In these strange & difficult times I have struggled more with anxiety than any other time. Recently, I have discovered the calming affects of drawing mandalas. Mandala is Sanskrit for "circle". A mandala is a radial design emanating out from a central point. Drawing them offers a method for organizing visual material by arranging it around this central point. Components of a radial design are often arranged symmetrically, with parts evenly balanced. In a time when so much feels out of control, creating them gives one a sense of calm and focus. Mandalas have been shown in clinical studies to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and ease depression.