I've discovered mandalas. Which shouldn't be so remarkable as we are surrounded by them. They are literally everywhere!

Mandala's are generally considered sacred circle that are used in a variety of faiths such as Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian. There are even Celtic and Native American mandalas. However, there are mandalas that naturally appear in nature (pun intended!) as well as throughout the universe. If you want to spot one for yourself, look for a circle with an intrinsic design within: an open flower, a cut tree trunk, your kitchen colander, an onion, even the stars

Okay, so you recognize that you have mandalas throughout your home and surrounding area as well — which makes it sound as if there is an infestation of them. Why do I think they are so fascinating? Well, first of all, they are beautiful. You may have heard me discuss how the most ordinary things have a secret extraordinariness about them. Mandalas, and finding them within your everyday items, can make the most ordinary "stuff" seem extraordinary. The detail, the color, and the consistency, where there seems to be a lack of one, all make these simple circles fascinating.

But what I really like, and what I have discovered, is creating and coloring mandalas as a form of meditation and relaxation. In the process of working a circle you can actually free your mind from all the traffic that you jam in there throughout the day. The frustrations, fears, stresses, complications that are a part of your life are silenced, for a few brief, wonderful, rejuvenating moments. Working with a mandala is kind of like giving your mind a brain-break!

This mandala (entitled "Continuity") is one I created using the computer. In fact, I used the computer to color it as well! It's pretty simplistic, but hey, I've never declared myself an artist. Anyway, it's not about your creative ability, unless of course you plan on creating and selling them. It's about the way you feel when you are done, the energy, insight, and balance that you experience. In addition to using the computer, I've also colored blank mandalas using markers, colored pencils, and watercolor pencils. The medium I choose tends to depend on the mood I'm in.

If I've got you curious at all about mandalas, research them on the 'net, just put "mandala" in your favorite search engine. And if you are interested in coloring one yourself, download Flower Mandala now as my gift to you. There's a whole process to completing a mandala to ensure a positive mediative and insightful experience but just sitting down and taking some quiet time to color one will still do you a world of good.

If you'd like to know more about how to actually gain the full benefits of coloring and even designing mandalas, just send me an email by clicking here!

I hope you found this helpful. If so, let me know. And in the meantime, as always, keep your dream alive!