Colouring and Creating Mandalas

ok...what are mandalas exactly?

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

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How can making mandalas benefit those with ADHD?

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. 

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Creating Your Own Mandala

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.

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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)