My school, university and many many work notebooks are dotted with them – they’re usually something I sketch when I’m on the phone.   Doodling very rudimentary versions of them has, and continues to be a favourite pastime.

When I look at them, I am in awe of their beauty and their attention to detail.  I love the repeating patterns, and that whilst they are structured and consistent, they can take on a new form as you add another stage or layer.  They focus your attention, and each purposeful stroke is as important as the last.  When something is missing, you may not notice it immediately… but step back, and it’s clear where you’ve omitted something.

For me, evaluation is all of these things.  It is structured, purposeful and consistent.  It builds on earlier stages, and each action is purposeful. You can start off with an idea in mind, but depending on your insights, you can end up with something quite different from what you originally envisioned.  And when things aren’t quite right… step back and look at your work from a different perspective – you’ll soon figure out where you’ve misstepped.

Mandalas also represent enlightenment, which is what I wish for everyone from their evaluation activities.