One of my favorite practices is to combine my love for words and journal writing with mandalas. Each year during the holidays, I pull out a Flower of Life mandala and fill the shapes with words of appreciation. I designed a mandala that starts with the Flower of Life in the center and surrounded it with a border of interlocking semi-circles. 

In the center petals, I wrote down the names of the many people who I’m connected to including family, friends, colleagues, and members of my mandala community. You may include names of your mentors, teachers, authors, and artists who inspire you.

Along the outer edge, record words to describe the qualities that you admire and appreciate. 

As you fill in the mandala, consider the many ways that you are connected.

Fill some of the shapes with doodles and little drawings. Here I tucked in hearts under each virtue. In my example, a leaf-like pattern was repeated throughout to add detail.

Try This: Print a copy and bring it to your holiday celebration. Invite guests to add their words of appreciation. Together you can create a group gratitude mandala.

Pull out your favorite coloring supplies and think about each person as you fill in the shapes with color.

Here is my 2018 Gratitude Mandala. 

May your heart be filled with joy as you color your Seed of Life Gratitude Mandala.

~ Kathryn

Related Links:

Download the Seed of Life Gratitude Mandala Activity

Mandala Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Expressive Mandala Art

Mandala Drawing I Online Class