If you like art, you probably know the beauty of mandalas. These figures are more than just circles to paint: help achieve emotional balance and enhance self-knowledge. In this note we tell you about the multiple benefits of creating and coloring mandalas.
This ancient technique, which comes from the East, is currently in fashion in different areas: in fashion, the arts, book covers and especially associated with meditation and bohemian life. However, beyond its beautiful facade, it is proven that looking at mandalas can promote states of relaxation.
What are mandalas?
These are complex circular drawings with geometric and undulating shapes. They are used in the practice of meditationboth Buddhist and Hindu. The word comes from Sanskrit and means “magic circle“. They have been used since ancient times for various purposes, always linked to meditative contemplation and art.
relation to psychoanalysis
The mandalas gained popularity and worldwide reach thanks to the Psychologist Carl Gustav Jungwho based on the school of analytical psychology, began to use them with his patients to understand the essence of the human soul.
In the sessions, Jung asked the analysands to they will create their own mandalas with simplicity and spontaneity, to later draw conclusions about their experiences and projections. He considered that andhe center of the mandala symbolizes the “self”” that the subject tries to perfect thanks to the individuation process.
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The curious thing is that, although not everyone knew the mandalas or had seen photos before, they all drew similar forms that are part of the iconography of the human being since its origins: suns, moons, animals and various figures that have a meaning for the human psyche.
For this reason, Jung held that mandalas are a representation of the collective unconsciousthat is, the imaginary of symbols common to all humanity throughout history.
multiple benefits
Creating and coloring mandalas is a form of art therapy. It is proven that filling the drawings with colors and even designing our own circles allows us to access a contemplative state. Some of its main benefits are:
- Gets bettern our ability to concentrate
- It is an excellent tool for meditation
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels
- Let our rational part rest
- Represents a workout for the brain
- They enhance creativity
- They help to reconnect with the inner girl or boy
- Encourages expression of emotions and feelings
- Stimulates the immune system
Keys to painting therapeutic mandalas
You can paint your mandalas with the materials you want: colored pencils, markers, watercolors, among others. What really makes the difference is that the process is spontaneous. That is, you do not choose the colors or where you apply them. On the contrary, let yourself be carried away by what you feel when coloring.
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In addition, you can analyze your drawings once they are made: the colors you have chosen, shapes and figures, complexity or simplicity, among other things, are some clues that will allow you to better understand your psyche.
Mandalas have been used since ancient times as a technique for emotional liberation and creative catharsis. Dare to paint! Who knows? You may discover a creative potential that was waiting to be expressed.
Have you ever colored mandalas? Tell us and share this information with other people.
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World Psychologists