Coloring and art are creative processes that engage our minds and bolster our spirit. Coloring a mandala is a favored form of artistic expression and relaxation for young and old. Mandala coloring is a great stress reducer. The creative and rhythmic process of adding color to a mandala pattern is intensely satisfying, and the coloring process results in a piece of individual art with personal significance and special meaning.
A mandala (sanskit for "circle") design is a symmetrical round shape formed from interlocking, repeating complex patterns arranged to bring attention to a central focal point. Buddhists and others use a mandala for meditation or as a means of acheiving a reflective or meditative state.
The act of creating a sand, paint or coloring mandala brings focus and calm to the mind; coloring pages, especially coloring mandalas, are often used as a therapy tool.
Coloring a mandala is a deeply personal activity that offers anyone an opportunity for self expression and introspection while engaged in an artistic activity. A person coloring a mandala has control over the entire process: he or she makes color choices and artistic decisions such as whether to add texture, blend colors together, modify the design or incorporate other creative techniques into the mandala line drawing.
Carefully coloring in the intricate pattern sections of a mandala requires focus and concentration; that process helps our minds forget about outside distractions. Because coloring a mandala requires total involvement of mind and body it's a hobby that can help promote relaxation and inward thought.
Photo credit: By A Jung's unknown patient (woman) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons