Whenever I tell people I work with mandalas, one of the first things they say. “Oh those in the Colouring books.” And I go “Yeah… not exactly” which is always followed by a blank stare—because how could it be anything else?
Benefits
One of the hardest things to explain, is why working with mandalas feels so meaningful to me. Let me share some of the benefits I experience:
- It calms the constant thoughts in my head, almost like good meditation session.
- I always seem to find solutions to whatever challenges I’m facing, as if it’s a direct line to my subconscious or a higher state of mind.
- I feel more connected to the world around me.
- I get to be creative and let the process guide my next step.
- I get a real sense of accomplishment.
How to start with mandalas?
Sometimes, just thinking about where to start—what tools, materials, or colours to use—can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I feel the same way from time to time. That’s when colouring books are a great place to begin. The task should match your state of mind. When I’m stressed, I always reach for a colouring book, and if things are really tough, I go for a paint-by-numbers book. So yes, even a self-declared mandala artist needs a little support now and then. Mandala colouring books are wonderful, especially those that have been hand-drawn before printing, like this one by Valentina Harper. I feel they have a bit more soul and connection.
Possiblities
Now it gets interesting for me: what’s the difference between using mandalas as a hobby to de-stress and working with them more professionally? Looking at the benefits above, it’s clear there are some mental well-being elements you can tap into. But like any other skill, it’s something you have to train. I believe that with practice, guidance, and persistence, we can all learn to tap into our inner selves (the centre of the mandala) and work our way out through whatever our minds throw at us…
Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Find a mandala that speaks to you, set aside some time, and let yourself get lost in the process. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, there’s always something new to discover.
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