you can use a variety of colors to spontaneously compose images to fill in the circle. Use whatever strokes your hands feel the need to express. This practice does not require artistic skill. Often the trained artist has a harder time being spontaneous. Don’t judge your drawing or the quality of your work. Your drawing may extend beyond the boundary of the circle to fill the page as you like. Get in touch with colors or shapes that flow intuitively through your hand onto the page. Mandala drawings can also be done with the non-dominant hand.