"What lies Beneath" ~ Art Every Day Month

"Be at peace and see a clear pattern running through your lives. Nothing is by chance." ~Eileen Caddy, Footprints on the Path

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- - - - - Hello Beautiful Spirits,

I know my presence has been a little sporadic. I'm in the process of balancing - you know, the yin and yang of life. Balancing many things: emotions, nurturance, responsibilities, creative time, soul work, my online/offline life...yet they're both intertwined. Being here with you all has expanded my life in amazing ways: my vision, my enthusiam for creativity, the mandala process, all this art & soul work, and..my soul's passion for creating and nurturing community -like our kindred, Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community. I am overflowing with gratitude...that I get to share my life with such amazing, creative, expressive souls from ALL OVER THE WORLD! We all come together through our passion for creativity, inner-exploration, a sense of family, and our beloved Mandala Process and Journey - our life's journey.

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I also realize that, like Mother Earth, our creative expression as well as other elements of our life and our "being" are very much in tune with the seasons. - I love the Fall - a time of letting go, surrendering, letting stuff just fall away, and being aware of what's trying to let go of me. And, being willing to surrender as often as needed; allowing "the season of letting go" to have it's way with me. At times I'm kicking and screaming the whole way; albeit silently...what a paradox. And yes, to trust. To be like the the leaves twirling and rippling in the breeze as they leap and just let go of the branch - the mother - that bore and anchored them... for as long as Nature intended; for as long as their "holding on" was in season.

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As this autumn gives way to winter I'm winding down...going within more..realizing what my spirit needs more of and less of; and heeding spirit's counsel. The above mandala reminds me of "what lies beneath" ...what's going on, underneath, in the soil of our soul garden - as the season rules. - And, like bear...I'm preparing for the symbolic hibernation; nurturing, resting, and conscious-careful-activity. Quietly laying groundwork for what will come next; while simultaneously doing my best to "be present" and attentive to the current moment. ~ May this season bring you all that you need...and may you... give yourself permssion to give it to yourself! ...for as long as you need it. .. and may you be willing let go... and trust - just a little bit more, as needed.

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Peace and blessings to you all... and Happy Art Every Day Month! click for details.

:) Cheryl

Blog Tour: "Bright Side of the Road"

The Perpetual Mandala of Life brings us full circle again and again through the eternal spiral of life-altering experiences that on some level whisper to us to "go deeper". Each ending completes that Circle - or Cycle of the Spiral - and a new one begins...and the Mandala of Life spins on eternally. In this Blog Tour, my dear friend Anne Marie Bennett - through her debut book: Bright Side of the Road - A Spiritual Journey Through Breast Cancer - candidly shares her intimate journey with us; ultimately discovering her Bright Side of the Road and the emergence of a new direction for her life. Whether your journey has been touched by breast cancer, or a different challenge, may you be inspired and uplifted by Anne Marie's journey, and discover your Bright Side of the Road as well.

1) Anne Marie, what would you like readers to receive from your book?  I would like my readers to know that a journey with breast cancer is not the end of the world, no matter how scary it might seem. Also, I want them to know that any kind of a Life Journey Interruption can be a good thing, even if it’s hard to believe at the beginning.

2) What entered your mind when you heard your diagnosis?   What immediately entered my mind was absolute terror. It was a completely surreal feeling. My thoughts went something like this: I can’t believe this is happening to me. I don’t WANT this to be happening to me. I don’t have time for this. Am I going to die? Get the cancer OUT of my body. And really, my immediate response was fear. I know some women whose basic emotion was anger, but I honestly didn’t feel a lot of anger. My main emotion, the one that had huge potential to keep me from the bright side, was fear.

3) At what point did you realize that your creativity would lead you into your healing journey?   There were two points. One was very early on in the journey. Before my diagnosis, I had been working on several collaged calendars to give as holiday gifts, and they were lying unfinished on my art table. I decided to give one of them to my breast surgeon, Dr. Karp, because I felt so well taken care of with him. Also, throughout the treatments, I created lots of collaged note cards to give as gifts to my treatment team and nursing staff at the end of the hospital journey. Even though I didn’t feel well many days, I was motivated to sit down and create more collages on my good days because I wanted to give something back to these extraordinary caregivers who were my healing team.

The second was a few years after my treatments were over. I was still reeling from the fear that the cancer would return. In some ways, I was allowing this fear to paralyze me. Then I discovered the simple art of SoulCollage® and made some cards that expressed my fears, as well as the damage that the cancer had done to me. Just that simple act of making those cards helped me to honor the journey in a very visceral way, and that made a huge difference in how I went on with the rest of my life. You can see my breast cancer SoulCollage® cards here: www.kaleidosoul.com/breastcancer.html

4) What was the most difficult part of your journey through breast cancer?  Well, I have to stop and think about that. There were many difficult parts: figuring out how to tell people about my cancer, living with the fear, not being in control of what was happening to my body, losing my hair…etc. But really, the hardest thing was getting through the 3rd and 4th chemotherapy treatments. Not because I lost my hair or felt nauseous a lot of the time, but because I just didn’t feel like myself. I was exhausted and weepy and felt like a shadow of my former self. I read somewhere about trying to think of the chemotherapy drugs in light of what they were doing for me instead of what they were doing to me, and that helped a lot too.

5) What was the gift?
Ah, there were so many gifts… I don’t think I can choose just one. The gift was the love and support I received from the people in my life. The gift was a closer connection with Spirit. The gift was a re-routing of my life, a re-direction.

6) What do you know for sure?  What I know for sure is that we are not alone. I know for sure that life is a journey and our journeys are all individual but we are all intricately connected. I know for sure that if you follow your heart, all shall be well.

Anne Marie Bennett is a writer, self-taught collage artist, website goddess, cancer survivor and SoulCollage® Facilitator. She received a BS degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University and has taught people of all ages throughout the East Coast. She lives in eastern Massachusetts with her middle-aged husband (also a cancer survivor), two elderly cats and one very playful dog who keeps all of them young-at-heart. She is happiest when she is reading, writing, breathing salt air, dancing, and hugging her beautiful grandchildren.

For more information about Anne Marie’s book, Bright Side of the Road, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com To purchase the book, please visit this page: www.annemariebennett.com/how-to-purchase. For more information about SoulCollage® please visit www.KaleidoSoul.com and www.SoulCollage.com

"Heart-Centered Universe"

Heart-centered universe...

coalescing in the center...

within me.

Radiating...

above...

below...

to the left...

to the right.

Surrounding me

with its

gravitional pull.

Keeping me on course...

with my soul's agreement

for this...

infinite journey.

"Love's Horizon"

Love
breaking through
from beneath the surface.
Deep, deep down...
heart-seeds...
planted...
from before the beginning.
We can't escape Love.
It's on the horizon
even when we think not.
Even when we
can't see it...
or feel it...
It's always there
like the sun...
like the moon.
Love,
Mother Natures compost,
nurtures...
waters...
weeds...
whispers...
caresses...
dries our heart's tears...
nests...
and hugs our soul.
Love...
illumines our Dark Night
so come morning...
we can see....
experience...
and feel...
our own love dawning...
on Love's...Horizon.

"Heart of Hearts"

I am your heart
of hearts...
radiating in your Center.
Ever-expanding
with each breath of love...
each thought of compassion,
forgiveness...
patience...
persistence.
I am your heart of hearts...
singing your soul song...
longing to hear your voice
echo in my heart...of hearts.
Longing to feel
the glow of the sparkle
in your eyes...
inspired by
the gifts and promise
that I bestow.
I am your heart of hearts...
the storehouse of your loves
both near and far...
from yesterday...
today...and tomorrow.
I am in
the laughter
of a child...
...the sunshine
of the day...
...the breeze
on your skin...and...
the abounding beauty
that surrounds All That Is.
I am
what your "I love yous"
are made of.

Award: "Attitude of Gratitude"

What a nice surprise from Sue of Sacred Circle Mandalas to give me this thoughtful award. As they say "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!" To allow that idea abide within, is indeed something to be thankful for.

So nominees, the guidelines of this award are: 1) comment on your blog as I've done here; 2) post the award logo and use it on your own blog; 3) nominate at least 5 people who show attitude of gratitude through their blog; 4) link to your nominees within your blog post; comment on their blogs to let them know they received the award; 5) link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.

My nominees are: Brenda of Soul Remembering, Amber of Creative Freedom SoulCollage, JGY of Found in Japan, Janice at Postcards from Wildwood, and Caroline of Whimsical Whispers. I have immense gratitude for you all for the diversity of creativity you share..and the passion in which you share it. Gracias!

"Holding Space"

Holding Space.

The eye-of-the-storm-vibration...

the keeper of the keys:

to peace...

to compassion...

to a higher call.

A higher vibration.

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In all the angst of asking

"What the Bleep...am I doing here!?"

The answer comes, saying:

You are holding space.

You are doing sacred work

by simply being there...

consciously.

Trust.

Realize.

Know.

Hold the vigil.

Hold the Space.

Attune wherever you are

to the Higher Octave...

with your

Conscious Presence.

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Your sacred-yes* to

Spirit's assignment:

Holding the Space...

broadcasting

the Sacred Vibration...

for the good of all..

is your Work, Cheryl.

Good job.

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The term "sacred yes" is from Rev. Michael Beckwith - one of my long-time spiritual teachers.

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"Work is love made visible" ~Kahlil Gibran

Happy 1st Birthday - Mandala Oasis!

June 1, 2009 marks the first birthday of the luminoius Mandala Oasis Yahoo Group! In case you don't yet know, the Mandala Oasis online community is one of the most kindred, inspiring, compassionate, supportive and creative groups I've been a part of; and the members have echoed this sentiment from the beginning. The formation of the amazing group is truly a demonstration of the principle "if you build it...they will come."

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My desire for kindred community focused in creativity as an expression of spirit, was a Cosmic Gong that I sounded in June '08...they all heard it...and came! This is truly a full circle moment...how apropo! ~ I am thankful for everyone who is a part of this amazing family...be they wallflowers...active participants....or visitors of this blog. It's all of you...all of us... who make the Mandala Oasis...an Oasis of spirit... a truly sacred space.

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Beaming grace, gratitude...and a group hug to you all ((((0)))....

~Blissings.... Cheryl

"Women of Spirit"

Celebrating

Women of Spirit...

...the Spirit of Women.

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The Lighthouse of Spirit

that guides

and holds space for us daily.

Women...who bring spirit

to everything they do:

Spirited communication...

Spirited creativity...

Spirited expression...

Spirited giving...

Spirited nurturing....

be it a loved one...

a home...

a garden...

or Spirited loving.

Be it a smile...

or a hug

or compassion

for those familiar...

or those not yet so...

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Women of Spirit

holding our world together

for centuries on end...

from every locale on Earth.

The Spirit of Women...

an eternal balm that lingers

long after we've departed,

the room...

...or the planet.

In overflowing grace

and gratitude...

I honor and celebrate

the Overarching Principle

of the Divine Feminine...in you.

"Revealing"

What lies beneath...?

growing...

winding...

reaching.

Breaking though the surface.

Naturally unfolding.

Blooming...

rejoicing...

expressing.

Revealing...

its own nature.

"Captured by Infinity"

Today is a day of
stepping out on
the Winding Purple Path...

Today...I say yes to life!
Ahhh...
embraced by the natural unfolding of...
blooms at my right....
blooms at my left...
blooms beneath me...
blooms above me...
Blooming Love surronds me!
...and lives in the heart
and soul of me....
witnessed
by the Garnet sun...
and captured...
by Infinity.

"Courage" Mandala -- Cover Art!

That's my mandala on the cover!

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Synchronicity, you know...the seeming-magical occurance of the timing of events at the precise moments that are signficant to you?...no matter how large or small? With synchronicity, they're all goose-bump events. They're like messages from Spirit...guiding us...telling us we're on track...or not. Like a lot of people, synchronicity has been my companion ever since I can remember...and I wouldn't have it any other way. My mom, mystic that she was...brought that, along with lots of other wisdom...to my attention early on. I've also learned that it's important to pay attention to the synchronistities...and not dismiss them as random. Nothing is random. When we notice them and have a desire to explore them, they're clues to the treasure map of our life journey.

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In his book, Spontaneous Fulfillent of Desire - Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence, Deepak Chopra writes "...but if you catch coincidences at the moment they occur, you are better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities they may be presenting."...That's exactly what happened when I received an unfamiliar e-mail... after all we're not supposed to open e-mails from people we don't know...right?...

...Well I felt it was OK to open this particular one, afterall it had "mandala" in the subject line :)... and it just felt OK. So, I listened to that inner "OK" and opened it. Well, at first I felt as if I was in the Twilight Zone! It was from the editor Imagery International's quarterly journal. (Imagery International is the Professional Organization of Guided Imagery practioners.)...
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...She wanted to use one of my mandalas for the cover of their worldwide quarterly publication! This was a thrill for me because I love making and sharing my mandalas...as well as the insight they gift me with. To think...this one was delivered right into my e-mail box! And...it was an opportunity to reach people all over the world with my mandala work. How synchronistic is that!?!
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Since the cover was published I've had a bountiful outpouring of cheering-on from friends, family, creative partners, and other bloggers...it's been heartwarming! And then the icing on the cake...with a cherry on top...came from my dear friend Chris Dunmire, founder of the award-winning website, Creativity Portal... she celebrated with me when she wrote about it on her blog, Creative Slush, here! ~ Thank you, Chris. ~ I just love how sharing our creativity connects us...makes us family; and that's one of the best synchronicites of all.

"Heart Strings"

I am one who loves the dance of life...

Heart Strings leap

from golden jewels...

born of an

Infinite,

Indigo Sea...

Resting,

at the Center.

. . . .

A wing,

and a prayer.

. . . .

I say "yes"!

"Reaching Beyond"

Reaching beyond what is.

Stretching...

Exploring...

Sprouting...

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Reaching beyond what is.

Breaking out of the shell

that holds...

the juice...

the joy...

the seed...

the expectation!

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Reaching beyond what is.

Glimpsing...

Tasting...

Celebrating!

Enlivened by...

the nectar...

of

Destiny.

Soul Mosaic: "Ancient Jewels"

Ancient

hidden jewels...

occupy the Rain Forest

of my heart.

Riches galore!

I spy Amethyst...

and Turquoise...

and Ruby...

embraces of

mystical, dramatic Emerald...

Swaddled in Gold.

Twinklings

of ancient Stardust

court me!

Rooted...

in the Native Center

of All Centers.

Mother of Eternity.

Yes, ancient,

hidden jewels...

echo the heart...

of my

Soul Mosaic.

"Flowering Horizons"

Today is a day of flowers on the horizon

Today is a day of vision...

a flowering vision in my heart...

bouquets of hopes and dreams

and inspired action

regardless of seeming-evidence to the contrary

buzzing around us.

Today is a day where "hope springs eternal" *

not as a passive wishing...

but as the rich soil where belief-seeds

take root...and where vision blooms.

Today is a day where the Soul's work evolves...

inspires...and takes outward form.

Yes, today...flowers of all sorts

are on the horizon

of my soul-garden...

they're coming up...right now!

Today is a day for knowing...

and trusting...

Today is a day of celebration...

of singing before the dawn...

and knowing the sunrise

of Heart-desires' bloom

is just a heartbeat away.

Trust.

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After listening to, and watching too much News...(none of it was uplifiting or empowering) something in me said "Enough! now..declare what you really know, what you know from Spirit." - The above writing "is" that Knowing. I was so divinely anchored after the above poured through me. Yes, I am thankful for Spirit that mentors me to fly higher than facts, figures and F.E.A.R (False Evidence Appearing Real) ...no matter how well it's disguised. ~ Ahh, life is good! and today is a day for seeing, feeling and living...that!

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*From Alexander Pope, click here

"Exuberant Purple Passion"

"Exuberant Purple Passion"

transforms purple into shades...

of blue....and green...and gold

...more than the eyes can see.

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"Exuberant Purple Passion"

transforms circles to diamonds

and diamonds to stars....

and stars into stardust...

and dreams into form....

like weaving straw into gold.

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"Exuberant Purple Passion...

just one of many glorious flowers

in the garden of my soul's

blooming creativity!

"Peace Feathers"

"Peace Feathers" blow through my heart

gracing my entire being.

Peace fragrance

breezes through....

my eyes...

my nose...

and my throat....

On the wings of

the Goddess.

"Peace Feathers" take flight...

caressing my face

with it's divine fragrance...

with its divine touch...

singing its divine song.

Ahh...do you feel it?...

the chorus of Peace...

echoes and within us...

within our peace cells.

Allow the touch

and thought of "Peace Feathers"

to comfort you.

"Vivid Vivacious Visions"

Today

I have vivid, vivacious visions...

DANCING

in my mind's eye...

DANCING in my

DNA!

I am all smiles...

and in giddy anticipation.

Oh.. yes,

I am up to something!

(te-he-he)

"Turtle Love"

Turtle medicine

teaching me to...

give myself what I need

Go inside...

...let my shell nuture me

come out when it's time

for what's been nurtured...

to be expressed...

outside the shell.

Swirling...Turtle Love