The beauty of Mandala knows no bounds! In Sanskrit, mandala means “circle” and “completion”. This explains the continual nature of the art form and why it has been famous for decades.
Mandala and art therapy
Traditionally, mandala is a simple geometric design structure or pattern. It can be drawn by anybody of any age, whether children or adults. A unique feature about Mandala art is the scope for flexibility and range in style. One’s mandala is a direct reflection of themself.
Mandala is popularly used in art therapy to aid in the exploration of one’s innermost thoughts and feelings. It is an artistic projection of the earthly cosmos and heavenly worlds. According to the philosophies taught in Eastern civilization, mandalas represent divine balance and stability in life.
Means to an end
Mandala, as an integral feature of art therapy, focuses on the journey and not the destination. The principal of this spiritual art form is the absence of an origin or an end. It lays emphasis on the self, our repressed thoughts and emotions that are brought out in this form. The design can be as simple or refined as one chooses.
When we draw a mandala, we are forming a connection between the geometric shapes and the ecosystem, thereby feeling zen. Each individual’s transformational journey into their better self is different, hence it is the means through which enlightenment is achieved.
To know more about mandala as as a form of modern therapy, click here
Exploration of self through art therapy
Mandala as a form of art therapy conforms to a style of creative expression and a deeper spiritual meaning. It encompasses healing, self exploration and personal growth in performing a mandala painting.
The dynamics of mandala art and creative transformation have been studied by several analysts and psychologists. There is a direct relationship between the two, indulging in mandala painting is seen to boost happy chemicals and hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
The famous psychoanalyst Carl Jung says that the creation of mandalas is a multi-cultural idea that resonates with each person in their own way. In one simple sentence, it is “a representation of the unconscious self” projected on paper.
Benefits of art therapy
Clinical studies and observations have proved that Mandala has several physical and mental benefits. It has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce stress levels, improve sleep and lower blood pressure, among many other things.
Mandala art therapy has benefits on the mental health spectrum too. It has shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and enhances your mood drastically, thereby making you feel refreshed. A few minutes of concentrated work greatly affects trauma patients too, especially those suffering from emotional disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Nowadays, mandala art therapy techniques are used in combination with other more streamlined therapies in a corporate and personal setting.
To read more about art and its effect on our mental health, click here
In conclusion…
Mandala art therapy is more relevant today than ever before. It forms a connection between humans and the ecosystem, making them one entity. As a result, it creates balance and a sense of stability within us. In a generation where mental health issues are being widely addressed, Mandala is used to elevate one’s mood and release stress.
To learn more about art forms, download the rooftop app from Google Play or App Store to stay updated on our upcoming art events and workshops. Stay tuned to rooftop blogs and follow us on @rooftop_app.
By Freya Bulsara
