Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum recently held a healing workshop as part of its Grief Workshop Series. Led by Roslyn’s Deborah Adler, the workshop allowed participants a chance to express their grief and heal through the ancient art of mandala-making.
“Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means circle. Circles often symbolize the connectedness we have with all people, including our lost loved ones,” said Adler. “Mandala-making is a powerful art therapy technique that helps people access their inner wisdom, heal their emotional wounds, and celebrate their life journey. Mandala-making is a way of honoring our loved ones and ourselves.”
According to Adler and other experts, mandalas are a wonderful tool for healing, self-expression, and relaxation. The balanced, centered design of a circle is soothing to the mind as circles, unlike other geometric shapes, do not have angles, which makes circles feel softer and more infinite than other shapes. Circles/mandalas often represent both unity and protection and can be the symbol of the circle of life and rebirth.
If you’d like to create a mandala at home, Adler shared some tips:
- Trace a circle onto a piece of paper. You can use anything around your home such as a plate.
2. Take a moment to clear your mind and assess where you are physically and mentally.
3. Then, using a pencil or writing device, beginning in the center of the circle, create a symbol or design that represents you or where you are at mentally.
4. Next, work your way out and start adding further elements to the outer parts of the circle. You can divide the circle into equal sections to add images or words to keep it balanced. Allow your designs to flow and express how you feel in that moment. Enjoy the process.
5. You can add in images cut out from magazines, use quotes or other collage materials.
6. Don’t worry about skill or ability, let your creativity relax your mind and soul.
“This event marked the first in-person workshop Pinelawn has held since the series was created during the pandemic, and our participants couldn’t have been more pleased,” said Justin Locke, President, Pinelawn. “We are happy to be able to develop supportive workshops and events for families. People helping people, that’s what it’s all about.”
The event was part of Pinelawn’s Grief Healing Workshop Series, a free community service that was launched during Covid-19 to support those mourning the loss of loved ones. To date, Pinelawn has hosted 26 grief healing workshops that have assisted over 1,300 individuals coping with grief. Topics covered have included Finding Hope and Purpose After the Loss of Your Partner or Spouse, Self-Healing and Resilience Building, Rethinking the Holidays After Loss, Journaling for Life After Loss, Allowing Nature to Hold Us, Healing Through Music, and more.
For more information on Pinelawn’s 2023 calendar of events, all free of charge and open to the public, visit https://pinelawn.com/events/upcoming-events/
Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, located in Farmingdale, New York, is a non-sectarian cemetery that prides itself on creating and maintaining a beautiful and serene environment where families can find tranquility and comfort. Its open and expansive landscape features hundreds of acres of manicured grounds, unique architecture, flowing bronze fountains, and flower-lined walks. Its beautiful memorial gardens offer all who visit, scenic beauty where they can reflect upon their loved ones in peace. For more information on Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to schedule a tour of the property, visit www.pinelawn.com or call 631-249-6100.
