The Joy of Creativity: Make Mandalas on Post-its and Boost Seratonin TODAY

You may be thinking that some extra serotonin could be useful right about now but have no clue what a mandala is, much less how to make one.

“Mandala” is the Sanskrit word for “Sacred Circle.” Circles exist all around us, from the moon, the sun, the orbit of the planets, flowers, seashells, down to the shape of cells that define our very existence. Mandalas and circular forms have been used around the world in healing practices for centuries, and are symbols of wholeness and unity. When mandalas or circular shapes show up spontaneously in art therapy, they usually signify transformation, feelings of growth or wholeness and a better understanding of the self. Making them is as simple as drawing or doodling or any image within a circle. Let’s start boosting!

You will need: a post-it note or any blank piece of paper, something to draw a circle with, and anything else you feel like using to draw or color.*

“Mandalas signify the wholeness of the self and the divinity incarnate in man”
– Carl Jung

Draw a circle freehand, or trace one from any circular shape you can find
Fill in the circle any way you want with lines, scribbles, colors or shapes. If you want to go outside the circle, that’s fine too – there is no right or wrong way to make a mandala
When you feel like your mandala is done, notate what is top or bottom
Notice the feelings of relaxation that arise from drawing mandalas
Look at your finished mandala and jot down any notes, words, thoughts that come to mind
about it

Experiment making mandalas on colored or black paper, using metallic markers, colored pencils or anything that strikes your fancy. Purchase a mandala coloring book or watch a tutorial on YouTube and be inspired that way. Draw them daily on post-its or make a mandala journal, noticing any patterns or colors that repeat or call for deeper reflection. Be sure to look for the infinite mandalas in your outer world and reflect on what they might mean. Embarking on this creative journey may not only help boost serotonin, it also may bring your life “full circle.”

Always remember: Gifting yourself with creative time is an act of self-love.

Creatively Yours,

Elizabeth

Click here to sign up for future newsletters.

*adapted from The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy A. Malchiodi, ATR, LPCC

About the Author: Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bryan-Jacobs is a nationally known artist, creativity facilitator and bestselling author, currently pursuing a master’s degree in art therapy. Through her own recipe of art-making, mindfulness and nature, she supports individuals in awakening their inborn creativity. Her combination of practices opens a path inward to inner wisdom and insight that helps transform challenge to change. The result is a greater sense of presence, connection and empowerment, as well as the abiding joy that is the core of the creative process. Elizabeth is also the author of bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Soul Models: Transformative Stories of Courage and Compassion. Elizabeth’s passion to share the benefits of creativity, mindfulness and nature inspired her to pioneer Creative Awakenings: Where Spirit Meets Science, a series of innovative, transformational seminars. She has shared Creative Awakenings for nearly two decades, privately and at exclusive venues like Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, The Golden Door Spa in San Marcos, CA, the Ojai Valley Spa and Resort as well as with numerous corporations. To support wellness during challenging times, Elizabeth now offers Awakenings Circles. These online, mindfulness-based creativity programs and practices help guests dig deeply on their journey in connecting with what matters most. Elizabeth is a renowned sculptor and artist with works in numerous private and corporate collections, including Dell Children’s Hospital and Healthline Media. Along with her husband, artist Bobby Jacobs, she is also the co-founder of The Spread Your Wings Project, a non-profit devoted to sharing the benefits of community art-making in response to the challenges faced by our nation today. The couple builds massive pairs of angel wings in community with vulnerable populations for fundraising purposes. For more information, visit TheSpreadYourWingsProject.org.