Monday Mandala

I've loved the practice of making a mandala to start each week, and I'm not sure if I'm ready to stop! It slows me down, makes me pause and brings my mind directly to the present moment of gathering and arranging. I spent the last few days at Anymist's Serendipity retreat. The amount of love and deep care that Michelle and Jen put into each detail was so evident in the glowing faces of every teacher/guide and student all week long. Those two are some of the most beautiful and talented women I've ever known... and the women they gather together are some of my favorite people in the universe! Leaving dear friends and finding my rhythm upon return from such events is always bumpy. But today I had my mandala to make! It only took 15 minutes, but it grounded me for the entire afternoon. I will remember this each time I need to find my footing- and encourage you to give it a try too. This mandala was made in honor of all of the lovely women that circled together last week. Each person contributed to the whole of the circle. We were very much a moving flowing mandala of women at ocean.

Monday Mandala

We woke up to temps in the mid 30's this morning! I gathered today's materials from the field next to my house in tall boots and down coat.  Brrrrr! The sky was gorgeous, but the cold air had me running inside to assemble this mandala where it was cozy and warm. I believe it's my favorite one yet!  I mingled the last of this year's blooms with turning leaves and golden needles. I'm loving this ritual- and the pleasure and peace that follow it. What a great way to start the week... and how fun it is to share with you!

monday mandala

A great deal of time was spent at my computer this weekend. I'm working on manuscript edits and it's super easy for hours to slip by in front of the screen. I pushed my self out the door yesterday for a walk and when I returned refreshed, I sat on the slate back porch to soak in the last bit of sunshine. All around me were the final blooms of the year. I set to gathering handfuls and arranged them by flower and petal. A mandala began to form and with the quiet meditation of circling around and around came a deep focus and sense of calm. 

 Constructing nature mandalas is a wonderful way to honor a little time for creativity and artistry- either solo or as a collaboration. October is the perfect month for gathering inspiration. There are so many options as the leaves fall and the pinecones cluster under trees. There are still blooms to be had and stones to collect. I plan to dedicate some time each week to create one on my own or enlist some help from my kids. Sundays are good- and then I can share them with you the next day for a Monday Mandala. You can join in too! Just remember to snap a picture before the wind comes...
After a blustery night, all of my work blew into the corner of the garden that collects leaves and is looked over by this smiling face. A little serendipity with the Buddah and petals (but I put the blossom at his feet).