Personal Mandalas

The word mandala originates from the Sanskrit word for circle. Mandalas The word mandala originates from the Sanskrit word for circle. Radial symmetry ~ a type of balance in which something can be divided into two identical halves by a line that passes through a central point at any angle Mandala ~ a geometric design usually enclosed in a circle, representing the entire universe

A mandala can be described as any form of circular geometric design that contains symbols of a person’s inner self, guiding principles, and overall ideas about the world.

The significance of objects within a mandala are conveyed by shape, size, and color; they can be abstract designs or specific images of people, places, and ideas that are central to a person’s life.

Color and the Brain  Specific colors have different effects (list copied from Biopulse.org) Black: self-confidence, power, strength Blue: calming, lowers blood pressure, decreases respiration Green: soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness

Color and the Brain continued Violet: suppresses appetite, provides a peaceful environment, good for migraines Pink: used in diet therapy as an appetite suppressant, relaxes muscles, relieves tension, soothing Yellow: energizes, relieves depression, improves memory, stimulates appetite

Color and the Brain continued Orange: energizes, stimulates appetite and digestive system Red: stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respirations and blood pressure.....

For your first assignment, you will choose symbols and/or pictures that are “central” to your life. What do they say about you? What colors say what you want them to say? Why do you choose the colors you choose for your symbol?

Every symbol you choose should have meaning to you, either as a family member, community member, or citizen. The color you choose for your symbol is significant as well.

Once you have chosen your symbols and colors, choose a mandala template that best fits the design you had in mind. There are 6 to choose from or you can create your own.

If you choose to design your own, keep in mind that you can create it on black paper, using the colored pencils designed for dark paper.

Choose a media that you are comfortable with: Markers Colored pencils Colored pencils for dark paper Chalk pastels Oil pastels Pastels are also excellent for dark paper.

The following slides will help you come up with interesting ideas: