| Mandala is the Sanskrit word for "sacred circle". The Mandala is a symbolic circular form that is seen in all cultures throughout all ages (rose windows, labyrinths, tibetan sand mandalas, native american medicine wheels and ziggurats to name a few). One of the most basic interpretations of the circular form is that the center point represents the Source of all creation, and the circumference comprises all that is created. Geometrically, the center point of the circle is unmeasurable, yet from this unmeasurable point the circle is created. Some see this center point as representing God, and the circle representing all of Creation. Carl Jung was the first to articulate the relevance of the Mandala in the field of Psychology. He saw the Mandala as representing the return to center; the return to Self. Carl Jung not only went through a process of drawing Mandalas during his own times of turmoil, but also documented the frequent appearances of Mandalas in the dreams and artwork of his patients. I integrate Mandala work in my Individual Counselling practice, but for a more in-depth look at and use of Mandalas, I offer Mandala Workshops. These workshops are experiential, and include Meditation with Mandalas, Coloring Mandalas and Creating Mandalas. Following each experience, participants are asked to take time to process and share (as comfortable) with one another what went on for them. This is often a time of great value and provides many "seeds" of transformation. The history of, ancient use of and present day psychological use of the Mandala is also discussed. Fees Fees vary accoring to the length of the workshop and the number of participants. A full-day workshop (5hrs) for up to eight participants would cost approximately $800.00. This includes an informational packet, personal art supplies,and several mandalas for each participant. For groups larger than 8, an additional charge of $50.00/person would apply. Who can attend a Mandala Workshop? Anyone! Most recently I have provided Mandala Workshops for "Team Building and Professional Development Days" for Community Mental Health Services, for students in graduate Counselling Psychology programs, and for Eating Disorder Groups. What is the Purpose of a Mandala Workshop? Working with mandalas can facilitate greater self-expression and creativiity, healing, and growth towards wholeness. Done within a group context often magnifies these effects, as well as leads to greater compassion and understanding of others. |
| "Mandalas arise from the compelling human need to know our own inner reality, to align this knowing with our body's wisdom, and to awaken in ourselves a sense of being in harmony with the universe." Susan Fincher |
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| ~ Mandalas ~ |
| Dawn Toews, 2005 |