The following link describes the process of creating a mandala in art therapy:
The following link describes the history of the mandala:
Healing With Mandala Art Therapy – A Multi-Cultural Idea Worth Exploring
By Judith Froemming c. 2015
“There’s a mind running loose
that thinks peace is elusive,
puts its head in a noose
judges quiet as reclusive.
There’s a mind making stories
that’s certain they’re true,
creating monsters and worries
until the heart turns blue.
There’s a mind that is still and
as stories float by,
treats them kindly as children
lets them go without ‘Why?'”
photo by Deva Niseema
The art of meditative drawing… Mindfulness for the soul… Yoga for the brain. I felt so relaxed after creating this piece.
(Re-Blog)
Zentangle® is known to many artists and craftivistas as a way to create structured designs through drawing various patterns. Sometimes mistakenly called “Zendoodling” or “tangle doodling,” Zentangling or tangling is actually a formalized process that defines itself as something other than mere doodling because of its theory and approach. Rick Roberts and Mary Thomas [www.zentangle.com] are the originators of the trademarked Zentangle method. Basically, it’s a specific way to draw images, most often in black pen on white paper. Zentangle has become an international phenomenon that now has applications in stress reduction, education, therapy and even motivational training.
There are numerous books on the formal method of Zentangle that will help you get started; these books provide numerous designs and show you how to create various patterns, step-by-step. Or simply search the Internet [especially Pinterest] to find instructions and inspiration for designs—then make up your own once you practice a few patterns. You really only need a few materials to create your designs: a pencil [used to mark out guidelines and to shade areas of designs], a black pen [Micron® pens are recommended, but you can also use the ubiquitous extra fine Sharpie® pen], and heavy white drawing paper or cardstock. The traditional practice of Zentangling uses 3 ½ inch square tiles made of special paper, but you can cut your own choice of paper into squares or completely “break the rules” and tangle on whatever type of paper you want to. If your children want to Zentangle along with you, they will find it easier to draw larger designs with bigger pens such as a fine point Sharpie® or large felt pens.
Why am I interested in Zentangle? While the process may look intricate, it is a deceptively simple pathway to relaxation and inner focus. In fact, proponents of the practice note that it has multiple benefits including calming an anxious mind, increasing self-confidence, and cultivating moment-to-moment awareness in a similar way as mindfulness meditation. Here are some other benefits:
Continue Reading… on Psychology Today.
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