We've all colored in special drawings called mandalas at one time or another. It can be really fun and entertaining to paint them with different colors and end up creating a spectacle of various hues. But what exactly is a mandala? What is it used for?
These peculiar drawings weren't created for the enjoyment and distraction of young children. In fact, they're a tool frequently used in psychology, especially when working with children, but that wasn't their original purpose. To clarify this concept, this article will explain what a mandala is and how it's used in psychology.
What is a mandala and what is it for?
The word "mandala" comes from Sanskrit, a classical language from India, and translates as "perfect circle." These drawings are spiritual, ritual, and symbolic representations used primarily in Hinduism and Buddhism . Mandalas are generally composed of a set of geometric shapes and concentric figures that represent the most important aspects and characteristics of the universe. The main purpose of these intriguing drawings is fulfilled during meditation, where they encourage the concentration of energy on a single point.
Structurally, the focus of concentration and the center of the universe would be the sacred space. It is generally represented as a circle inscribed within a square. It should be noted that, practically speaking, Hindu yantras tend to be more linear, while Buddhist mandalas are usually considerably more figurative. Starting from the cardinal directions, the internal regions or sections of the circle are typically divided into sectors.
It should be noted that other cultures, besides Hindu and Buddhist, also possess certain mandala-like or mandala-like configurations . Most of the time, these tend to have a spiritual connotation. These are just a few examples among many:
- The mandorla, originally from medieval Christian art.
- Some labyrinths that we can find on the pavement of various Gothic churches.
- The chacanas, from the Andean world.
- The stained glass rose windows, also located in churches.
- Diagrams of Pueblo Indian culture.
It is no wonder that mandala figures possess this universality. Their concentric shapes suggest an idea of equidistance in relation to a center, giving a sense of perfection. Furthermore, the perimeter of the circle is an ideal way to represent the eternal natural return, that is, the cycles of Nature.
What are mandalas in psychology?
As with all artistic expressions, mandalas also allow us to uncover personal searches and needs and channel different emotions. Coloring these unique drawings reduces anxiety and stress levels, as our mind connects with our inner selves during the process, thus fostering creativity. It could be said, then, that they are a channel for feelings and emotions, especially those we are unable to label or give form to.
This method is especially useful when working with children. More and more schools are incorporating mandala creation into their daily routines. The benefits for young children are impressive and rapid. The main advantages of mandalas for children are as follows:
- They help the development of fine motor skills in both hands and fingers.
- They promote concentration and attention.
- They favor the well-being of children, since they focus on something pleasant, such as painting.
- They promote imagination and creativity.
- They reduce anxiety and stress levels.
- They help increase children's self-esteem, since they create something unique and their own.
- They encourage the development of perseverance, patience and perseverance.
- They enhance your aesthetic sense.
- They promote the teaching of new vocabulary related to shapes, sizes, colors or emotions.
- They make it possible to work on various geometric concepts: circles, squares, triangles, stars, etc.
The meaning of colors
Mandalas aren't just for children; they're also beneficial for adults. Many of their advantages can be applied to seniors as well. One way to express our innermost selves and our moods is through the selection of colors. Let's explore what mandalas mean based on their colors:
- Red: It represents very intense emotions, especially love and anger. It helps to attract or repel what we want.
- Orange: It is usually the most suitable for people who want to exceed their confidence levels. It transmits the best of us and helps to carry out new activities, outside of our comfort zone.
- Yellow: It symbolizes fury and pure energy. Helps transform negative energies into positive ones. It is also useful for controlling and directing sad and revengeful feelings and ego feelings.
- Green: It represents the balance in our lives, especially our interior in relation to the exterior. It helps free us from our own chains, those that we impose on ourselves out of shame or fear.
- Violet: It symbolizes the connection of the individual, both with his own interior and with the universe. It helps to expand their tastes and their skills.
- Rose: It transmits subtlety, love, charm and friendship. Helps sentimental growth and development to achieve a better balance between internal feelings. Thus, it promotes self-love and inner peace.
- White: Being a color that conveys purity, white symbolizes peace and harmony. It helps to obtain a purer soul, cleaning the scrambled energies of the person in question.
- Black: Instead, the black color symbolizes pessimistic energies. It attracts bad vibes in order to transform them so that they are beneficial for the individual.
- Gray: Gray is the most neutral color in mandalas. It is a connection between good and bad. It conveys commitment and seriousness and represents stability, balance and trust.
I hope that it has already become clear to you what a mandala is and what it is used for in its various fields. Of course it is not a bad idea to paint and color from time to time some! Remember that adults can also benefit from these curious drawings.
