[Resort View Mar 25] Mindfulness with Mandala

Introduction

Interest in mental wellness is on the rise worldwide and in Singapore. The number of Singaporeans seeking professional help for mental health issues has increased over the years, which is encouraging as it reflects a reduction in mental health stigma and a raised awareness on the issue.

Some common comments I hear from people about not taking time for their mental wellness is, "I don't have time." When they learn that I am an art psychotherapist, the first thing they often say is, "I'm not good at art!"

Let me first debunk some myths about art therapy. Firstly, you don’t have to be good at art. Secondly, it’s not just about drawing and painting, there are many other techniques. Lastly, art-making is not compulsory in sessions; sometimes, clients and I just talk, or when working with children, I play with them!

Now, back to mental wellness. Living in a fast-paced city like Singapore often leads to an overly busy lifestyle. My goal is to suggest practical and achievable mental wellness activities for you and your loved ones.

Have you heard of mandalas? It is a circular figure representing the universe or deities in some religions. In psychology, mandalas are symbols in dreams. It can also help with attention and meditation. Type “mandala” in your search engine and images will show circular figures with intricate or simple shapes in them. 

Here are some suggestions you might want to try, depending on your comfort level, interest and willingness to explore!

Drawing/Printing and Colouring

Print out a picture of your choice and colour it! You might also want to try drawing your own mandalas (it doesn’t have to be perfect!), fill it with patterns, symbols, favourite food, animals, words or even quotes! Your mandalas can be in various shapes – square, hexagon or star. 

When colouring your mandalas, you can go crazy with all the colours you have, or just cool colours, or warm colours, or hey – keep it to black and white.

This is me exploring a newly-downloaded app, while waiting for my coffee in a café!

Arranging Objects

As a busy professional who loves outdoors and nature – this is my favourite form of mandala! I use found objects, arrange them, take a picture and leave them there, in hopes of inspiring passers-by. You can do it in the garden (fallen flowers, leaves, twigs, etc.), beach (pebbles, seashells, seaweed, etc.), home (utensils, fruits, home I, etc.) or anywhere!

This is me working with fallen flowers in my mother-in-law’s garden!

I feel so refreshed after making mandalas, even if it’s just for a few minutes. These little pockets of time I get help me with my mental wellness and I hope they will inspire and help you as well!

 – by Lela, co-founder of International Golf Institute, one of the golf academies in NSRCC. She is also a credentialed and registered art psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors. She specialises in individuals with special needs. Find out more at brightlifetherapies.com