The less there is to look at, the more important it is  that we look at it closely and carefully. This is critical to abstract art. Small difference make all the difference.

Kirk Varnedoe



Doodling


Each person's life is like a mandala - a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life.
Pema Chodron

 Getting better with each creation.


Mandala is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to mean “circle” or “center.”

We often associate the word mandala with the circular designs that have repeating colors, shapes, and patterns radiating from the center. Mandalas can be precise, carefully measured, geometric, and perfectly symmetrical, or in contrast, free flowing, organic, and asymmetrical. Mandalas are often drawn in circles but they can also be drawn in squares.

Intricate geometric compositions created on a base of a circle, known as mandalas, have a deep spiritual meaning in Hinduism and Buddhism. They represent the whole of the universe, and they can be used as an exercise or for meditation.
I read somewhere that drawing Mandalas (basically, geometric patterned shapes/designs) could be a good way of coping with stress and anxiety. Having a bit of a creative bent, I thought I’d give it a try. A little art therapy is good for anybody, right? So I did checked some designs on the Internet and took to doodling mandalas most often when I was watching T.V or doing some other mindless task that had me sitting down.

Initially it looked very difficult to create this art, but once I sat to create it, found it very interesting and intriguing.

I had mixed results with this activity. On one hand, I think it can be useful to get your mind off things because you’re focused on creating your pattern. It gives you something neutral to concentrate on. This is handy if you’re feeling a bit anxious! Relieves stress, one can go on and on meditatively.   On the other hand, I’m not sure it’s a great task as after creating 2-3 Mandalas I realised that I am creating almost the same types of Mandala over and again with little variation. But realised I need to try more variations, types, styles colouring etc.  Colouring is also pretty popular these days as a way of dealing with stress and anxiety; maybe I should target that for next time.
Most important thing is not to finish the task but to enjoy while creating it. But those who enjoy it go into meditative state of mind.
One can download Mandala Templates and can colour them. Sharing with you some beautiful sites / blogs from where you can download the templates.

Mandala - 1st
Mandala - 2nd

Mandala - 3rd


Created these Mandala to begin with. Will come with some more.

Happy Doodling!!!