The free template you are about to download can be used as a mandala coloring sheet, but it can also be more than that. This mandala was created with meditative doodling in mind so I’d like to take a moment to explain what that means (especially if you don’t have any interest in watching the video) but feel free to skip ahead if you already know this stuff.
What is Meditative Doodling?
Generally speaking, meditative doodling is the process of repeating simple patterns… resulting in something visually complex.
In other words, you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to create something so elaborate and lovely. What’s great about meditative doodling is:
- Even if you don’t think you’re “artistically talented”… you can do this. I promise!
- It is a great way to relax and relieve stress. I would highly recommend meditative doodling for someone who struggles with anxiety or depression. (Note- that’s not medical advice, it’s personal experience.)
- You can do it anywhere– whether you’re stuck on a couch, hanging out in a cafe, or waiting in a doctors office.
- All you need is a pen and paper. (A Sakura Pigma Micron pen is the popular go-to pen for this style of doodling but you can start with any pen you choose.)
- This style of doodling is a great exercise for meditating because it’s all about being in the moment and enjoying the process rather than worrying about the end result.
Obviously, you don’t need a template to doodle but templates help by providing an “outline of sections” which you can fill with any doodle patterns you like, however you choose, for a beautiful end result that is uniquely your own.
Meditative doodling is a broad phrase, so if you’d like some resources for getting started, I’d recommend looking into:
- ‘Zentangle‘ is an official, branded version of meditative doodling using square tiles. It has very specific rules but can be a great way to learn the process before adapting to your own preferences. (https://zentangle.com/pages/get-started)
- Zendoodle (or zen doodle) is a phrase to search on Google, Youtube, and Pinterest for doodle pattern inspiration including tutorials for the more complex patterns. Of course you can also research any variation on “doodle patterns”.
- Another resource worth mentioning is Ben Kwok who also has a beautiful line of templates which you can use for meditative doodling, tangling, or whatever-ya-wanna-call-it.
There. Now that that’s out of the way… here is a video to show you two examples of meditative doodling in this template using only a series of lines and small circles.
Finally, here is the free template as a PDF which you can print as many times as you’d like for personal use only. (Click on the link below).
Free Mandala Meditative Doodling and Coloring Template
If you love the free template then I hope you’ll consider ordering the new Meditative Doodling & Coloring insert available now in my Etsy shop. It’s filled with **40** mandala templates for you to enjoy!
- As a Paper Companion Insert: https://www.etsy.com/listing/562799444/mandala-meditative-doodling-coloring
- As a Printable File: https://www.etsy.com/listing/564844148/mandala-meditative-doodling-and-coloring
PS- Please feel free to share what you create with this template in the Mixed Media Art Journey group or (if you’re not in the group) please share this template with friends and family because it’s so fun to see how unique each creation is!