Nature Mandala
A recent YTT graduate presented her independent study on the correlations/connections we find between the study of yoga and the study of nature. To experience connection, yoga = to yoke or “union”, is to practice yoga. In a continued effort to create union among the Grateful Yoga community adapting to this online platform we re-introduce the blog with a series of yoga + meditation activities helpful for adults and children, dynamic + accessible to all people. Leave a like, or better yet a comment, at the end of reading our post. And thanks for being here!
The Sanskrit word mandala means circle or circumference. To create a mandala is symbolic of cycles, in this case the mandala is made from found items within nature and then created in the same environment and left where it is made to the forces of nature once again. To learn the joy of “going thru a process” and the beauty of “progression, practice + patience” is a skill that will bring longevity and ease to your life. I have done this exact activity with adults and children, so I’ll give a few suggestions on formats and inspirations. Possibilities to work with and let go of mandalas are virtually endless!
Why the nature mandala?
Because we need more nature awareness and respect in our lives. If we can’t learn as individuals about the very earth that we live on we are in great danger. This planet does not only offer us physical health, but also knowledge for mental health and spiritual health! To read more about Yoga + Nature, including anecdotes on gardening, foraging, yoga with kids at home, just getting outside, and more, please read YTT Grad Lauren’s blog here: https://www.riseandvibeyoga.com/blog/the-yoga-of-nature (includes an image of her own nature mandala creation!)
What you’ll need…
· Almost nothing but an ample outdoor space for exploring and gathering a few handfuls of things like blades of grass, flower petals, seashells, pinecones, berries, twigs, stones, leaves, vines, etc, etc,
· With a group:
o ADULTS – This is a lovely practice to do silently in the mindset of pratyahara (absorbing the senses inward). Giving instruction to the group first, maybe including some of the images from this blog for inspiration, and showing the group the bindi = centerpoint of the mandala. The group is instructed to go out and gather silently, returning to the bindi and building outwards from the center, no speaking. As the leader when you see the mandala is complete, either via time or size or another capacity, you sit in front of the mandala on the ground. Once the group sees you sit they return to the mandala, place their final additions and join you in a circle around the creation. Continue to enjoy the moments of silence and use a mantra, a chime, a singing bowl or other sound to bring the group back to sound.
o YOUTH – The silent option described above may still work with an older, more disciplined age group. For younger kids, asking them to collect a certain number of the same thing makes it more developmentally challenging and progressive. Coming back and working together as a group to construct as a team is a wonderful way to introduce problem solving and interactivity among kids. A few minutes of silence and either gazing or closing the eyes and “imagining” the mandala magic in you mind is great for all ages as well.
· Alone: Taking a walk or hike with an empty bag and filling it with found items along the way can be a nice way to practice this alone. Then when you reach the “end” or “summit” of the journey taking time to arrange the found items into a mandala shape and meditating for a few moments. Using deep and gentle nasal breathing, ujjayi, can help to focus the mind if you are not used to meditation without someone leading you.
ALTERNATIVES
Coloring Books: Indoor coloring options are free if you have a printer at home, if you google image search MANDALA there are a ton of options, otherwise I recommend buying a book that has tear out pages to have on hand. Adding a mantra practice can help the mind remain present during this practice.
Side-walk chalk: Another all-ages favorite for people with pavement and sidewalks available is sidewalk chalk! Remember to always start with a center point, bindi, and work outward one layer at a time. Great for individuals or groups as well!
Snow: Get creative and get outside in the winter. Fresh snowfall is the perfect canvas for walking mandala creations. By walking mindfully thru the fresh snow, you can create beautiful shapes and it’s a very meditative practice for being outdoors in the winter.
Human Mandala: Creating shapes with our own bodies is super fun! Ina group of jus a few people or even in a pair, movement aimed at making meaningful shapes feels good and is a lot of fun. It provides an great space for connection, innovation and listening/shadowing.
Remember…
The practice is in the process of creating and letting go. Find balance between the natural world around us and the natural world within us. Use this meditation / mindfulness technique for yourself, with your family in your classes, during staff meetings, or anytime at all!
Don’t forget to leave a comment below… Will you try it? How was your experience? Have you done this before?
Thanks for reading! We are Grateful.