| Negative self talk and the inner dialogue that is | | | | members and our place in the family, the mandala is a |
| continuously present in our mind is the basis and | | | | picture of who we really are. It can help us |
| expression of the reality we are creating. We need | | | | remember ourselves, and despite outer turmoil and |
| to suspend this inner talk to reach a state of | | | | chaos, it is a source of quiet. |
| awareness and to connect with our inner center of | | | | While the creation of a mandala allows us to express |
| knowing and being. | | | | a picture of our inner world as it may exist in an ego |
| In Mandala Coloring the focus is on the coloring and | | | | sense, coloring a mandala reminds us of the cosmic |
| our inner dialogue is suspended. When this occurs | | | | forces that rule our lives. It is bringing us back to our |
| there can be self discovery and an opening or | | | | beginning and centering us in the reality that is our |
| ourselves to healing and creativity. The suspension of | | | | existence. |
| inner dialogue (which may be the "ego") | | | | Mandala Interpretation is an interestingway to look at |
| allows a different perspective for situations from our | | | | a Mandala |
| past and provides new solutions. | | | | The first step in interpreting your mandala is to |
| Carl Jung studied mandalas and he observed: | | | | determine a title for your mandala. You can write |
| The "squaring of the circle" is one of the | | | | down your title and then study it to identify any |
| many archetypal motifswhich form the basic patterns | | | | feelings or insights that may be apparent. Just write |
| of our dreams and fantasies. But itis distinguished by | | | | down what comes to you, and don't spend a lot of |
| the fact that it is one of the most importantof them | | | | time thinking about it. |
| from the functional point of view. Indeed, it could | | | | Next, list the colors that you have used and after |
| evenbe called the archetype of wholeness. | | | | each color write an association to the color. There is |
| Coloring a predetermined shape is a practice that can | | | | no right or wrong to interpreting colors - you can |
| bring us into contact with a framework that already | | | | write what the color is saying to you. Become aware |
| exists. This can lead to a better understanding of | | | | of colors that you commonly use, and note any |
| established structures, and provide an opportunity to | | | | emotions or feelings. As well note any shapes that |
| connect to a part of us that is unchanging and | | | | you see and write those down along with the |
| steady. The simple act of coloring a mandala can | | | | associations that pop into your mind. After you have |
| provide an outlet for stress and a means to be | | | | written those, note any patterns, themes or energies |
| brought back into peace and harmony. | | | | that seem to emerge. Write a few sentences about |
| Just as photograph reminds us of our family | | | | what you are feeling. |