Nature mandalas can be a fun, creative way to connect with nature while having a purpose. I’ve used nature mandalas to connect with family, colleagues, and friends in a playful, creative way outdoors. It can even be used to inspire collaborative team building skills in a gentle, non competitive way.
Many metaphors and insights can come from spending time in nature, including clarity, wisdom, relaxation, and appreciation for the little things in life that we often may overlook or take for granted. Nature mandalas can be done in any season. All one needs is a little creativity and curiosity.
What is a Mandala?
Mandalas mean “circle” in Sanskrit. These self-created circles can be used as a practice where one collects items in nature as a way of being in the present moment. This can be beneficial for the body, mind, and spirit as we move our bodies while connecting to the natural world.
It’s also a creative way to practice non-attachment and the concept of impermanence. Much like life changes, the nature mandalas we make will change. Everything is impermanent is a concept embedded in some ancient Asian philosophies. With present-moment awareness, we can learn to appreciate “what is” to help us experience more joy in our lives.
The nature mandalas we make will change. Flowers will wilt. The wind may shift and move them. Here too, we can practice non-attachment to having things stay the same. These practices can be metaphors for how our own lives will change, helping us to embrace change in all of its varying phases, just as the natural world experiences them. We can see this in something as simple as the varying stages of life and decay in something as simple, yet dynamic, as a leaf.
Nature Mandalas for Memories, Movement, and Connection
I follow my husband and his mom on a recent nature mandala gathering at a park in Florida. The two stand together under a grove of tropical fruit trees surrounded by immense greenery.
Margie McCarthy, who has a diagnosis of Myeloma Cancer, spends time walking in nature every day as a way of keeping her body strong and her spirit uplifted.
“Being in nature gives me a broader perspective of the bigger world,” she says. “I don’t focus on my smaller problems.”
Margie pauses and looks around the base of an avocado tree inspecting what’s next to collect while being mindful to not take from the living plants, focusing on fallen leaves and twigs instead.
“It’s fun looking for colors and patterns and putting them into a pile,” her son Aaron Clark, a math teacher says as he leans over picking up a leaf under the shade of a mango tree.
“Looking for things in nature helps open your eyes to things you might not notice otherwise,” he says. “It’s nice to be outside in a beautiful setting with people I care about and have a purpose.”
Margie and her son Aaron, view organic materials in different states, from blooming flowers to aged fallen leaves whose edges begin to curl inward, and seeds that begin to sprout new life. This practice can raise an awareness of the universal themes of the varying phases of life.
“It’s symbolic of respecting all stages of life,” Aaron says who knows his mom may not have as many years left and wants to make the most of the ones they have together.
McCarthy and Clark sit down on the grass to make their mandala as a gift of appreciation to the park. The sun emits golden light over an open field as it lowers in the sky. Dozens of black birds chirp in the high trees above them.
“I hope someone gets to walk by and appreciate our mandala,” Aaron says. “I feel uplifted after making a mandala. It’s nice to create something with my mom.”
He places some of the final touches inside the circle both him and his mother have created.
“We’re not trying to make the mandala perfect or permanent,” Margie says. “We’re just enjoying it right now. It’s a good activity to share together.”
The wind blows softly as she leans her head on her sons chest smiling.
“I love you, Mom,” Aaron says. “I love you, always” she says.
Tips for making a nature mandala:
Bring a basket or reusable bag to collect items for your mandala
Gather any items in nature that you know are safe to touch/gather
Make a circle and separate your circle with natural items (ie, twigs, branches) to make pie shapes inside the circle
Decorate each pie shape inside the circle with any items you choose
Add a fun center piece at the center of your circle or mandala if you wish Perhaps leave it for others to enjoy
We encourage anyone making nature mandalas to be mindful and respectful of wildlife, insects, itchy plants etc., but don’t let fear stop you from adventuring and enjoying the great outdoors. When in doubt, it’s best to leave it be.
Nature Mandala inspiration credit to: Day Schildkret of Morning Altars and Ginny East Shaddock of Heartwood Yoga Institute
