I thought about learning Farsi; my fiancé and his family are Persian and speak the language regularly. I have done a little Rosetta Stone here and there and would definitely like to learn more. That said, it just doesn't have enough "element of play" for me.
I also considered choosing to cultivate a meditation practice. I have had wonderful experiences meditating in my life and everything definitely seems to flow better when I do this regularly! But, it still didn't feel like the right fit for this project. I wanted something that I felt excited about doing (and also something that I hadn't done before).
After a lot of brainstorming, I decided I'd like to tap into my artistic side. Specifically, I'd want to create a Mandala. I've never done anything like this before so it should be an interesting journey. On the 20% project checklist, this has all the elements for me: knowledge, play, passion, making something :) I think I will use Pinterest to research and connect to my blog as I go.
What is a Mandala? (from http://www.art-is-fun.com/how-to-draw-a-mandala.html#ixzz3RTZeKXoY):
A mandala is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form. In fact, "mandala" is a Sanskrit word that means "circle". Mandalas generally have one identifiable center point, from which emanates an array of symbols, shapes and forms.
Mandalas can contain both geometric and organic forms. They can also contain recognizable images that carry meaning for the person who is creating it.
In essence, mandalas represent the connection between our inner worlds and outer reality. Designing your own mandalas can be both inspirational and therapeutic.
Inquiry: How many authentic questions (those that you truly do not know the answer to) can you come up with around your topic?
1. What is the history of the mandala?
2. How can I use the mandala for mindfulness and personal reflection?
3. What will that experience feel like?
4. Are there different types/purposes of mandalas?
5. What tools will I need to create a mandala?
6. To be therapeutic do I need to create my own freehand design or can I mimic a cool design that I find?
7. What type of pencil is best to use?
8. What type of paper (watercolor, sketch, drawing, mixed media) should I use?
9. If I use watercolor pencils, should I first use an erasable pencil to sketch out my design?
10. Will I need a protractor, if so should I use a regular or a 360 protractor?
11. How might mandalas be connected to mathematics?
12. Will this project lead to something unique I might be able to incorporate into a geometry curriculum?
What would a successful outcome look like? I would create 2-3 mandalas, at least one of which is entirely original with no guide followed.