Why Coloring Mandalas Could Be Your New Favorite Hobby

Mandalas are geometric configurations of symbols that many believe have healing abilities.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Can Coloring Mandalas Enhance Mindfulness?   Often used in Buddhist and Hindu spiritual rituals, mandalas are geometric configurations of symbols that many believe have healing abilities. Renowned psychologist Carl Jung even argued that mandalas were a "window to the subconscious" and believed that creating the images could help with focus and personal growth.   Today, you can find entire coloring books filled with beautiful mandalas ready to be colored. What sets mandalas apart from other coloring subjects is that they are structured, symmetrical, and highly intricate designs.   A recent study monitored people's brain signals to gauge their mindfulness while they colored mandalas. The findings suggest that coloring mandalas encourages self-reflection, increases focus, and helps with acceptance of imperfection. The study also found that the process promoted emotional well-being and self-expression among participants.   (Interestingly, this collected data was color-coded, which allowed the researchers and participants to better visualize their internal processes.)     Expressive arts can play an invaluable role for someone's mental health and well-being because they can help the person communicate without words and express the unmentionable." — ERIC PATTERSON, LPC  What This Means For You In general, art therapy can have a soothing, calming effect on our minds. It allows us to communicate without being verbal, tap into our deeper feelings, and tune out a busy and stressful world if only for a moment.   Whether you enjoy coloring mandalas or prefer another form of artful creation, taking the time to indulge your creativity can be a boon to your well-being.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Intrigued by the idea of a mandala coloring book? Check out "The Mandala Coloring Book" by Jim Gogarty, which features 100 unique mandala drawings. Products to Help You Feel Your Best If you prefer painting over coloring, try this Multicolor Mandala Paint by Number Kit. After completion, you can frame and hang it. Incorporate a beautiful mandala into your space via this Laser Cut Wooden Mandala designed by MlsCreativeAtelier. The artist also sells non-colorful versions if you prefer something with an earthier look. And don't overlook traditional coloring books. There are some great options for adults, such as these 11 coloring books, recommended by an expert. Read These Next 6 Art Activities for Stress Relief READ NOW 8 Coloring Books to Reduce Social Anxiety READ NOW How to Become More Mindful in Your Everyday Life READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy