Discover the soothing power of mindful mandalas in this creative self-care blog for moms.
As a mom who has experienced the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities and dealing with burnout, I know how crucial it is to find moments of tranquility and self-care. That’s why I’ve created an artful exercise that not only allows you to unwind but also taps into the beauty of creativity to ease your mind.
Have you ever found yourself longing for a way to unwind, even for just a moment, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life? I’ve been there too. That’s why I’ve been experimenting with a unique combination of flat silhouettes, watercolor skies, and mesmerizing mandalas. It’s a mindful art journey that will whisk you away from stress and transport you into a world of calm and creative wonder.
Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Watercolor paper 300 grams (Arches), watercolor (Winsor & Newton), Aquash water brush (Pentel), fineliner 0.3, 1.0 (Ohuhu), paper towel, and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use your kids’ watercolor paints or other paint.
Don’t have any of those? You can also try it with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Step 1: Create your silhouettes
Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, bring yourself to the present, away from all the day-to-day stress.
To begin this therapeutic art experience, draw a few simple silhouettes of flats, just basic rectangles, and color them in black. These represent the foundation of your serene scene.
Step 2: Create a colorful sky with watercolor
Now, imagine a vast sky blending together soft hues of watercolor. Create a colorful sky that will serve as a backdrop for your silhouettes. The gentle brush strokes symbolize the peace you crave, washing away any worries and filling your canvas with tranquil colors. As the watercolors dry, the magic of your art begins to unfold.
Step 3: Adding some light
As your watercolor background is drying, add a touch of warmth to your flats. With a yellow acrylic marker, delicately draw small lines representing windows that invite light and joy into your world. These symbolic windows remind us that every dark corner can be brightened, and happiness can be found in even the tiniest details.
Step 4: Mindful mandalas
Enter the mandala, a symbol of unity and balance. Start with a small semi-circle in the left corner, and from there, draw larger ones in a concentric manner, creating an intricate and captivating pattern. The mandala’s soothing rhythm guides you into a state of mindfulness, leaving no room for stress or anxiety.
Step 5: Peaceful Patterns
Now, the real magic begins as you fill each segment of your mandala with mesmerizing patterns. Let your intuition guide you as you experiment with lines, dots, and shapes that speak to your soul.
Once you complete your artwork, take a moment to admire the serene scene you’ve created. Embrace the beauty of your journey—a creative exploration that led you to a place of tranquility and calmness. Celebrate the wonkiness and uniqueness of your creation; for it’s in imperfections that we find the true essence of our creativity.
As a stressed-out mom, you deserve moments of serenity and peace. Through this mindful mandalas journey, you’ve embarked on a path of self-care and creative expression.
Embrace the therapeutic benefits of art, as it nurtures your soul, calms your mind, and empowers you to find balance in the midst of life’s chaos.
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my Hirameki Art exercise.
