Make a Seasonal Mandala!
Creating a nature mandala is a sweet way of honoring the seasons. These types of traditions help us embrace seasonal changes and learn more about the natural rhythms of life!
WHAT IS A MANDALA?
A mandala is a geometric shape that means “circle” in Sanskrit. It is a common design among many different cultures and often appears as the sun, moon, and earth. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a mandala is a symbol representing the universe and life. The circular design is meant to express the concept that everything is connected in life.
The truth is that a mandala can be any form of art that is drawn in a circle.
Mandalas have been widely used for meditation purposes in traditional cultures. The idea is to be able to de-stress and find internal peace through art.
HOW TO MAKE A MANDALA
Gather your materials. This is an outdoor activity, so before starting, you will need to find a peaceful place out in nature to create your nature mandala. Once you’ve picked a location, you will need to gather some organic materials around you to use, maybe challenge yourself to make it out of things only found during the current season! Or use things found in your home, or draw one from your imagination if you can’t head outside. They can take some time and patience, but the end result is always worth it.
*Note: Only use things that are not alive, and already on the forest floor, try to find objects that relate to the current season.
Create your mandala. First, place a meaningful item in the center. Use something that is significant to you, because it will be your “unifying center.” After that is in place, use other items you gathered to form the rest of your mandala. Place items near the center first and then continue moving outward from the center until you’ve created a circular design.
Complete your mandala. Continue making patterns until your items are used up and your nature mandala looks complete. And remember, you can create it however you like! You could use bright colors or muted earth tones. Make it big or small. Make it as simple or complex as you want.
When you are complete with you mandala, unless it is on your private property, break it down (after taking some photos) and make it look like it was never there.
*Did you know: Many monks who spend hours creating mandalas do so only for them to be washed away after they are finished.
We’d love to see your creations!
If you make a post on social media, please tag us @wildbearnaturecenter!