Download the September 2014 Mandala of the Month
Many people shy away from their own creativity thinking they lack a creative bond in their body because they are holding themselves up to someone’s standard of what it means to be creative. We tend to limit the definition of creativity to those who create art (2D, 3D, dance, writing, performance, etc.).
“Creativity is the ability to find new solutions to a problem or new modes of expression; thus it brings into existence something new to the individual and to the culture.” – Dr. Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
We do ourselves a disservice when we shut down our creativity. We do our society, the world, a disservice when we deny our creativity.
Here’s the thing about “being creative”…once we start tapping into our creativity, in whatever form that takes, that part of ourselves opens up and wants to do more of it…it will also grow and expand….we expand and grow…in ALL areas of our lives. The more creative we are the more we have access to answers beyond limited thinking brain.
“Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. Creativity requires passion and commitment. It brings to our awareness what was previously hidden and points to new life. The experience is one of heightened consciousness: ecstasy.” – Rollo May, The Courage to Create
A good first step with opening up to our creativity is to play. And in relation to this blog post…coloring is a great way to tap into our creativity. Instead of focusing on the outcome, or trying to figure out what colors to use, just go with the flow of it. As you go about coloring each section of this mandala, just grab the first color that catches your eye for each one.
Another option for coloring this mandala would be to color it again…and again…each time changing up where you put light and dark colors. It will come out looking very different each time.
Another fun approach would be to gather up the family and/or some friends to all color together…each coloring their own version of the mandala. I would love to see what you come up with if you do this! 🙂
Outside of coloring, a good exercise to try would be to change up how you do something that you always do the same way every time. If you always take the same route to work, change it up! If you always make meatloaf the same way, change it up! If you always wear the same thing all the time, change it up!
The time has come to allow ourselves to be fully and equally present…to access both our thinking mind and our creative hearts, to tap into our full creative selves…in whatever expression it takes: building robots, coloring, dancing, quilting, re-furbishing cars, interior design, fashion, science, cooking, etc.
Ponder this as we color the September 2014 Mandala of the Month.
Happy Coloring!
joyfully, Maureen,
The Mandala lady
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Be sure to download Section 9 of the 2014 Mandala of the Year.
Mandala of the Month 