Preface

I had the pleasure of meeting Celeste Carneiro on several occasions during her career, not only as her student in the mandala course, but also as a collaborator in providing services to the elderly in the area of Mental Gymnastics, as well as in other activities we developed together. These experiences greatly contributed to my professional and personal growth. Celeste’s professional competence has enabled her to remain active as both therapist and writer.

When Celeste writes or speaks about mandalas, her eyes sparkle and her smile widens. Her writing style is simple yet deeply reflective, rooted not only in intellectual knowledge but also in a spiritual view of life. This book, Mandalas – The Art of Centering, is the result of in‑depth research and comes enriched with high‑quality illustrations. It brings the mandala to life as a symbol that has existed for centuries across cultures, reflecting its meaning and importance to those drawn to its mystery. It demonstrates how art and spirituality can merge into a single practice.

The practice of creating and coloring mandalas activates physical, mental, and psychological processes. It is an intentional act of seeking unconscious images, the results of which can serve as therapeutic support and provide a bridge to one’s inner self. Through this, answers may be discovered in the depths of the human soul.

Nature herself offers us mandalas: in the perfect symmetry of flowers, the cross‑section of an orange, or the rings inside a tree trunk. They surround us everywhere—we simply need to notice them.

I believe that the pages of this book will inspire readers to immerse themselves in the world of mandalas, exploring how they can enrich both their inner lives and outer practices.

Our thanks to dear Celeste!

Mariza Saba

Biologist, trained in neuroscience, works with cognitive stimulation in the elderly.

Translater: Luiza Olga Marques

Graphic design, editing, and layout: Celeste Carneiro

Cover: Celeste Carneiro and Filipe Monet