Just a Little Note
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These activities are not intended to be distressing or overwhelming, however because we are starting on a journey of inner discovery, memories and emotions can surface.
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If any emotions arise, try to sit with them and allow them to inform and guide your art. Emotions are like a barometer, they are indications that something is going on inside, something that needs a voice and wants to be heard.
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These activities are a safe way of giving these emotions a means of communication and processing their information.
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Have fun with them, get creative and see what's happening beneath the surface.
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If you have any questions or queries please don't hestiate to contact me!
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Hope you enjoy :)
\n","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":["#kwy"]},"c15xb":{"type":"Image","id":"c15xb","metaData":{"isPreset":true,"schemaVersion":"2.0","isHidden":false},"title":"","uri":"5a37aeb948474bd888d20b2392be625f.jpg","description":"","width":1920,"height":1275,"alt":""},"c15yg":{"type":"Image","id":"c15yg","metaData":{"isPreset":true,"schemaVersion":"2.0","isHidden":false},"title":"","uri":"d552a933cd4c566cfd9fa7311e51bbc6.jpg","description":"","width":1280,"height":800,"alt":""},"c17ig":{"type":"StyledText","id":"c17ig","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"A mandala is a sacred circular image. It creates a space where we can safely explore different questions, issues and emotions.
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In this activity we are going to perfome a 'check in' and explore how we are fairing on an emotional, psychological and physical level. We will create a mandala expressing how we feel in this very moment so we can begin to connect with and understand our sevles and our inner worlds a little better.
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First thing's first, lets set up your creative space...
\n\nPlace your drawing materials in front of you and sit back comfortably in your chair.
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Ingredients for this activity...
\n\nA3 water colour art paper
\n\tLead pencil
\n\tYour favourite thing to draw with; paint, pastels, pencils, coloured markers
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Tools to help you along...
\n\nDinner plate
\n\tWater pots
\n\tPaint brushes
\n\tPallet
\n\tThe first part of the process involves a short meditation which is outlined below. If you don't feel comfortable with closing your eyes simply pick a spot infront of you an gently focus your gaze here.
\n\nClose your eyes and take 3 deep breaths - we are going to check in with the body on 3 levels; The Physical, The Emotional, The Spiritual (which can also be thought of as the soul, higher self, wise self, subconscious)
\n\tStarting with the Physical Self, ask the question 'How is my physical self today?'
\n\tHolding this question, take note what arises, there may be colours, shapes, words images, more questions.
\n\tThen move to the next body question, 'How is my Emotional self today?' Again, sit with the question and observe what comes up.
\n\tWhen you are ready, move to the final question and again, observe what emerges.
\n\tOnce you have ask yourself all 3 questions, very gently bring yourself back to the room.
\n\tWhen you have finished your mandala it is now time to begin to explore your work!
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NOTE: Remember, emotions are like a barometre and there to perform a vital function. They are there to let you know when something is going on for you, to let you know when something needs to change, shift or transform. They need not be alarming or frightening so during this part of the exercise approach what surfraces for you as an opportunity to get to know yourself better.
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To do this begin by sitting with your mandala and observe...
\n\tAsk yourself these questions and take note of what comes up for you.
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Which part of your creation you are drawn to? Why is this?
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Is there part of your creation do you not like? Why is this?
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Is there a theme running through your work?
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What does your work tell you? Is there a message for you?
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How does this message relate to your life? Are there any parallels?
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What has the experience of creating your mandala been like for you?
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Using what has come up during the meditation through the questioning of you state of being at each of the 3 levels, begin to fill in your mandala.
\n\tLet your observations guide your work.
\n\tUse the colours, shapes or images whatever surfaced during this time inform your art.
\n\tThere is no right or wrong here, so trust your intuition and let your work flow.
\n\tThis is another way we can connect with our unconscious self and begin to understand and unpack what is really going on under the surface.
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