Review of "Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds" by Tela Talise

Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)

Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds by Tela Talise is one of the unexpected pleasant surprises of the year!

It isn't just a good art book.
It isn't just a good mindfulness book.
It isn't just a good motivational book.

It's a good book!

It’s the kind of book that gently takes your hand and leads you into stillness—without ever demanding perfection or pretending to have all the answers. With breathtaking visuals and heartfelt prose, Talise weaves a mindful experience that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Whether you’re an overthinker, a creative, or simply someone craving a few moments of intentional calm, this book meets you exactly where you are.

What makes it shine is its sincerity. Talise doesn’t just showcase mandalas—she invites you into her journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery. Each page feels like a quiet breath, a reminder to be present, and a celebration of nature’s overlooked wonders. It’s a soulful blend of art, affirmation, and quiet wisdom—and yes, it’s just a good book in the truest, most wholesome sense.

Let's preface by saying this: we are so relieved that this is more than just an artist showing off their art. So often in the past, we've had people send us books that were essentially photo dumps with little or no explanation about the meaning or process behind those images. This is not one of those books.

In fact, the images—while fantastic and impressive—complement rather than distract from the prose (and vice-versa). Everything in this book works in tandem, synchrony, and harmony, ironically fitting with some of the themes of this book.

This is such a wholesome book! It doesn't try to force a mindset or ideology on you. It doesn't take the creepy, oppressive, accusatory stance or tone that a lot of other spiritual books tend to take. Look, we're going to just come out and say it: a lot of spirituality & mindfulness books we've read recently have really frustrated, offended, or outright angered us, particularly because many of them devolve into ranting about things like the climate or why humanity is racist, sexist, [insert group here]-phobic, barbaric, and animalistic.

They tend to have a very negative, pessimistic view of humanity, even calling us things like "animals" or "monkeys." Heck, some of those books called us "Earthlings" as if the magical spiritual author isn't even from the same planet. These same books then try desperately to tie all that back into something more accepted or mainstream like Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, but it comes across as inauthentic—just trying to use something well-established to support less established claims. That's not the case with this book.

In contrast , Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds welcomes and invites. It says, "Ok, would you like to try something neat? Would you be interested in learning something new?"

We really appreciated that about this book.

We also love that this book actually seems to have a positive view on humanity, for all its faults. This is all perfectly exemplified in one passage of the book: "We were born to love many things, including people."

There are actually a lot of incredible, inspiring, and thought-provoking quotes in this book. One of our favorites is: "Our keys are not meant to open every door we come to... There will be doors that match your keys with perfect precision at the perfect time."

This really spoke to us. So often, we want what we want and we want it now. That's human nature. Everyone prefers instant gratification. However, the reality is that you don't always get what you want. The reality is that sometimes you have to wait and be patient for good things—for new doors to open.

There are countless lines and reflections throughout the book that stop you in your tracks—not because they’re loud or dramatic, but because they’re true. From Vincent van Gogh’s quote, “What is done in love is done well,” to the quietly revolutionary reminder that “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first—it means me too,” Tela Talise fills this book with wisdom that is both profound and refreshingly grounded.

One of the most touching moments is the simple observation of her son playing the harmonica while she writes. That’s mindfulness in real life. Not a lofty, abstract idea—but the act of noticing, of cherishing what would otherwise be ordinary. She even names her favorite sounds—her “chosen soul songs”—and encourages us to do the same. It’s those small moments, those human details, that set this book apart from the many cold, preachy, or downright eerie “mindfulness” books that often make the rounds. This book is a breath of fresh air.

Throughout, Talise uses metaphors that stick with you. She writes, “We are all like turtles,” needing to retreat into our shells, but also needing to remember to poke our heads back out again. She reminds us that rosemary isn’t just an herb—it’s a symbol of memory, grounding, and legacy. She even shares that as a professor, she prints out positive student messages as daily reminders of her impact. That visual act of self-love is the kind of practical inspiration many of us don’t realize we need until someone models it for us.

So, before we go on more tangents (sorry), what is this book about? Well...it’s about slowing down—just enough to remember who you are. Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds is a gentle guide through 31 days of introspection, intention-setting, and connection with the natural world. Each chapter revolves around a thoughtfully selected theme—like patience, love, healing, or imperfection—accompanied by a stunning nature mandala, a heartfelt reflection, a few soul-searching questions, and an empowering affirmation. You’re not told what to believe or how to feel; you’re simply encouraged to pause, observe, and reflect.

At its heart, this book is about rediscovering the sacred in the simple. Whether you choose to flip to a random page or follow the full month-long mindfulness journey, Tela Talise’s voice feels like a caring friend reminding you that you matter, your emotions are valid, and you’re allowed to grow at your own pace. This isn’t a loud, flashy declaration—it’s a quiet, beautiful whisper that says: “You’re not alone. Let’s breathe together.” And honestly, in a world that’s always rushing, that message feels like a small miracle.

And let's talk about the titular mandalas for a moment because they're a huge part of this book and many of them are incredible! Some are jaw dropping and awe-inspiring! Practically all of them inspire thought and consideration.

Take the Acceptance mandala on page 26, for instance. Composed of eight ginkgo leaves arranged in a gentle symmetry, it’s more than just visually appealing—it’s deeply symbolic. Ginkgo, a tree known for resilience and longevity, becomes a metaphor for embracing our unique path and identity. The accompanying reflection on masks and authenticity hits surprisingly hard, especially in a world that constantly asks us to conform.

Then there’s the Forward mandala on page 41, centered around a vibrant sunflower. The way the sunflower radiates outward mirrors the theme of taking brave steps beyond our comfort zone. It’s not just a pretty pattern—it’s a visual embodiment of encouragement. Similarly, the Inner Worth mandala on page 69 uses nine orange slices to create a bright, juicy reminder of the impact we make simply by existing. It’s playful and affirming all at once.

And don’t miss the Kindred Spirits mandala on page 79—one of the most touching in the entire collection. Its gentle pinks and organic shapes feel like a soft embrace, perfectly matching the heartfelt writing about those rare soul connections that light up our lives. Or the Lost Connections mandala on page 85, which uses dried roses and rosemary to pay tribute to the pain of goodbyes and the beauty of impermanence.

On page 29, the Aging mandala stands out as one of the most elegant. It’s made with materials that feel time-worn yet beautiful—subtle earth tones, dried elements, and curved textures that mirror the grace of growing older. It’s paired with a tender reflection about honoring our own masterpiece in progress. Rather than fearing age, Talise invites us to cherish it, to see each wrinkle or silver strand as a brushstroke in our life’s painting.

Page 53 features the Happiness mandala, a radiant and uplifting design with bright floral elements that practically burst off the page. It’s a perfect pairing for the reminder that joy isn’t something we seek outside ourselves—it’s something we tend and grow from within. The way the colors bloom outward almost seems to say: “You’re allowed to feel this good.”

Flip to page 76 for the Kindness mandala, where four tulips are arranged in a simple, grounding pattern. The repetition gives a sense of calm and symmetry, and Talise’s accompanying message about self-regulation and grace in the face of others’ unkindness makes this one feel especially soothing. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder to lead with empathy.

On page 108, the Silence mandala might be the most understated—and that’s what makes it so profound. With soft tones and restrained geometry, it visually whispers the message of the chapter: that silence isn’t emptiness, but space. It’s a place where communication can deepen, even when words fall short.

The Story mandala on page 114 is another gem. Built around warm tones and soft textures, it evokes the feel of turning a page on an old, beloved book. The accompanying reflection likens our lives to a novel—one where even the painful chapters serve a purpose in shaping our story. It’s not only a visual metaphor—it’s a personal invitation to embrace your narrative, flaws and all.

Finally, the Wishes mandala on page 120 brings everything full circle. Created with light, airy materials that resemble the delicate structure of a dandelion, it taps into something pure and childlike. It encourages readers to make a wish for themselves—not for others—and that small act of self-directed dreaming feels revolutionary in its simplicity.

Each mandala isn’t just something to admire—it’s something to feel. The way Tela Talise connects imagery with intention makes these works not only meditative but meaningful. They’re not just decorations. They’re conversations. And they’ll stay with you long after you close the book.

According to the author, some took hours to make, others took days.

Something really cool is how the author repeatedly emphasizes that you don't have to be an artist or a mandalas expert to make one. You're invited to try! And you can do it however, whenever, or wherever you want—at school, at home, in the office, in the forest, at the beach. It's so neat how you can take natural ingredients from just about anywhere and make a mandala of your own.

Check it out on Amazon!