Mandala workshop in Madurai to explore self-reflection through mindful drawing and journaling techniques

A pencil moves slowly across a sheet of paper. There is no hurry to finish the design. In fact, participants are asked not to complete it within the given time. The instruction is simple — go slow and do not press the pencil too hard.

This is one of the exercises in city-based B Shangamithra’s 10-day session on mandala art and mindful journaling. For her, drawing is not just about creating something beautiful. It is also a way to get people to pause for a while and think about themselves.

She also offers 90-minute, one-day workshops for both groups and individual participants. One of the themes she explores is ‘self-check’. It asks a simple question: are we doing certain things because we want to, or because we want to please someone else?

To explore this, Shangamithra uses a self-portrait exercise. Participants are encouraged to look for a picture or a drawing of a girl they like and create their own version — how they see themselves now, how they would like to be or how they imagine themselves in the future. The drawing exercise is followed by journaling.

The exercise brings up the need for approval from others. “I mainly rule out people-pleasing. Don’t seek validation outside. All you seek is vision,” says Shangamithra.

She also encourages participants to write affirmations — simple statements that reflect what they want to believe in or work towards. Another exercise in the workshop is called ‘Slow, Soft and Strong’, or 3S. Here, participants are given 10 affirmations and asked to choose the one that connects with them. They are then given a tracing sheet and a timer. But there is a catch. They are not expected to finish the mandala before the timer goes off. Instead, they have to trace it as slowly as possible.

Shangamithra asks them not to press the pencil too hard. A sheet placed underneath the drawing makes the difference visible. Press the pencil hard and its pressure shows up on the sheet.

The exercise is about being slow, soft and strong — slow in the way one works, soft in the way one handles the pencil, but strong when it comes to one’s intention.

The workshop also includes a ‘trigger check’, where participants are encouraged to become aware of what causes certain reactions in them. For Shangamithra, these exercises are not about producing a perfect drawing. The mandala simply becomes a starting point for a conversation with oneself.

Over the course of the 10-day workshop, participants are introduced to different exercises that encourage them to become more aware of their thoughts, actions and choices. Drawing, in this setting, becomes a quiet activity that allows them to step away from the rush of everyday life and spend some time with themselves.

The online format also means participants can join from wherever they are, without having to be in the same room. Shangamithra’s approach is simple: pick up a pencil, slow down and pay attention to what comes up along the way.

A mandala may begin as a series of lines and patterns. But by the time the pencil stops moving, the exercise may have left the participant with something else to think about — whether they are living by their own choices or constantly looking outside for approval.

To join the session and workshop on mandala art and mindful journaling, call 8072069509. The fee for a 90 minute one-day workshop is ₹300 per individual and for a 10 day session it is ₹1200