Exploring The Therapeutic Benefits Of Engaging In Creative Mandala Art

Since the 1940s, art therapy has become one of the most preferred mediums of therapy, which helps patients externalise their emotions and manifest their thoughts into a more concrete outcome. It could be any internal struggle, a deep-rooted turmoil, situational distress, or pure joy that can be reflected in the artwork, and this whole process becomes a therapy. Creative mandala art is one such art form that has been embraced by young and old alike, not only for its attractive and colourful presentation but also because of its therapeutic benefits. The creative mandala art, which is the Sanskrit word for ‘circle’ or ‘completion’, symbolises the spiritual concept of wholeness. That is why, colouring a certain creative mandala art, or drawing one, is in itself a very meditative and cathartic process for the creator. With every circle or pattern that is drawn inside the Mandala, the creator takes one step forward towards relaxation, eventually gaining complete peace. With every shape of the creative mandala art, and the numerous shades of colour that can be filled into the diagram, a creator represents a part of himself or herself in the art unconsciously. According to psychoanalyst Carl Jung, a creative mandala art is an art form, where the unconscious self of human beings gets represented. 

1. Improved concentration

Inattentiveness or lack of concentration are some of the common problems that children often complain about. Even adults sometimes find it too hard to focus on the work at hand, either due to their overworked brains or immeasurable stress. Creating Mandalas can help to practise meditation and relax while concentrating on the artwork at the same time. It is quite obvious that creating each of the shapes, patterns, and intricate fabric within the Mandala artworks requires unwavering attention, which increases the level of self-awareness and improves concentration to a great extent. For the children practising creative mandala art on a regular basis, can help them to reorient their mind after an entire day of studies, and for the adults as well, doodling a mandala during leisure can invigorate the mind, thereby improving concentration at the same time.

2. Compliments psychotherapy sessions

Ever since the Mandala Art has been used by Carl Jung for therapeutic purposes, it has been a subject of research for many psychologists. With years of research, groundbreaking evidence of the therapeutic benefits of creative mandala art could be accumulated. For example, creative mandala art has been known to alleviate the mental health issues that accompany post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or emotional disorders. Also, multiple research studies have indicated that the individuals who practise mandala art, find the process of creating one to be self-calming, which in itself enhances the mood and minimises stress.

3. Helps in self-exploration

If you consider the process of creating creative mandala art to be a journey, every phase of its creation would be like a colourful moment, where the final product would be like reaching the destination, feeling complete. With every step of the colours that are filled into a mandala art, the inner self also undergoes a major transformation, as the creator also experiences a variety of emotions, which eventually culminate into the highly illustrious Mandala design. Sometimes you might feel your life taking the worst turns possible, and you are afraid to take another step fearing some unexpected challenges. However, with the practice of creating Mandala Art, individuals can explore their own fears and passions while at the same time feeling connected with the wholeness of existence and the harmony of the universe. If you ever question your existence or doubt yourself, developing a mandala art can help you to navigate the dark alleys of your own doubt and emerge enlightened.

4. Emotional healing

Very often people become agitated as the serenity of their mind is disrupted by the chaotic surroundings, and they crave a few moments of peace and solitude. When the toxicity becomes too much to endure and the vulnerability escalates to the point of insanity, indulging in mandala art creation can facilitate the process of emotional healing. Every art form has healing properties as people learn to let go of their trauma and pain with every stroke of the brush or splash of colours. However, the creation of Mandala Art has the power of purging the negative emotions and giving a safe and creative outlet for self-reflection, which is very important for the healing process to begin. The healing powers of the Mandala Art have been hailed by the Native Americans as well, for whom the circles and the patterns represented the restoration of the heart, body, and mind.

5. Greatest stressbuster

The regular life of human beings is overwrought with inexplicable amounts of stress that can be attributed to personal issues or work pressure, and it eventually jeopardises both the physical and mental well-being. However, if you want to explore your artistic flair in a simple yet innovative way to alleviate your stress, mandala art is your easiest escapade. In this world of geometric patterns and the explosion of colours, each of the Mandala diagrams unifies the mind and spirit of the individuals while drawing away the stress of regular life slowly. The more the creator immerses in the art, the quieter the mind becomes, thereby allowing peace and tranquillity to settle in.

So, the next time you feel like you have too many pent-up emotions that you simply cannot express, fearing catastrophic consequences, all you need to do is get your pen and paper and start doodling. Not only would each stroke feel cathartic, but also let you channel your stress and negativity through the art. Also, if you are not quite comfortable with the traditional pen-and-paper format, you could always opt for the countless apps or websites that are dedicated to the creation of Mandala Arts which would also be a meditative journey for you.

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