Coloring mandalas: the ritual to rediscover yourself in the midst of calm

Coloring mandalas gives us the opportunity to work on our attention levels and achieve a greater state of relaxation, whatever our age. In fact, today We can find a wide variety of coloring books for adults in bookstores, an increasingly growing trend that has become a publishing phenomenon.

During our childhood we do many leisure activities with the sole objective of having fun or entertaining ourselves, but as we grow our obligations along with the phrase “I don’t have time” They make us separate these types of activities from our daily lives. And furthermore, this causes us to be more stressed, since we do not usually disconnect.

Many of us, when we were children, enjoyed hours and hours with our colored pencils giving life to our favorite characters, landscapes or even our own drawings. We did it without judging the result, focused solely on the pleasure of coloring.

Due to the advantages of practicing this activity, a large number of art therapists design mandala coloring books for adults, since they know its multiple and extraordinary benefits. Color these geometric drawings It helps us reduce stress, achieve a state of calm, Focus on the here and now and above all, connect with ourselves.

“Each mandala is unique and unrepeatable…. It is the vibrational expression of this moment, of this NOW.”

-Celina Emorg-

By coloring mandalas we take a journey towards our essence, illuminating areas of ourselves that until then had remained hidden. In this way, we allow the wisdom of our unconscious to emerge.

Mandalas and their history

Mandalas are geometric figures that have many variants. and that appear in practically all cultures. They have their origin in India and their literal translation is ‘sacred circle’. They are a symbol of healing, wholeness, union and integration.

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In many cultures, drawing and coloring mandalas is a spiritual ritual that facilitates “inner illumination”. However, for Carl Jung, one of the most important Swiss psychiatrists in history, circular figures offered a healing effect that provided peace and tranquility.

“Only gradually did I understand what the mandala really is: formation-transformation. The eternal pastime of eternal meaning.”

-Carl Jung-

Mandalas can vary in color and design, but basically they are made up of a center and different figures in the four cardinal points. In this way, it is believed that On a psychological level they can represent the entirety of our being.. According to some defenders of this practice, each person responds to them instinctively, regardless of their age, gender, race, culture…

The magic of mandalas, and at the same time their therapeutic power, consists of letting ourselves be carried away by the unconscious, without worrying about the final result of the drawing. That is, without judging whether it is looking good or bad, pretty or ugly… We just need to be present and concentrated, giving us freedom to color as we please.

Coloring mandalas is not a child’s thing

Coloring is an activity that we usually associate with childhood.. As we become adults, we put away colored pencils and markers, except to underline notes or reports. However, this hobby can be very beneficial as we have seen previously. Not only because it generates well-being and tranquility, but because it also stimulates different brain areas related to motor skills, senses and creativity.

“Painting makes the adult feel like a child again, it transports them to generally happier and calmer times. Remembering some of those moments helps us relax and even see the future with greater optimism.”

Despite what we may have learned during our lives about art and color, There is no right or wrong way to color.. One of the positive aspects of painting is that It is very easy for everyoneeven if you lack artistic training or experience in the subject.

“Coloring can be a complex activity, full of nuances; or on the contrary it can be something as simple as the simple desire to color.”

-Lacy Mucklow-

In this way, color can be considered an act of meditation in itself because it helps us focus our thoughts on the activity we are carrying out and connect with our creativity. In moments everything fades and only we are present with the colors and the drawing.

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Many studies have shown the positive effects of coloring mandalas on the human psyche. Psychologists and art therapists recommend this activity and even practice it, experiencing its benefits firsthand. This is why coloring books for adults are such a bestseller.

For people who want to enjoy the benefits of this activity, they should know that coloring mandalas It also helps us connect with our inner child. Therefore, if you feel like you need extra help to manage stress or anxiety, don’t hesitate to practice this type of exercise.

“Coloring is the new yoga. Like many other fashions, it comes from outside our borders, from countries like France or England where it is a huge success. A fashion that relaxes and helps us disconnect.”

-Esther Bazan-