 100 exceptionally gorgeous Mandalas: An Adult Coloring Book for Relaxation (Gorgeous Mandala and Patterns) Paperback by Ulrike Arlt
This extraordinary Manadala book contains 100 hand-drawn, artistic patterns at various levels of difficulty.
The backs of the patterns are in black to prevent print-through and coloring.
Relaxation, contentment, creativity, mindfulness, energy and bliss are some of the buzzwords associated with coloring mandalas.
Why is mandala coloring so effective?
Today, a lot of research has been conducted on the benefits of coloring for adults.
Doctors are now convinced that engaging in fine motor movements of the hands has numerous stress reduction benefits.
The reason behind the enhanced therapeutic effects of coloring mandalas is the use of fine repetitive movements that give one the ability to stay focused on the activity at hand leading to mindfulness or ‘being in the present moment’.
The result is positive physiological changes and a relaxation effect within the body.
Some of the many benefits
According to a Harvard doctor named Dr. Herbert Benson, coloring mandalas leads to a relaxation response due to repetitive movement that require us to put aside thoughts that arise and return to the point of focus or repetition.
He further states that the relaxation response from mandala coloring instructions results in the following benefits:
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Reduced pulse rate
Decreased oxygen consumption
Lower cortisol production (cortisol is a stress hormone)
Increase in release of feel good hormones
Why mandalas and not free form coloring
According to authors of the study ‘Can Coloring Mandalas Reduce Anxiety?, coloring the symmetrical form of mandalas helps draw the mind into a state similar to that in meditation by calming inner chaos and organizing frenzied thoughts.
The authors of this study tested their theory on 84 undergrad students with anxiety. At the end of the study, they concluded that coloring a mandala for 20 minutes was more effective than free form coloring for 20 minutes. The authors were also able to demonstrate that students who colored on a blank piece of paper showed no reduction in anxiety while those who colored mandalas actually decreased their anxiety levels to below those of before they started the coloring
Category: Mandalas
Book Dimensions: 8.5 x 11
Buy this coloring book for adults at Amazon
If you have colored in this book tell us what you thought in the comments below! Post a picture if you have one!
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