Last new moon, I started a ritual to paint one mini mandala a day for 22 days.
In the beginning, it was a very spontanous decision, but I felt like I needed it. Here's why:
Taking a break from reference painting to invite imagination
I wanted to create a balance in my painting practice. I usually paint a lot of naturalistic themes and need a lot of reference photos to make my objects look “real”.
To be honest, I rarely paint anything “by heart”, it just doesn’t create the same level of depth. Instead, I observe and study many objects (or photos) in front of me.
I need to SEE the delicate details of animal fur and the structural patterns of leaves. And the more I look, the more I find the subtle beauty in it. It’s very satisfying. But this also means that I have rising expectations of how my paintings look like in the end.
Sometimes it’s good to take a break from our own expectations. Focusing on abstract patterns and shapes inspires my intuition. It invites me to follow the impulses of the moment, without any plan or guideline.
In a way, this mandala practice became an “art diary”. I was doing some intuitive writing every time the canvas surface needed to dry, and sometimes I got ideas for future works.
Painting mandalas is healing and therapeutic in many ways. They help us open a sacred space to feel the feelings. They allow us to express our creativity, release tensions, and settle deeper into our body. Sometimes, we might even get really good ideas during the painting process. Some of the best insights come when we least expect them.
Do you have a similar practice that brings you in touch with your intuitive side? Something that anchors you in the moment and nourishes your soul?
If yes, I would love to hear from you :-)
Maybe this little journey inspires you to start your own practice – you don’t even need to take much time. Even 10 minutes a day will do in the beginning. The most important thing is to become fully present and free of expectations in your chosen time window.
It’s really healing and nourishing to create some intentional space to just be oneself. I invite you to get in touch with your creativity and channel anything that wants to flow out of you in this very moment. It doesn’t need to be a mandala. It can be free writing. Dancing. Music. Puzzling… Building an altar… you name it.
I wish you boundless inspiration and joy!
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