General Questions
What is a mandala?
Mandala means “circle” in Sanskrit. It is a drawing that expands from one centric point – the clear centre – by at least 2 graduated circles. The spaces between the circles are filled with repeating patterns and colours.
Also known as The Circle of Life, mandalas have routinely been used in Buddhism, Hinduism and Native American cultures, but the mandala on its own has no religious connotation. The clear centre is a representation of the artist’s centre or focus at the time they are drawing. The patterns and colours may be in likeness to personal experiences, like waves or flowers. Many Mandalas4You students use mandalas to create art representing personal growth in experience, knowledge, strength, and even age!
The adaptable personalization is just one part of what makes mandala art therapy widely appealing.
What are the benefits of drawing a mandala?
Drawing, creating, colouring or meditating on a mandala can be a powerful experience. Engaging with these elements can create balance within your mind. Use the artistry as a tool to enable thoughts to flow easily, to bring clarity, and calm. During Mandalas4You workshops – online and in-person – our students have experienced:
- Relaxation
- Improved Focus
- Reduced Anxiety
- Amplified Healing
- Balanced Mind, Body, and Spirit
- Stimulated Creativity
- Unlocked Artistic Ability
- Fun!
How good at drawing do I need to be?
You don’t need the ability to draw at all. Our painless process will allow you to draw a beautiful piece of art with step-by-step instruction designed to support artists at all levels.
If you are still anxious, don’t worry! I provide templates to ease you on your mandala journey.
What is the cost for a group booking
Our rates will depend on the size of the group.
For more information, please contact us.
What has meditation got to do with Mandalas?
Most meditations are experienced by closing our eyes, listening to music or an app. This can put up a barrier because some don’t enjoy this experience and find it really hard to focus and concentrate. The whole idea of meditation is about creating focus and coming back to the breath. This can be very daunting for those who have ADHD, depression, high anxiety, etc. Forcing them to do something they are not comfortable with doesn’t create a very mindful experience for them, and generally increases the desire to fidget and lose focus.
Drawing or colouring mandalas is an open-eyed meditation. By gazing at the image, you can start to focus and slowly build your own meditation practice, exactly the way you want to.
Are mandalas connected with any particular religion or spiritual path?
The spirituality, or lack thereof, depends entirely on the artist.
They are not explicitly religious, but you can choose to make a connection between your art and your spiritual path. Every student has a different experience: for some its just a form of art therapy that helps them get through the day or that moment, while others feel a deeper connection through every stroke of the pencil.
Mandalas can be found throughout the world, and are most often attributed with Asian cultures. They have also been found in Christian churches, such as the north and south stained-glass rose windows of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.
At the heart of it, mandalas are a personal representation of the artist.
How do I use a mandala that’s pre-drawn?
Some mandalas, especially Chakra balancing, can be difficult to draw so I will give you an outline and show you how to make it your own. This will free your mind to focus on your intention, the art, and the fun rather than the technicalities while you learn what mandalas are all about and why I love them so much!
What tools do I need?
Each course provides a complete list. At the very least, you need paper, a pencil, and an eraser.
In terms of colour, use whatever you want to! Simple pencil crayons, brush-tip felt pens, fine tip markers, watercolours, acrylic or oil paints – add glitter if you like! Or just leave it as a pencil drawing: it’s your art.
We will be selling our own branded tools. To keep up to date with information and courses, please make sure you sign up for our newsletter.
Why can’t I make my mandala perfect and symmetrical?
Nothing in nature is symmetrical or perfect. To be true to the universe, our mandalas may include lack of symmetry. I encourage free-flowing form that sometimes allows us to draw wonky lines and imperfect triangles or flowers. That’s nature; embrace it. It’s way more fun this way!
When was the last time you saw a perfect circle or sphere in nature? None of the planets are exactly spherical, and your mandalas don’t have to be, either. There will always be imperfections, it’s the reality of the world we live in. Heck, we have different sized feet - lol.
What do I need to bring with me to an in-person workshop?
You bring yourself, I provide all the supplies.
Currently, due to COVID-19, there are no in-person workshops. If you are having trouble sourcing supplies, please contact me.
How long does it take to draw a mandala?
That’s a difficult question to answer, but one I get asked all the time. In a typical 2-hour workshop, some students manage to draw and colour the mandala entirely. Others want to get into more detail and only manage to finish the outlines. Whether it takes you a couple of hours or a few months, there is no wrong or even average amount of time.
What can I expect from a Mandalas4You workshop?
I will take you through a step by step guide including:
The mandala you will be drawing and its qualities. This is a gentle, comfortable lesson designed to support artists at every skill level and ability.
If the workshop is live, then there will be an open Q&A at the end of the session.
If the workshop is pre-recorded and you have questions, please feel free to email our support team and I will answer your questions.
If your question becomes part of our FAQ’s, I will send you 4 pre-drawn seasonal mandalas to colour!
Can you teach groups on-line, for example, a corporate or community event?
Yes, we can.
Please contact us for more information.
How far will you travel?
We serve; K-W Tricities (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge), Toronto, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Guelph, Milton, London, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Niagara, Elora, Fonthill, Sarnia, all surrounding areas and most of Ontario.
We are definitely not restricted by distance as we've covered events in Europe, Mexico, Muskoka, Barrie and in the US: Pittsburgh, Erie, New York and Seattle to name a few.
With the pandemic, our classes are currently on-line.
Group Bookings - Corporate, Community or Parties
How many people can attend the workshop
For an in-person workshop, we recommend a maximum of 20. This allows our instructors to assist any individual that requires help.
For an online live workshop, there are no limits. But please contact us if we are providing supplies or if you need a list of tools will be provided so that each student is prepared.
What is the cost for an event?
Our rates will depend on the size of the event or group.
For more information, please contact us.
How far will you travel?
We serve; K-W Tricities (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge), Toronto, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Guelph, Milton, London, Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Niagara, Elora, Fonthill, Sarnia, all surrounding areas and most of Ontario.
We are definitely not restricted by distance as we've covered events in Europe, Mexico, Muskoka, Barrie and in the US: Pittsburgh, Erie, New York and Seattle to name a few.
With the pandemic, our classes are currently on-line.
