Creating a Mandala – Finding Light in the Darkness with Barbara Greenwood

Per Barbara…”The word Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle or center. This ancient, universal symbol, represents the whole, a completeness and essence of a person or thing. Throughout the millennium, many cultures, individuals and groups have used this form of art making to support mediation and healing. The overall purpose in creating a mandala is to support the participant(s) movement toward finding inner-balance, harmony and well being.

There are no skills necessary in making your own mandalas. You only need to be curious and willing to explore and learn. Or, maybe you just need to slow down for a few hours. I will be there to support you every step of the way. Remember in this approach/method of working… there are mistake.

As we begin the process, you will be encouraged to tap into your own intuition. As you slowly move toward trusting your instincts and feelings, you will know the direction you will take. You will begin to have a sense of what lines, shapes and colors you will use.

Trusting yourself, listening to your intuition, takes practice. But by doing so your mandala become more personal and meaningful.

Finding light in the darkness…with a black paper sitting in front of you, we will stop for a moment and focus on the darkness of the paper. When we are in that darkness, light and creativity can be found. Don’t be afraid of the black/blank paper, become curious.

After several deep calming breaths, in and out, when ready you will be asked to use the white Sanford Prismacolor pencil to trace your first circle onto the paper. There are no mistakes.”

Materials needed:

Barbara suggest choosing Stanford Prismacolor Color Pencils for this work. Sandord Prismacolor’s are a soft leaded color pencil that easily covers large areas, overlaps beautifully with other colors and never looses it brilliance even when used directly on black paper.

• * 4 or 5 white Prismacolor Color Pencils
  * box 24 Prismacolor Color Pencils or larger box if you want more color choices
• * pencil sharpener
  * Black paper will be supplied