Building mandalas for tactile input

First, let me do a quick rundown just why tactile input is so important for us human beings.

You must remember that small children need so much of it, as parents and caregivers we encourage tactine play, a lot, in the developmental years. That being the first 7 years of a child’s life (at least). But if you’ve been blessed with neuro-spicy children, or you yourself are somewhere on the spectrum you totally understand the magic of tactile stimuli and self regulation. 

Fine examples of tactile input for children are the kneeding of the dough, sorting textured materials, touching sand and dirt, etc. 

These activities are crucial for our cognitive development, and our motor and planning skills. 

But as we grow up, and grow older there is less and less tactile play and input in our lives, and we just simply cannot discount the importance of cognitive maintenance. So why stop doing these activities? 

But let’s continuoue. So why is tactine input so beneficial when it comes to our emotional regulation and stress reduction? 

It’s because slow and repetitive fine motor movements are calming to the nervous system. And we can also find that it has a grounding effect on us, as it promotes being present in the moment. 

And if that’s not enough reason to start mandala building I can tell you now that tactile input has its benefits when it comes to our brain health too. It strengthens neuro connections, exercises our working memory, which is particularly important to prevent mental decline, and it reduces mental fatigue. 

Enough said, right? 

I would like to strongly encourage you my dear reader to consider the possibilities in this seemingly woo-woo mindfulness art exercise. 

It’s good for you. 

For more pictures and instructions click here:  @eszterwittich