Mandalas: Coloring for Artists

Discover the stress-reducing benefits of coloring intricate mandala designs.

I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing, a mandala, which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time… . Only gradually did I discover what the mandala really is … the self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well is harmonious. -Carl Jung

Mandalas are recognized throughout the world for their beautiful and intricate designs. Originating in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, they are often painstakingly created by practitioners of those beliefs as a means of meditation and prayer. Despite the ornate nature of mandalas, which often include Buddhas and complex shapes and images, the designs are perfect for the everyday-or expert-artists to explore and color. They present an opportunity to relax and unwind, and are perfect as a creative outlet.