Creating a Grounding Mandala

Using mandala art to help slow down, feel grounded, and support emotional balance

Workshop: Creating a Grounding Mandala

Purpose
This session introduces the mandala as a safe, containing form to support grounding and balance. Through this process, participants are supported in emotional regulation, understood as the ability to stay present with emotions and return to a sense of calm.

Overview
This session offers a gentle, structured art-making experience using a circular form. Participants create at their own pace, with an emphasis on grounding and presence rather than artistic outcome. Following the art-making, time is set aside for group processing. Participants are invited to reflect on their experience, artwork, or how they are feeling, with the option to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. The focus remains on choice, respectful listening, and creating a supportive group environment.

Materials

• Paper
• Pencil crayons
• Markers
• Oil pastels / chalk pastels

Art-Making Process
Participants are invited to begin at the centre of the circle and allow colours, lines, or simple patterns to move outward at their own pace. The focus is on repetition and rhythm rather than detail or complexity. Participants are encouraged to notice their breathing and body sensations as they work. Completing or filling the entire circle is optional.