Ali talks to us about mandalas
The word Mandala is from Sanskrit meaning circle and representing the universe and wholeness. We see mandalas in many aspects of life.
It is known to help gain insight into our inner and outer world.
It can help us to form psychological boundaries, to find our own space and separate from others when we need to.
Importantly it gives us the opportunity to stay in the moment, enhance creativity, decision making and problem solving.
Mandalas can help us organise ideas and goals.
Enable us to express feelings, thoughts, hopes, fears and dreams and decrease anxiety and stress levels.
They can be a focus for meditation and mindfulness as it is helpful to focus on a personal object.
Mandalas can support the integration of our inner and outer worlds aiding personal growth, transformation and self-awareness.
Our self-esteem is increased as clients are encouraged to honour their uniqueness
Often anxious energy is expended, whilst retaining healthy energy.
Mandalas have also been known to lower blood pressure and reduce tension.
Look around you and notice how many mandalas you can see.
Try this mandala
Draw a circle and divide the circle in half. Fill in one half of the circle with what is in your heart and the other half with what is in your mind.
Notice the similarities and differences between the heart and mind symbolism. If the heart side of the mandala represents feelings and the mind side of the mandala represents thoughts, which one is stronger. Which one seems more important at the moment?
Remember: feelings are not necessarily facts, and thoughts may positively or negatively affect our behaviours.
Hope this is useful
Ali
