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Colouring and Creating Mandalas

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ok...what are mandalas exactly?

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The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself. Traditional mandalas feature intricate geometric designs and colours which are usually symbolic, but in the context of art education and art therapy, a mandala can be made of any design including a simple circle with a drawing inside. 


A mandala is...
An integrated structure organized 
around a unifying center.
Longchenpa

How can making mandalas benefit those with ADHD?

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There has been significant research in the area of art therapy that supports the benefit of colouring and creating mandalas. For people with ADHD, calming the mind can be a challenge and techniques such as sitting meditation may be next to impossible. Colouring a pre-made mandala can be extremely useful for a student who has great difficulty organizing their thoughts and carrying through with a plan or activity. Because a mandala has a symmetrical pattern contained within a circle, it tends to help with focussing and relaxing. Colouring the mandala becomes an active meditation. 


Creating Your Own Mandala

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There are two basic types of mandalas you can create: mandalas that contain a geometric design based on and contained in a circle (image on the left), and a circle in which anything you like is drawn (image on the right). If you are drawing a geometric mandala, it is best to start in the center of the circle and work outwards. You can do this free-hand or with a ruler.
Tools you will need: a compass or a circular template (such as using a large can) to draw a circle. Rulers or triangles for a                                                                  geometric design. Pencils, pencil crayons, and/or felt pens. 
                                                     For more ideas, instructions and tips, check out the links below.

Sources for Printable Mandalas & How to Make Your Own

Free Mandala Templates for Colouring
http://www.colormandala.com/
http://www.printmandala.com/
http://www.mandala-4free.de/en/en-Mandalas-traffic.htm

Ideas and Instructions for Creating your Own Mandalas
How to Make Your Own Mandala
Cool Art Therapy Intervention #6: Mandala Drawing (Psychology Today)
http://creatingmandalas.com/
How to Draw—Mandala Art (video)


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