Mandalas and Meditation
Whether you know it or not you are probably quite familiar with mandalas. If you have gazed upon a magnificent rose window adorning a local cathedral or spent time enjoying a fragrant spring daisy, then you have already been touched by the beauty of a mandala.
Sanskrit for sacred circle, mandalas are an ancient art form dating back to Tibet over 2,500 years ago. The Tibetan Monks saw the mandala as more than a circle divided into an ornate design, they saw it as a representation of the Universe; a blend of different symbols and colors coming together, bonded by its center, to form in harmony.
Look at the Christian's usage of the labyrinth or marvel at a mandala healing ceremony performed by American Indians and you will find that the sacred circle has transcended its ancient roots. Many present-day religions and civilizations have come to view the mandala, with its gentle symmetry, as a symbol of the balance in nature, the unity within the world, and the harmony we all seek within our lives. Even the world renowned psychologist and founder of analytical psychology, Carl Jung was struck by the healing abilities of the mandala. Jung went on to write many papers about the subject and regularly used mandalas as a healing tool with his patients.
Coloring as Active Meditation
Coloring or creating mandalas is a simple process. Basically a form of active meditation, you suspend your inner dialogue while you draw images on a page or color a pre-made design. As with any form of active meditation you will be able to achieve the same calm, peaceful effects of traditional meditation without the difficulties of sitting still or fighting to empty your racing mind. By meditating on a mandala, specifically the center of the design, a person can easily be drawn into the circle to find their focus, and most importantly keep that focus. Great for beginners or anyone short on time, mandala coloring books are a great way to introduce yourself to this healing process.
Healing Power of Mandalas
Coloring mandalas is a peaceful pastime used by a variety of peoples and institutions to heal the mind and the body. Today you will find mandala coloring and creation being used in nursing homes, elementary schools, cancer wards, and mental health facilities across the country. As someone who once struggled with both General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder I know first hand the calming, meditative power of coloring a mandala. I have watched a room full of children quiet down and focus their energy as they designed and colored their own personal mandalas. And I have been fortunate enough to hear from people that have used mandala coloring to help autistic children, abused teens, and early-stage Alzheimer patients.
Please give yourself the gift of peace and download a free mandala coloring page today. Remember... If you can color, you can meditate.
Sanskrit for sacred circle, mandalas are an ancient art form dating back to Tibet over 2,500 years ago. The Tibetan Monks saw the mandala as more than a circle divided into an ornate design, they saw it as a representation of the Universe; a blend of different symbols and colors coming together, bonded by its center, to form in harmony.
Look at the Christian's usage of the labyrinth or marvel at a mandala healing ceremony performed by American Indians and you will find that the sacred circle has transcended its ancient roots. Many present-day religions and civilizations have come to view the mandala, with its gentle symmetry, as a symbol of the balance in nature, the unity within the world, and the harmony we all seek within our lives. Even the world renowned psychologist and founder of analytical psychology, Carl Jung was struck by the healing abilities of the mandala. Jung went on to write many papers about the subject and regularly used mandalas as a healing tool with his patients.
Coloring as Active Meditation
Coloring or creating mandalas is a simple process. Basically a form of active meditation, you suspend your inner dialogue while you draw images on a page or color a pre-made design. As with any form of active meditation you will be able to achieve the same calm, peaceful effects of traditional meditation without the difficulties of sitting still or fighting to empty your racing mind. By meditating on a mandala, specifically the center of the design, a person can easily be drawn into the circle to find their focus, and most importantly keep that focus. Great for beginners or anyone short on time, mandala coloring books are a great way to introduce yourself to this healing process.
Healing Power of Mandalas
Coloring mandalas is a peaceful pastime used by a variety of peoples and institutions to heal the mind and the body. Today you will find mandala coloring and creation being used in nursing homes, elementary schools, cancer wards, and mental health facilities across the country. As someone who once struggled with both General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder I know first hand the calming, meditative power of coloring a mandala. I have watched a room full of children quiet down and focus their energy as they designed and colored their own personal mandalas. And I have been fortunate enough to hear from people that have used mandala coloring to help autistic children, abused teens, and early-stage Alzheimer patients.
Please give yourself the gift of peace and download a free mandala coloring page today. Remember... If you can color, you can meditate.
Basic Steps to Coloring Meditation
Step One: Gather your coloring pencils or markers and your 30-Minute Mandalas Coloring Book; then choose a comfortable place where you can be quiet for approximately 30 minutes.
Step Two: Smile. Holding a light smile on your face will help put you in a receptive mood for the meditation. Don’t skip this step just because it sounds a little silly. Science has proven that smiling, even when you are not happy, can raise the level of endorphins (mood enhancing chemicals) in your brain. So, start smiling!
Step Three: Flip through your coloring book and pick the first design that peaks your interest. Don’t dwell on it, just accept your choice and move on.
Step Four: Choose your first pencil or marker and then begin to color. No need to over-think the colors, in fact I’m always amazed at the color combinations I come up with during a meditation and how wonderful they look together. Whenever possible let the colors choose themselves.
Step Five: Watch the design take life with every stroke. Allow your self to experience the movements. As thoughts or pictures pop into your head (and they will) simply acknowledge them and then return your focus to the coloring. The coloring will always bring you back. With a little practice you will find it increasingly easy to get into a deeply relaxed, meditative state.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-meditate-when-you-cant-sit-still-383666.html#ixzz1Sss72GFa
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Step One: Gather your coloring pencils or markers and your 30-Minute Mandalas Coloring Book; then choose a comfortable place where you can be quiet for approximately 30 minutes.
Step Two: Smile. Holding a light smile on your face will help put you in a receptive mood for the meditation. Don’t skip this step just because it sounds a little silly. Science has proven that smiling, even when you are not happy, can raise the level of endorphins (mood enhancing chemicals) in your brain. So, start smiling!
Step Three: Flip through your coloring book and pick the first design that peaks your interest. Don’t dwell on it, just accept your choice and move on.
Step Four: Choose your first pencil or marker and then begin to color. No need to over-think the colors, in fact I’m always amazed at the color combinations I come up with during a meditation and how wonderful they look together. Whenever possible let the colors choose themselves.
Step Five: Watch the design take life with every stroke. Allow your self to experience the movements. As thoughts or pictures pop into your head (and they will) simply acknowledge them and then return your focus to the coloring. The coloring will always bring you back. With a little practice you will find it increasingly easy to get into a deeply relaxed, meditative state.
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-meditate-when-you-cant-sit-still-383666.html#ixzz1Sss72GFa
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
How to Meditate When You can't Sit Still
You’ve read the articles, watched Oprah, and heard it from friends: Meditation is good for you. Meditation is good for the body and soul, it is used as an aid to healing in hospitals across the world, is responsible for lowering stress and high blood pressure, increasing creativity, and a host of spiritual benefits as well. And while this all sounds great you may be wondering: How can I learn to meditate when I can’t keep my body or mind still for more than a few seconds?
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-meditate-when-you-cant-sit-still-383666.html#ixzz1Sn1F4CAh
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/how-to-meditate-when-you-cant-sit-still-383666.html#ixzz1Sn1F4CAh
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives
The Meaning of Color: Art as therapy
Feeling blue. Seeing red. A silver lining. All of these phrases came about because of the meanings that can be attributed to colors. Maybe you've always wondered why certain colors appeal to you or often find their way into your artwork. As someone that creates mandalas for both art as well as therapy, I have found that taking the time to analyze my color choices has provided me with great insight on where I stand both mentally and spiritually.
Read more: http://EzineArticles.com/708573
Read more: http://EzineArticles.com/708573