Yes, mandalas. Created and intended as a meditation aid. Beautiful and fun too. In this class, we were first prompted to do a drawing of our hand to give us a different focus and teach us that we can achieve a finished piece without even looking at our paper.

These mandalas here were created by my lovely and talented friends that join me for art class every two weeks. The question of the night was “Describe a pattern you see in your everyday life. Does this pattern work to your advantage or disadvantage?” We were instructed to think of our perfect day, and list all of the components of that day. Review the list and choose 5 easy symbols that reflect the words we chose. With a protractor, draw three soft circles, one inside the other. Then divide our circles into 4 quadrants. Start with the most important emblem in the center then place the other symbols taking care to place them so that they are symmetrical. Use watercolor or pencils to color in your mandala and sharpie to enhance certain features.

What would your perfect day be like? What kind of things would we surround ourselves with? In life, what is our main focus? What relaxes us? This is just another method to help us to be more mindful of our bodies, minds, and surroundings.

I encourage you to go out for a walk today. Take a close look at the scenery around you, what kinds of things do you see out there. While you are walking, do a self check. How are your feet and legs doing? Are they saying “Let’s do another lap!” or are they saying “Dude! Let’s go home!” How is your breathing? Is it slow and controlled or too fast paced? When you get back home sit down and do your own mandala. Use the prompt here and lets see what you come up with!

Once you have finished your mandala, you are supposed to be able to sit comfortably and gaze at it for several minutes in a relaxed state. Maybe sit in a low lit room with only a candle burning or the lights dim. Make sure it is a quiet comfortable space. While gazing into your mandala, clear your mind and think of nothing but that perfect day. After 5 minutes you should be able to move about your day more relaxed and ready to tackle the world. Sometimes you may need longer  to meditate and others that 5 minutes may have just been the break you needed. Until next time,

Namaste my friends.