Does anyone else find all of the January ‘new year’ messaging a bit overwhelming? If you’re anything like me and would like to quieten the noise a little, calm your mind, and focus on a mindful creative project to start the year, we might have just what you need… a mandala pattern template for some gentle creativity.
Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing everyone’s highlight reels from the last twelve months and hearing about their goals and intentions for the coming year. I respect those who want a fresh start, have big dreams, and aim high. And I can also understand those who push back against the ‘new year, new you’ mentality and prefer to hibernate until spring.
I’ve experienced Januarys at both ends of the spectrum; sometimes looking ahead with confusion and fear, unsure what the future holds – other times (like this year) bursting with so many ideas and inspiration that I can’t wait to get started and I have to remind myself to just take one step at a time.
Either way, and no matter how positive (most of) the messaging is, it can all start to feel quite noisy – especially after a couple of months of Christmas excitement/stress.
So, whatever your views on the new year, if you could do with taking a breath and concentrating on something calm and gentle to ground you this month, why not get a bit creative with our January-inspired mandala pattern template for some mindful ‘me time’.
In very basic terms a mandala is a geometric design with intricate patterns radiating out from a central point.
It’s widely thought that their intricate details, radial symmetry, and central focus, draw your attention inward – helping you connect with the present moment and pull you away from difficult thoughts or worries. The rhythmic act of creating or colouring repetitive shapes is believed to soothe the nervous system. And we’ve added a little seasonal touch to our design, to hopefully further ground you in the here and now, by including a snowdrop in the pattern.
Traditionally, they’ve been used as spiritual tools for focus and meditation within religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. However, now, they’re also enjoyed by anyone wanting some mindful and calming creativity – irrespective of their spirituality.
Step One: Click here to download your free copy of our January-inspired mandala pattern template*.
Step Two: Print it out (it’s designed for A5 portrait paper).
Step Three: Then enjoy some gentle, mindful creativity, in whatever form you like…
Want something really easy? Simply colour in the printed pattern. Fancy taking things to the next level? Trace the template onto art paper and use watercolours, acrylics, or mixed media to create your mandala. Looking for a more in-depth creative project? Use the template as a guide for a linocut print, wood carving, embroidery piece… or anything else that sparks your imagination.
If you enjoy the gentle and relaxing act of colouring or creating our January-inspired mandala pattern, why not carry the practice throughout the rest of the year by downloading our ‘Year of mindful mandala pattern templates’ with a further eleven designs, each inspired by a different month.
Use them as a simple way to add a little mindful creativity into your year, create seasonal birthday cards or gifts, or go one step further and turn them into a calendar or monthly journal title pages.
Whether you just give January’s mandala a try, or complete the entire year’s collection, I’d love to see what you create. Share your photos and videos on Instagram and tag us @forcreativessake (make sure you also send us a DM if your account is private, so I don’t miss it!).
I hope it brings you some gentle creativity.
Kerri x
*For personal use, UK residents, and those over the age of 18 only. Click here for full terms & conditions.
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