Today, let’s get centred and make a nature mandala. Lately, I am feeling out of sorts, as though I have been carrying too much for too long with no relief in sight, holding my footing against an undertow of melancholy as best as I can. In times like this, of uncertainty and sadness, I sometimes like to make a mandala to provide my psyche with a sense of containment and order. I prefer a nature mandala over drawing, because it is a whole body experience and includes all the benefits of forest bathing, if a forest is where you choose to create.
You likely know what a mandala is, but I will tell you a little about it anyway.
A mandala is a structured geometric design composed of symbolic elements, often featuring a circle surrounding a square. Found in spiritual traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, mandalas serve as representations of the cosmos, frameworks for organizing deities, and tools for meditation and contemplation. The term derives from Sanskrit and is commonly translated as “circle” or “center.” In the twentieth century, psychologist Carl Jung introduced the concept to many Western audiences. He interpreted mandalas as universal symbols that reflect psychological wholeness and the process of integrating different aspects of the self.
The nature mandala we are making today is relatively modest in its objective: to make a pleasing circular design using natural elements in order to calm and steady ourselves.
If I were to offer instructions, I would tell you the following:
When you are making your mandala, it is important that you start with the outermost circle first, and move gradually toward the center.
Give yourself more time than you think you need. Gather more of each element than you think you need. Get into it. Take time to explore and see what strike your fancy. Some items are obvious, like bright woodland flowers, but if you look closely, you may also find tiny little pinecones hiding on the forest floor.
You may make a mandala spontaneously, but I like to be equipped. Useful items include a small tote bag for foraged items, a little pair of scissors in case you need to cut a few branches, and a water bottle with a mist spray nozzle if you plan on working with flowers. Delicate blooms wilt quite quickly, and a little spray helps to keep them perky. And of course, I always carry an essential oil spray to help repel bugs. I have included my recipe below.
Now that you know what you need and what to do, you are ready to create. I wish you a beautiful mandala, and a day that brings you peace.
Atmanjeet’s Forest Bathing Spray
In a 2oz spray bottle made of blue or amber glass or metal combine:
1 tablespoon of witch hazel
½ teaspoon of jojoba or almond oil
20 drops of cedarwood essential oil
5 drops lemon teatree essential oil
15 drops lavender or geranium essential oil
Top off the rest of the bottle with distilled water, shake, and enjoy!
