Throughout human history, the mandala has represented cosmic unity, enlightenment and the interconnectedness of all things. Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit, and is an ancient art form that has endured through Buddhist and Hindu religious rituals and traditions.
In contemporary practice, mandalas have been incorporated into mindfulness teachings and therapeutic inquiry, allowing practitioners to reach a higher state of consciousness. Psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, drew connections between universal “archetype” symbolism and mandalas, calling the act of crafting one an expression of the true self.
Mindfulness practice can take on many forms, but adopting one that is easily accessible to you daily or regularly, often means that you are more likely to continue the practice and derive deep meaning from your experience.
A Daily Ceremony Focused on Mindfulness
I have personally created mandalas as part of a ceremony, in gratitude, or to mark the beginning or the end of something; completing my yoga teacher training, crossing the threshold into motherhood and welcoming a child, and saying goodbye to a place, or as an offering for a friend.
After my first son was born, I was gifted Morning Altars by Day Schildkret. I read and learned and shared this mindfulness practice with my students. Then, this past fall, I was out on a hike on the top of a mountain and I saw a mandala that someone had created and offered. It brought me so much joy. Inspired, I began to look around, notice and gather, creating my own offering nearby.
This became a daily meditation. Every time I took a walk, went on a hike, or even went out in the backyard, I would wander, gather, clear, create, offer and let go. Many times I was with one or both of my children. They were interested and would join me, which was beautiful. Sometimes, my youngest would end up destroying a mandala mid-creation, which was frustrating in the moment, but then it made me smile, because leave it to a toddler to remind you of impermanence.
I would have stayed out there for hours, and that is what I encourage you to do if you have the time. However, if you only can get in a short walk or even a couple of minutes like I did, you can still connect with nature and come back home to yourself through this beautiful practice. This is also a practice you can take anywhere, giving you a reason to interact with different natural environments, while becoming a part of your transformative journey.
Mindfulness Lessons Learned
1. Impermanence and Letting Go
Everything is subject to change. Especially in the nature world, change spurs adaptation and growth. When building a nature mandala that is vulnerable to outside elements, we become that much more aware of impermanence. During these meditative moments, it serves us to focus on where and how we can grow, how we may be more grateful or present, and to let go all the rest that is beyond our control.
2. Interconnectedness
There is a universal thread that connects all of nature, all beings. When creating a nature mandala we are honoring this interconnectedness through ceremony, we may also feel less alone in this world, when observing and pay respect to the natural elements that make up habitats and ecosystems.
3. Paying Closer Attention
When we zero in on the micro, instead of becoming overwhelmed by the macro, it can actually have a calming effect on our minds and bodies. Notice the details that once went amiss, the foliage and natural elements that you used to walk by. Experience the world from a different perspective and through a different lens. See how easily relaxation comes when we focus on the simple task at hand.
4. There is No Right Way
Just like making art, there is not just one, right way to creating a nature mandala or practicing mindfulness. Let the inspiration come to you, let it arrive where you are at, at this present moment. Follow your intuition and let the natural elements speak to you. Arrange your materials with care, as you tend to your own mind and soul.
How to Start a Nature Mandala Mindfulness Practice
Wander & Notice: I wander or sit in the woods, on a beach, in my yard, or along a river. I pause and notice. What do I see? What shapes, colors, textures, sizes are here.
Gather: Bring a basket or something to hold your treasures in. I try to use only fallen leaves and sticks if I can, sort of a personal challenge, but any colors, textures or shapes you want to work with will work!
Clear: Choose a place and mindfully clear space. Gently brush away fallen leaves leaving a circle of earth as your canvas. Pay attention to the earth and the elements, is the ground slanted? Will you be disrupting ants as they work? Is it too windy? Is it snowing?
Create: Let it be intuitive to unfold as you go. Allow yourself to arrange and rearrange. Start in the center and build out from there. Adjust with as much care and symmetry as possible.
Offer: Take time to admire. Perhaps sit in short meditation. Take a photo, or don’t. I love to leave mandalas on the side of a trail and hope that someone will discover it while wandering on the trail later that day or week.
Let Go: Creating a nature mandala is the ultimate reminder of impermanence. Of all things and of human life. It is one of my favorite daily mindfulness and meditation practices. Enjoy!
