“I am not sure what prompted me to buy this. It may have been an idea planted when I watched a meditation video by Shirley Maclaine - after she discussed chakra meditation, the screen switched to showing a bunch of mandalas moving to and fro, weaving in and out, like a kaleidescope. And the next thing I know, there this is at a book store saying "buy me". I introduce mandalas to my clients in small group using the article in the book augmented by information I find on the internet. These adult clients have found a sense of serenity through coloring but none have gone past brief attempts to meditate with their colored (or other) mandalas (while still in my caseload anyway).
When I can find the materials, we move beyond the coloring of commercially drawn mandalas in this book (or others like it) to designing their own on paper and other mediums. Although they don't use the mandalas for meditation- many of my residential clients use them as pieces of art. I sometimes find mandala puzzles at thrift stores and they enjoy putting puzzles together for the sense of serenity, as well, and later use the finished product as "art" to hang on walls.
Many of my clients have become fascinated by mandalas primarily because of their use in various cultures. Developing interest in cultures, traditions, etc., I believe, is a great way to stimulate intellectual well-being which can be a great tool in an a recovering addict's "tool box". The sense of peace when coloring addresses addresses the spiritual realm of well-being - and of course, the process of creation is beneficial because..... I could go on an on about how this Coloring Book has led to various "interventions" I use in therapy with recovering addicts. ”