Mindful Gardening Activity: Creating a Nature Mandala with Flowers
One of my favorite activities is to go out into the garden and make nature mandalas with the flowers, plants, and leaves I find right in my backyard. Mandalas date back to 2,000+ years ago in Buddhist cultures and usually have symmetrical, geometric patterns.
Creating nature mandalas not only helps us connect with nature, but also provides a fun, easy way to practice mindfulness. When I create a mandala, I set an intention before I start and use the activity as an opportunity to meditate on that intention. The creation of the mandala then becomes an active meditation and the end result represents the intention I set. It’s fun to take a photo of your nature mandala and make a note of what your intention was so that you’ll remember when you look back later. If you want an added meaningful astrological element, try creating your mandala on a new moon. You can find the next new moon here.
Here’s a quick guide on how to create a nature mandala:
Step 1: Collect materials from your garden or nearby outdoor area. Materials may include flowers, leaves, bark, shells, weeds, rocks, or anything else that catches your eye. I like to collect a few of each type of material since mandalas usually have repeating patterns. Colors can add a fun touch in mandalas, so that’s always great to include if you can.
Step 2: Find a flat area to create your mandala that will contrast nicely with your materials. For example, the sidewalk, grass, a deck, or dirt. I love to use a white cake stand that I happen to have as the backdrop for my flower mandalas, as you can see below.
Step 3: Separate your materials into piles by type or color.
Step 4: Decide what kind of shape you are going to create. Mandalas are symmetrical and are often created as a circle.
Step 5: Choose the center of your mandala and place an item there that you’d like to be the focal point.
Step 6: Work your way out from the center by adding other materials you’ve gathered to create a pattern until you feel it is complete.
Have fun with it! It can be very simple and whatever size you’d like it to be.
Suggested flowers to add to your nature mandala:
Any flowers work great, but here are some of great flowers to include if you want to incorporate their meanings too. Depending on how large the flower is, you can keep the flower whole or use its individual petals.
Snapdragon to symbolize strength
Nigella to symbolize harmony
Zinnias to symbolize friendship
Sunflowers to symbolize health
Hydrangeas to symbolize gratitude
I hope you enjoy making your nature mandalas!
Note: The posts on this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
