Mandala Oasis

Rich Possibilities for 2011 ~ "I am enough..."

2010-12-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

"I am enough"

~ ~ ~

Deeply rooted...

anchored within.

Eternally connected

to the Source

of All Creation...

I realize...

I know....

"I am enough"

~ ~ ~

Eternally connected

to the Source...

I realize...

"I am

more than enough...

...and...

.... exceedingly able

...and blessed."

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Click here to see the Orignal Insights and Poem

Happy New Year!

Here's to brilliant, vivid, expansive new horizons

that dawn daily along our life voyage...

...and here's to our Courage to approach the shores!

and for each of us to know deep in our bones that: "I am enough."

Wondrous blessings, love and gratitude to you all....

Cheryl

Gratitude, SoulCollage

2010-11-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hello Beautiful Spirits...
I miss being here on the Oasis...and connecting with all of you. My camera is on the fritz! The lens won't open...rats! And so.. no photos. The color on the scanner is no where near realistic, and I just can't bring myself to post a mandala where the colors aren't true And so, I rest and breathe while in the Gap. I will either do a few mandala "encores", with new Reflections and Insights...(which might be good to do anyway, as our awareness is ever-evolving) -

...Speaking of "ever-evolving" check out my interview with Seena Frost, creator of SoulCollage - as we discuss her new book SoulCollage Evolving! - You're sure to be inspired!

Also, my dear friend, Laura Hegfield has devoted the entired month of November to Gratitude on her blog, Shine the Divine, with guest authors every day! I am honored to be a part of this project, and my article: Gratitude: Gifts of the Present, is here. To read each day's new post, and archives, click here, Shine the Divine. Thank you Laura, for you ever-giving, generous, inspiring spirit; and the worldwide community of kindred spirits that you've created ~ With love and gratitude for you all... Cheryl

"Reaching Out" ...on Unity.FM - Fri. 8/20!

2010-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Mandala: "Reaching Out"

Hello Dear Ones...

On Friday, 8/20 at 1:00PM Central, I have the honor of being featured on http://unity.fm/program/ConsciousContent with my good friend Jun Mhoon, on his show "Conscious Content". it's the last of three segments. Of course, I'll be talking with Jun about my soul's favorite subject: creativity as conduit to the soul's voice. And I can't talk about that without talking about .. you got it.. Mandalas!! And I can't talk about Mandalas without being in Gratitude for all of you who do this Mandala Dance with me in spirit and in deed either via blogging or through our kindred Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community. I love you all...and I'm so glad we're sharing this journey together. Come on and join us! If you miss it.. the show will be in the archives at the above link. Now...about the above mandala...

. . .

The above mandala speaks to me of "Reaching Out".

By reachng out and allowing ourselves to connect with others...

we are gifted with being Centered and in The Flow of life;

and in that....we're sharing our gifts...

which is what they're for!

Whether we give a smile or kind word ...

or gesture to a so-called stranger;

or a compasionate, patient heart...or

... the spirit of joy and celebration...

or inspiriation and creativity,

when we give... all are blessed

and we bless others.

Often times our Presence and Awareness

is the highest gift we can bring to ourselves
...to others... right where we are

...in this moment.

Please know

that your Reaching Out, matters.

It makes a glorious difference in the world.. . . .

.
Wondrous blessings and gratitude to you, always...
Cheryl

"The Invitation"

2010-07-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

Love's aperture opens...

the portal appears...

Life's womb

is at the threshold...

beckoning us

to accept....

its Invitation.

I've been carrying this mandala in my heart for a while now...feeling its presence...hearing its whispers...reflecting on its rich colors and images; knowing its very presence is an invitation to allow Love to nourish me ...in this moment and each one that follows.

It's an invitation to be aware, to be present and to remember Infinite Love is always here:

at the threshold of every breath, every heartbeat, every decision...

every doubt, every prayer, every tear...

every celebration, every question,...and every answer.

Love is here, capturing and transforming every thought,

feeling, idea...and dream that we surrender to it, in trust.

"In Love We Trust."
Love, is at the threshold with open arms...

open wings....and healing power...

awaiting our sacred "Yes!" to its Invitation.

Yes... indeed...

In Love We Trust...

In Love We Trust.

"Energy of Permission"

2010-05-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful Ones...

Thank you all for your presence, and your loving, kind, supportive words and friendship since my last post. I am deeply grateful for your presence here, and that we are all apart of each other's lives. Wow...worldwide friends. I have missed you! ...yet it was a much-needed time away that was well spent.

I am regenerated now and glad to be back with you again.

I've found that I often don't need as much time away as I might think; it's just a matter of giving myself permission to step back, and to share how I'm feeling with you...and do what I need for myself. That in itself opens up more space withn me

and allows for deeper, wider expansion of Life Energy...and appreciation for life. I am then rejuvenated in a quicker time than I might've thought I needed.

It reminds me of Kahlil Gibran's words on Friendship,

from his book, The Prophet. He says:

"When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in her

may be clearer in her absence,

as the mountain to the climber

is clearer from the plain."

Allowing ourselves the time and space to step back when need, is one of the highest forms of loving self-care we can give ourselves, and our loved ones. -Allowing them the time they need as well works wonders for the soul...and therfore, families and friendships.

The above mandala is a symbol of the Energy of Permission.

Open hearts and swirls all hanging out together,

in the lustrous golden auras and magical blue...

allowing each to do what they need,

and be what they are.

That's what I experience here with you all...

and I thank you for being here, and sharing you life

and your wondrous creativty with me.

Shine on lovely, luminous soul-stars that you are!

With deepest gratitude... and celebration,

~Cheryl

Wondrous Blessings...

2010-04-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Beautiful Spirits.... I'm so glad you've stopped by :) - I hope you are still smitten and curious about the Mandala Journey like I am (see links on sidebar for more info). It's been a while since I've posted, partly because my camera is on the fritz...and partly because after 3 years and over 200 mandalas, insights and reflections later...as well as 2 blogs!...I've decided to take a hiatus from blogging. I'm enjoying not being on the computer as much - and so I heed this inner-prompting.
.
I figure I'll return to posting at some point, but in the meantime I will continue partaking of and relishing my creative journey of life, offline - although I will continue to moderate and enjoy our kindred and inspiring Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community...whose inception was inspired by: my passion for Mandala-making, the treasured inner-discoveries they have gifted me with....and my desire to share this creative-joy with others who also have an appreciation for this fascinating, soul-excavating, expressive process.
.
As I reflect on the many mandalas that have come through me, as well as the wisdom they've imparted, the message of this one -"Powerful Beyond Measure"- comes to my attention in this moment, and so I'm sharing it with you again... just click here - and enjoy.
.
Thank you all for sharing your life, your creativity, your beautiful comments...your connection...and the love of your Creative Journey...with me. -- So, until we meet again...
Wondrous blessings to you and all that concerns you....
Shine on...beautiful, radiant spirits that you are!
Cheryl

"Entering the Vision"

2010-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

Entering the Vision...

of my Heart's Heart...

transporting myself there

through the Rainbow-Eye...

of my Imagination...

experiencing....

feeling...

delighting...

anticipating...

trusting.

. . .

Entering the Vision...

of my Soul's Heart...

dreaming...while awake.

Feeling the support of the Ancestors,

and the Creative Force,

I let myself go deeper...

trusting

...and knowing

that all I need to do is to:

be willing...

show up...

do the work...

trust & stay rooted in

what my Heart knows...

and where it's leading me.

. . .

Entering the Vision...

I persevere..

I am rooted in Courage

I trust...and

I Heed Spirit's promptings...

when I feel like it...

and even when I don't...

Realizing it's Spirit's loving way

of bringing me along...

lifting me "up to"...

where I belong.

"What lies Beneath" ~ Art Every Day Month

2009-11-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

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

- - - - - 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.

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.

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.

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

:) Cheryl

Blog Tour: "Bright Side of the Road"

2009-10-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

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.

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"

2009-09-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-06-27T18:45:00.014-07:00

Holding Space.

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

the keeper of the keys:

to peace...

to compassion...

to a higher call.

A higher vibration.

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.

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.

.
.

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

"Work is love made visible" ~Kahlil Gibran

Happy 1st Birthday - Mandala Oasis!

2009-05-30T23:41:00.014-07:00

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."

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.

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

~Blissings.... Cheryl

"Women of Spirit"

2009-05-30T22:38:00.008-07:00

Celebrating

Women of Spirit...

...the Spirit of Women.

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...

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"

2009-05-27T00:35:00.004-07:00

What lies beneath...?

growing...

winding...

reaching.

Breaking though the surface.

Naturally unfolding.

Blooming...

rejoicing...

expressing.

Revealing...

its own nature.

"Captured by Infinity"

2009-05-05T22:38:00.008-07:00

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!

2009-05-04T00:50:00.027-07:00

That's my mandala on the cover!

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.

.
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.)...
.
...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!?!
.
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"

2009-04-22T20:44:00.013-07:00

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"

2009-04-13T10:32:00.007-07:00

Reaching beyond what is.

Stretching...

Exploring...

Sprouting...

Reaching beyond what is.

Breaking out of the shell

that holds...

the juice...

the joy...

the seed...

the expectation!

Reaching beyond what is.

Glimpsing...

Tasting...

Celebrating!

Enlivened by...

the nectar...

Destiny.

Soul Mosaic: "Ancient Jewels"

2009-04-10T21:08:00.014-07:00

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"

2009-02-22T16:20:00.020-08:00

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.

. . . .

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!

*From Alexander Pope, click here

"Exuberant Purple Passion"

2009-02-15T19:16:00.005-08:00

"Exuberant Purple Passion"

transforms purple into shades...

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

...more than the eyes can see.

"Exuberant Purple Passion"

transforms circles to diamonds

and diamonds to stars....

and stars into stardust...

and dreams into form....

like weaving straw into gold.

"Exuberant Purple Passion...

just one of many glorious flowers

in the garden of my soul's

blooming creativity!

"Peace Feathers"

2009-02-15T18:59:00.005-08:00

"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"

2009-02-08T23:10:00.007-08:00

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"

2009-02-01T18:54:00.006-08:00

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

"Whispering Petals"

2008-12-12T22:34:00.009-08:00

Petals of surrender...

and Grace...

and joy...

they breeze through my soul...

whispering...

"Believe...

Trust....

Let go...

Smile..

Peace..."

Yes... a symphony for my soul

from Whispering Petals

in the breeze

of my heart.

I am grateful.

Insights and shifts continue to come to me from this marvelous "Mandala Medicine". This mandala is an encore post, yet the message is more like "whispers from the ages". My original writing of this mandala was of the Creativity Club Sandwich that it inspired...reflections and inspiration for sandwiching creativity into our day...as well as gratitude for that awareness and the blessed creative community, both online and offline. Mandala Medicine contnues to teach me in beautiful, loving, and creative ways. Ahh.... I do love this journey!

Mandalas for Peace - update

2008-12-02T23:31:00.013-08:00

We have shared many luminous mandalas since this project began!
The Mandalas for Peace Project is ongoing, instead of just nine weeks as mentioned in the original post. The premise of the Project is to consciously create mandalas from the energy and intention of peace... to sustain that peace within, and to radiate that peace and inspiration to our world through our mandalas...and our lives. Mandalas for Peace is anchored in authentic, sacred, self-expression with Peace as the germinating medium..in our creativity as well as our lives. We hope you'll join us and share your mandalas on your blog and with the Mandala Oasis members...and please know...you are invited to join us at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community. Click here for a quick "how to" for making mandalas. Click here and scroll to see the blog comments from others who've been inspired to make mandalas; and the blessing it has been for them.

Mandala Challenge: Gratitude~Thanksgiving~Forgiveness

2008-11-21T01:12:00.010-08:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie

Hello beautiful spirits...
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches I reflect on my own life...and feel abiding gratitude within me... I'm reminded of what gratitude feels like in my heart center... its a warm glow...peaceful, feeling of contentment...a quiet(er) mind... a basking in the glow of gratitude, apprecition...and thanks-giving. I also realize...that I can't have true and complete "thanksgiving" (I don't mean the holiday)... without first "forgiving"...be it someone, some incident, or myself. Forgiveness is key....it allows us to complete our "life mandala"...to let the circle be unbroken.
.
So, the mandala challenge is: ...if thanksgiving...or forgiving/forgiveness....or gratitude...or appreciation were a mandala...what would it look like? ......What would the "essence" of that energy look like? -- I invite you to close your eyes...take a few deep, cleansing breaths... get still...and inquire within...and set the intention to create a mandala that shows the energy of what you need to express/release. It might be one mandala...or a few.......There's no getting around it... we must let go of what we don't want...in order to make room what we do want..and to experience its fullness down in our bones...that might mean making a mandala for unforgiveness which clears the space for mandalas of thanksgiving, forgiveness, gratitude and appreciation.
.
If you decide to partake of challenge...please be sure to share your mandala...and your experience with us :) either by leaving your blog link here... or by joining us at the very kindred and inspiring Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community (see link at top, right).
.
I am reminded of my "Gratitude-joy" mandala as I write this... So... I'll share it with you again here: http://mandalaoasis.blogspot.com/2008/09/gratitude-joy.html --
I'll see what other mandala comes up for me..in light of this post...I'll share it here.
Peace & blessings... ~Cheryl

"Peace Within"

2008-11-03T19:44:00.004-08:00

Peace

...all around...

and within.

I imagine

this is what "peace cells"

would look like

under a microscope,

wall -to-wall...

shoulder-to-shoulder

...a world of peace

in each cell..

in each of "our" cells

just imagine it...

feel it.

Allow more peace

to be born

within your very cells.

"Mind/Body/Spirt" focus -"Mandalas for Peace Project"

"Ripples of Peace"

2008-10-21T20:12:00.008-07:00

Peace ripples through me

when I let go of

what might've been

and see the beauty of...

what is.

~Cheryl Finley

My first in the Mandalas for Peace series. Created in the wee hours of the morning - the dawning of day one of the Mandalas for Peace Project - focus: "Community" - details here.

Mandalas for Peace Project

2008-10-06T14:23:00.031-07:00

The Mandalas for Peace Project was inspired by the wonderful, creative beings of love and light at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community* . Every time we talk and share our mandalas... inspiration, insight and enthusiasm are born. Our hearts are touched and beautiful things happen, and the Mandalas for Peace Project is one of them. *(What's a mandala? Click on the above Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community link to learn more.) - Click here for a quick "how to" for making mandalas. Click here and scroll to see the blog comments from others who've been inspired to make mandalas; and the blessing it has been for them.

12/1/08 - Update - The Mandalas for Peace Project is ongoing (instead of just nine weeks as mentioned in the original post). The premise of the Project is to consciously create mandalas from the energy and intention of peace...and to share that peace and inspiration with the world via our mandalas...and our life. Creating in the name of peace is what it's this project is all about. We hope you'll join us and share your mandalas on your blog and with the Mandala Oasis members. We invite you to join the Mandalas for Peace webring and post the logo on your blog or website.
Peace.

"Gratitude-joy!"

2008-09-19T22:54:00.010-07:00

Ahh...gazing upon this mandala sets my heart aflutter. I realize that this is what my gratitude for joy feels like...and looks like. Thank you Gratitude-joy for showing your face to me...for coursing through my being. -- Some heart-thoughts in honor of our kinship:

I am Gratitude-joy!

I dance in your heart

and set your soul a-purring...

...and

making your heart...content.

~ ~ ~ ~

I am thankful

that Gratitude-joy...

lives in me...

moves through me...

love...

peace...

beauty...

love...

creativity...

gratitude...

and joy

All is well...

Gratitude-joy is here.

"Cosmic Sunflower"

2008-09-19T22:35:00.004-07:00

What presence the sunflower has. Statuesque. Bold. Dramatic, yet simple. The casual elegance of the sunflower has captured my heart and imagination. It speaks volumes without uttering a word. Ah, the power of its presence...not many can resist a smile while amid sunflowers. In a breath, they court your heart, and we are theirs....smiling and smitten.

Thank you, dear sunflower!

This post is in honor of the Autumn creativity prompt at The Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community.

Swirl

2008-09-16T18:00:00.001-07:00

Namaste / Honoring

2008-09-16T17:39:00.005-07:00

As I look gaze upon this mandala, I see "honoring" - Namaste - the divine within me, salutes the divine within you.

The left side with the darker blue, and the right side with the lighter blue that surrounds the green. Working spontaneously and intuitively I didn't know what this mandala would look like when I finished it. A few days later that I noticed the two blues... placed like bookends on each side...supporting what's in between; what's at the center. I made this mandala on 9/11... a way of honoring where I was in my heart center; an honoring for all whose lives were changed that day. Namaste.

"New Vistas"

2008-09-16T17:29:00.013-07:00

New vistas beckon...

This mandala is a departure for me.

What are all those squares doing in my mandala? Afterall... I'm a swirl girl.

Not on this day though. Those squares must've shown up for a reason.

Well, I did make this mandala on Septemeber 11th.

I think it's my soul's way of acknowledging

that on that day our world was forever changed, dramatically...

and therefore so was I...and so were we all.

I now know this mandala is honoring and acknowledging

that there's been a huge change...

and inspite of it we must see new, improved vistas...for peace and love.

~ ~ ~

I am in awe...yet again of this Mandala Medicine ..it knows just what it's doing. It reveals new journeys and impressions, that make up the Mosaic of the Soul. Thank you, Mandala Medicine for being a soothing, homeopathic balm.

~ ~ ~

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary."

~Aaron Rose

Mystery

2008-09-16T17:19:00.002-07:00

This mandala is a bit of a mystery. I just noticed though, that the curvaceous triangle that evolved as I worked on it is very similar to this mandala that I made a few months ago. I'm looking forward to discovering...and decoding the symbols and shapes that continue to show up - as well as the colors. Right now, I'm just embracing, and contemplating the mystery.

Tasty Tropical Breezes

2008-09-07T20:49:00.007-07:00

"The really nice breezes blow through my body,

and into my soul. " ~Astrid Alauda

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm,but to add color to my sunset sky." ~Rabindranath Tagore

"Only those in tune with nature seem to pick up on the energy in wind. All sorts of things get swept off in the breeze - ghosts, pieces of soul, voices unsung, thoughts repressed, love uncherished, and a thousands galore of spiritual ether. Wind is an emotional rush because emotions are rushing by." ~Drew Sirtors

"I Love What I See"

2008-09-01T12:44:00.005-07:00

The Great Vision of my life

has courted me...and I say "I do".

I love what I see

and what It has shown me.

I love working to bring that Vision into being.

I am thankful for, and I LOVE

the Dream Team that Life has given me,

and I joyfull give to the them.

My heart glad!

The Great Vision of my life

has courted me...

I lovingly surrender and say "yes" to Its proposal.

I say "yes" to the Beloved Vision

that flows to and through me.

"Yes, I will bring you into this world.

Thank you for choosing me."

I love what I see...

I am thrilled to let it pour through me...

now and forever more.

Colorful Horizons

2008-09-01T12:33:00.004-07:00

This mandala adorns a blank page in a brand new turquoise journal,

which hold notes, ideas and plans of action

for a new project I am birthing.

It reminds me that life's horizons are...

colorful...

vibrant...

and expanding

...blooming as I like to say.

It reminds me that not only is my project counting on me to birth it...

it reminds me that everything expands

or contracts as is needed for it to be so...

this includes my well being.

Thank you.

Shower of Light

2008-09-01T12:31:00.010-07:00

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar

There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.
~Michael Strassfeld
.
People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.
~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Celtic Circle

2008-09-01T12:18:00.012-07:00

It's all about perspective.

It amazes me how this mandala moves...and is an optical illusion.

Sometimes I see the Celtic Cross

and sometimes I see the pinwheel moving and drawing me in.

There's also the rope-like circle of pink, purple and blue

that plays hide and seek with me.

Other images continue to reveal themselves

each time I view this mandala.

This could also be called "The One and the Many"

which we work with in SoulCollage.

That's the idea that we all are "the many"...varied expressions

of "the One" creative source.

It reminds us of our indivisability from the One.

Another spontaneous image...shines through.

Thank you mandala journey.

"Getting to the Point" - Creativity Prompt

2008-08-30T23:44:00.019-07:00

I was in need of shifting from my logical left-brain into my intuitive, spontaneous, creative right-brain. This mandala process has deepened my kindship with spontaneity and intuition, yet from time to time my rational mind has tried to rule; and I want to allow this mandala process continue to take me deeper into my heart. So...

...I gave myself a time limit for creating a mandala. ..rather exciting. I set my timer for 20 minutes, ...it was both exhilarating and relaxing. After 10 minutes I was more than half-way done. I was not attached to the outcome of what I was making, I was just having a good time. It feels so good to let the Creative Spirit soar!

Soon after the mandala was done I noticed that all the pathways joined into one point and I heard withn me: 'Getting to the Point'... the most important point whatever it might be in the moment for me. That message is steering me back to where I need to be in many areas of my life, that's where I've set my intention and attention. Thank you Mandala Process!

I invite you to give it a try! Gather your materials. Set your timer for 20 minutes or so, and go for it! If you're new to making mandalas for self-expression & self-discovery I explain it here . And, since it's all about expressing what's inside of you, artistic experience in not necessary. Whatever comes up and out is what's meant to surface. - I invite you to share your mandalas with us at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community. We are wild about mandalas, and you are most welcomed to join us!

Blooming Life!

2008-08-30T18:42:00.002-07:00

From the Center

...life begins

an egg...

a seed...

and soon...life blooms...here

....or there

And for that...

I am deeply grateful

Blooming Butterfly 2

2008-08-30T12:44:00.002-07:00

Colorful, vibrant, transformative life!

It's blooming out...

all over!

Angel of Resoration

2008-08-30T12:37:00.002-07:00

After hearing whispers of "restore" in my ear over the last few weeks, I knew that was something for me to surrender to...to give myself; time to restore my soul, allowing myself to balance being a human "being" vs. so much a human "doing". Over that period of weeks...this mandala was created.

"Intention's Journey"

2008-07-22T22:40:00.004-07:00

Intentions - a Haiku:

Our intentions are

the atomosphere in which we

live our truth out loud

~Cheryl Finley

For more on this mandala click here.

"Ultimate Center"

2008-07-22T22:22:00.003-07:00

"The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center. So does a person." ~Norman Vincent Peale

"I am, indeed, a king, because I know rule myself." ~Pietro Aretino, 10 May 1537

For more on this mandala, click here.

"Life...a richly textured journey..."

2008-07-22T22:00:00.004-07:00

"...and when you get the choice to sit it our or dance... I hope you dance" ~Lee Ann Womack

From her song I Hope You Dance...which you can enjoy by clicking here.

For more on this mandala click here.

"Ode to the Mustard Seed"

2008-07-22T21:35:00.006-07:00

"I tell you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. "~Matthew 17:20

"Faith is a passionate intuition." ~William Wordsworth

"Faith is spiritualized imagination." ~Henry Ward Beecher

"Faith is courage; it is creative... while despair is always destructive." ~David S. Muzzey

"To me faith means not worrying." ~John Dewey

"Faith is putting all your eggs in God's basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch." ~Ramona C. Carroll

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

For more on this mandala, click here.

"Powerful Beyond Measure"

2008-07-22T21:27:00.006-07:00

The Magenta Path in this mandala...is it a fork in the road...or... a merging? - Our awareness of where we are with that question is but one ingredient that has the potential to make each one of us fully conscious...that we are...Powerful Beyond Measure.

So...are are you "forking"...or "merging" on your journey right now? For more insight on this, and on embracing being Powerful Beyond Measure click here.

"Peace.. blooming out all over"

2008-07-22T21:17:00.007-07:00

My heart (and face) smiled when I came across the quote below. Surely..it's an ideal recipe for peace...to bloom all over! Here are a few recipes for peace...

"Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayolas. And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination." ~Robert Fulghum

"Let there be peace on earthAnd let it begin with me."
~Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," 1955

For more on this mandala, click here.

"Spiritual Insight"

2008-07-22T20:10:00.003-07:00

"The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light..." ~Luke 11:34

This mandala spontaneously took shape while I was listening to an inspiring message on CD from Rev. Michael Beckwith of Agape Spiritual Center. Ahh...what an affirmation that the mandala outpictured the gift I was receiving from him... "spiritual insight"! To read more of my story about this mandala and this insight click here.

Inspiration: Anne Frank

2008-07-21T12:10:00.010-07:00

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

This warms my heart and makes me smile...for I know this is the truth. When we improve ourselves... our home, our body, our consciousness..our world; the Ripple Effect of that makes the world a better place.

It reminds me of one of my favorite songs...that improves the way I feel whenever I sing it, or hum it.. "Let there be Peace on Earth...and let it begin with me."

Have a wonder-filled week!

Creatvity Prompt: "Explore a Practice"

2008-07-12T13:21:00.013-07:00

Making mandalas is a practice for me... as is: journaling, blogging, SoulCollage® as well as making jewelry. They are all practices that stir up creative bliss and fulfilment in me; especially while I'm listening to instrumental music, scored for the ocassion. Sharing these kinds of ideas with kindred-others is also a practice which is satisfies my soul...and we do a lot of that at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community.

The website, Spirituality & Practice, has an entire section called "Explore a Practice" at their right-hand sidebar. There are lots of subjects that could very well resonate with where you are currently on your journey thorugh life. One of them might even inspire a creating a mandala, or an inner-shift you've been wanting. Recently I realized that more and more, the mandalas I've made have been a - "storyboarding of wisdom" - guiding me to a new awareness... and prompting me to take heed. - I love that about this intuitive creativity that always steers me to where I need be, what I need to do..or not do.

If you do decide to partake of one of the practices, or tell us about an exisiting one...you are invited to share it with us at our very kindred online community, The Mandala Oasis. which you can link to at the top of this site, or at the link within this post.
Abundant blessings to you...
~Cheryl

Click here for the Spirituality & Practice website.

Note: All purple text is a linkable

"Blooming Butterfly"

2008-07-11T20:26:00.010-07:00

I smile when I look at this...thinking...

Surely, this is what a butterfly looks like

when it lies on it's back...right?

With wings open wide to the sky...

...its heart would surely be a fragrant flower...

radiating....

blooming...

and humming

like a honey bee...

or the purr of a kitty.

I realize that I too...am blooming...

awakening...and being refreshened.

I am experiencing a renaissance.

My heart and I are

blooming...

like the butterfly...

and for that, I am deeply grateful.

"The butterfly is a flying flower, the flower a tethered butterfly." ~Ponce Denis Écouchard Lebrun

"Butterflies are self propelled flowers." ~R.H. Heinlein

"Chrysanthemum"

2008-07-11T00:24:00.008-07:00

This series of mandals is dedicated my cyber-pal, Leah, and her Creative Every Day Project which keeps us mindful to be and live from our innate creativity..every day.

This is the fourth mandala created from the center - and this way of creating them does have a centering affect. I feel like it's getting me ready on the inside so I can do what I need to do on the outside. It's like Mandala Yoga, which we talked about this week at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community. It's amazing. I feel that by making the mandala in this way it has created an internal shift within me...and I like it. I'll continue to experiment with this method to see the effects it has on me.

And...I was curious about the chrysanthemum history and symbolism. And...what I found out after making this mandala is uncanny! For example..it's the official flower of the city of Chicago...where I reside; and that "chrys" means golden which was its original color...and I made mine golden yellow. This mandala is also a portal to that calm center inside of me...and I will continue meditate on it. What a gift this chrysanthemum mandala is!

Note...the purple text...is a link...

"Beam me up Scotty"

2008-07-11T00:19:00.003-07:00

I see this as an aerial view...

Depicting my daily comings and goings...

And then here comes this...thing

descending in the middle of everything to

'Beam me up, Scotty"...to make sure I'm

"living from the Center."

And..the mandorla cluster in the center

is mystical, friendly and powerful.

"Dream Catcher"

2008-07-11T00:17:00.001-07:00

The mandorlas

keep beckoning me...

this time in a cluster...

to catch and nurture my dreams

"Slices of Life"

2008-07-11T00:13:00.004-07:00

gratitude....love...harmony....

joy...peace...intuition....

self-compassion...Grace...

gratitude....

All slices of a well-fed life...

....with more to come...

"Entangled"

2008-07-10T23:51:00.002-07:00

This 'entangled' energy showed up again; and..that's how I was feeling. Too many thoughts at once going on in my head..even new thoughts creeping in from outside the circle, yikes...make it stop! And...stop it did.

After making this mandala I had a great sense of release...and I was inspired to begin making mandalas from the center, outward..which I've never been moved to do that before. Yes! An inner-shift has occured! This new approach to making mandalas is a metaphor and a map for what I want to ...and must... create in my life...more order and harmony. Interesting...that was the very first mandala of the week 'Harmony & Flow'.

I continue to marvel and appreciate this intuitive creativity that informs me of...me. The mandalas that followed this one were made from the inside, out... from center, to perimeter. Hmm...that's a good way to create the order and harmony I need; from the inside, out...starting at and living from.... the Center.

"Venus Flytrap"

2008-07-10T23:38:00.012-07:00

This week's Inspire Me Thursday prompt: Healing synchronistically corresponds to the Mandala Healing teleclass series I am hosting with the renowned Judith Cornell - click here for details.

Making Mandala Medicine, SoulCollage® , making jewelry as well as other creative expression IS all healing...from the inside, out.

Being creative, and having others to share it with has made a huge difference in my qualitiy of life on the healing front. Thank Goodness for all of the healing arts!

I made this mandala while hanging out with my daughter, Kamaria, over the July 4th holiday; just playing around with markers while we were watching a movie.

Initially I thought and saw "pea pods", but after a while, I knew it had a higher calling...

Venus Flytrap!

I see this as a vibrant, whimsical and healing image....gobbling up the old thought patterns, and old energy that no longer serves me...and transmuting it into glorious, colorful beauty...while exhaling it back into the atmosphere...imparting beauty...and exhilarating joy!

FYI: The purple words on all posts are links.

"Harmony & Flow"

2008-07-10T23:28:00.002-07:00

Elements of harmony....

trust...surrender...

and to...

Row, row, row your boat "gently" down the stream.

rhythm
harmony

flow

"Gyrating with joy...I take flight"

2008-06-30T22:28:00.008-07:00

I enter the door...

the door of my heart....

the door of my soul....

The place where I "be still and know"....

I feel the thrill down deep in my bones....

I declare: "Yes, I am willing to cross a new threshold...

to choose a new door....

where my dreams take flight.

Where...I am the co-pilot of my course...

In partnership with the divine Pilot.

I enter my heart's door...

ready,

courageous,

eager,

willing,

and with persistence...

and heartfelt gratitude.

Gyrating with joy...I take flight!"

P.S. I realize I have the last two colors out of the conventional order...but I figure, Spirit knows what she's doing...so I just keep aware of that. I see it as my third eye is summoning more of my attention...so this is all very interesting; especially when I consider this post , and this one.

Things continue to evolve.

"Ancient Portal"

2008-06-30T21:51:00.007-07:00

Ancient portal....

This feels a bit mysterious....

and ancient to me...

I sense that wisdom...

and and ideas will speak

to me from that deep blue

Ancient Portal...

Of the third-eye chakra, S. Fincher* writes: "This chakra is the center for creative visualization and through this chakra you receie information from your higher self. The challenge of this chakra is to accept your ability to see beyond what is on the surface...and questions, and continue to seek the truth. When dark blue appears in your mandalas, consider whether your intuitive abilities are being expanded."

That's what I love about this Mandala Medicine - We simply create spontaneously inside the circle we deem "sacred", and Spirit reveals what we need to know and see. All I...we... have to do is continue to seek...to have a passion for the mystery.......and allow it to unfold.

I love it!

*In the book Coloring Mandalas (Book One) page 19

"The Center Beckons..."

2008-06-30T21:41:00.003-07:00

An invitation to the enter....

the Center

is always there...

Its stillness beckons us.

It does not clamour

for our attention...

it just remains in the

fullness of Itself...

being what it is.

The invitation comes

from all sides, and directions..

from above and below...

It comes on the breeze

through the trees...

in the birds' sweet songs...

in the magnificient

orange sunsets...

and in the

presence of the marvelous moon..

The Center beckons us...

back to Itself...

back to ourSelves...

...and I am grateful.

"Becoming..."

2008-06-30T21:17:00.004-07:00

I am entering uncharted territory....entering they mystery...

although...the intentions I've set forth are bearing fruit....

so...some of the mystery is becoming...

de-mystified....

manifested...

a new enthusiasm,

....courage and

confidence has emerged....

gifts of the Spriit!

With these gifts...I am closer

to my Land of Oz

than I ever have been.

The irony is...Dorothy...

you are already home!

Home in my skin...

Home in my soul...

Home in my breath...

Home in being deeply ripened

to further bring all the facets...

and jewels of my life's work....

...my soul's mission....

into form...

to help awaken joy....

and heal the world...

...so we can all dip into our

Oasis of Self....

and self...

and embrace, and love it all!

Ah...this "Life U"....

is enticing us....

challenging us into Be-ing

the fullness of

what we are

already..."becoming."

I'm dipping my toe into the Oasis of coloring mandalas, something new for me. Oh my...there is no end to this glorious, sacred unfolding mystery. This mandala is from Susanne Fincher's workbook: Color Mandalas For Insight Healing and Self-Expression. Oh my!...a rebirthing is taking place....an Awakening...is in the works! And...at every turn Life winks at me...flirts with me...confirming this! Ahh...Life is Grand!

"Joy of Expressing"

2008-06-30T21:08:00.003-07:00

This is my joy...

of expressing

life...

creativity...

love...

joy....

and sharing

in community.

This is my heart...

expanding...

leaping...

dancing....

and singing!

This ...

is my joy!

Thank you

for sharing yours

with me!

"Room to Grow"

2008-06-30T21:03:00.004-07:00

Giving myself...

breathing space...

in people,

places...

and things...

Knowing myself.

And knowing

that I need....

breathing space...

room to grow.

"Lift Off!"

2008-06-30T20:59:00.002-07:00

Lift off!

The sky...

of my imagination..

and passion...

is the

limit!

"Entering New Territory"

2008-06-30T20:48:00.004-07:00

Consciously choosing...

Pioneering...

entering new territory....

and glorious terrain!

Uncharted.

Deliberate.

Intended.

Courageous.

Elation!

Horizons expand...

Evolving options...

Joy!

Intertwined Mandorlas

2008-06-22T14:16:00.008-07:00

colorful... connecting mandorlas

I've been drawn to make this shape for over a year now.

I made this mandala in Nov. 2007 and I've

learned this shape is a mandorla.

It has been manifesting

as eyes in my mandala work.

Talk about mandalas being a mirror of the soul...

this one reveals how important meaningful

connections are to me.

Connections...

with my Self...

my family...

and my family of friends.

It reminds me of onion skin layers

so closely connected...

and revealing more of itself

with every peeling-back of the layers.

Just like us.

Each experience...

each thought...

each reaction...

each response...

...or lack thereof

reveals more of what's at core...

revealing more of "us"...

and more about "us"...

to "us"...

layer... by layer.

Eye See With the Heart

2008-06-21T16:36:00.006-07:00

Today eye seek to see...

with...

the energy of my heart

Today I allow my heart's eye

to shine light in the corners

of my psyche...

to coax self-compassion

from the corners...

and shadows...

so it can

rain on me...

so it can reign...

through me.

Reign on me, heart energy...reign, reign, reign

I am open to your reign....

The Barbara Striesand movie (which I saw recently) and song lyrics - On a Clear Day... just flashed into my awareness - and oh...is it so true. On a clear day, we can see forever.

Synergy Mandala - Mandorla

2008-06-21T16:15:00.004-07:00

Synergy occurs when...

the total is greater

than the sum of its parts...

like our energy

..at the Mandala Oasis.

That's what this mandala represents...

Synergy created

in the combined

energy of

"connection"

Synergy is found...

in unity...

...the area in common.

In this case where the

two overlapping circles....

create the almond shape, called

the Mandorla

Synchronistic synergy abounds...

"Auuuummmm"

2008-06-21T15:57:00.005-07:00

Ahh...yes... breathe...

let each breath relax

your mind...

and body...

and just...be...

feel the peace

in every cell...

breathe....and

rest in that peace...

"Auuummm"

* * *

This mandala truly is a blessing...telling me just what I very much need to do.

That little inner-chatter-box has been having a field day with me.

When I began making this mandala, I though it was going to be a circle of light

representing my third eye. As I colored the dark blue, the color tapered a bit

...and I realized there was a face that wanted to come thru...

and here she is!

I do love this process of creating spontaneously

in the circle and going with the flow of what happens.

So many ways to benefit from the mandala...

which Doreen writes about in her post "Yantra for the Moon"

on her blog Rooted to Fly . And in a few weeks at the Mandala Oasis

we will be learning more about, and experiencing

the healing power of mandalas as we

work with Judith Cornell's Healing Mandala Workbook & kit.

Tangled thoughts

2008-06-18T19:21:00.002-07:00

Tangled thoughts.

Sometimes...

it's all just

too much...

"Just be you"

2008-06-18T18:13:00.023-07:00

"And please, if you decide to approach this...do it with all the compassion for yourself that you can find. You are probably not a great artist or writer or psychologist or spiritual adept. So don't expect to draw like Leonardo DaVinci, write like Jane Austen, analyze like Carl Jung, or have insights like the Buddha." -
"Just be you."
~ Cheri Huber in How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything - A Workbook

I am passionate about turning others on to the creative, relaxing and insightful practice of making mandalas. There are many ways to make them, from hand-drawn to digital, to coloring pre-made mandalas. What I like most about it is that it's spontaneous, intuitive creativity. It's creativity as self-discovery and release...especially at times when words escape us...we can always make marks and doodles inside of a circle. And..it's so very interesting to see what turns up...and how it changes even as we create it. What's equally interesting is "how we are" in the process of creating, which can tell us a lot about ourselves. Ahh...this is such revealing work.

Whew...I experience a sense of relief and release of emotions and a sense of satisfaction after making/working on a mandala. I often work on one a little at a time, not always in one sitting. That creative time is becoming an Oasis for the Spirit for me. Each stroke, squiggle, squirl, curly-Q and curve... is an inner-mirror and mystery of the self. Only we can determine what it all means...to and for us. For me, that message comes from Spirit as intuition, a flash of insight, or syncronicity of information or a person shows up. My mandalas are often confirmation of an idea, feeling or emotion I've not consciously realized. The answers do come by continually being open to the process, by being open to the mystery, having passion for (seeking) the answers...and exploring the questions. Journaling, self-dialogue, free-writing with the mandalas helps too. I find this entire Mandala Journey of artistry and exploration...is exhilarating and fascinating! I trust that if you choose to exlplore it, that you will too.

Please note: Sometimes there's a tendancy to compare our work with the work of others, that comes with being human. Cheri Huber has advice on that too. In the same book as noted above, she writes:

"Comparing yourself to anyone else is like comparing apples and oranges. No comparison is possible! ...Just see if you can become more interested in the process of comparing than in what is being compared". (Again... "Just be you.")

"I am a wild flower"

2008-06-16T22:13:00.007-07:00

I am a wild flower

Free to grow

in whatever way I choose.

I grow in some of the unlikeliest places.

I survive and thrive in ideal...

and less than ideal conditions.

I am hearty.

I know how to find sustenance...

I am a wild flower.

I am strong.

I am fragrant.

I am beautiful.

I am varietal.

I am free spirit.

I reach for the light, and find it.

I am a wild flower...

growing...and free.

"I bloom, anyway"

2008-06-16T22:05:00.005-07:00

I bloom, anyway.

Breaking through the layers

of stone and rocks

and the hard clay of life

I bloom no matter what.

Reaching up, seeking my own

touching the sky and kissing the stars

I bloom...anyway.

Mandala Challenge: "Connect"

2008-06-16T19:53:00.017-07:00

"In nature, we never see anything isolated, but everything in connection with something else which is before it, beside it, under it and over it." ~Goethe

The focus of this week's Mandala Challenge is: "Connect"...along with its siblings: Connection, Connecting, Connected, Connector. Also invited on this week's journey is Connect's contrary cousin, "Dis-Connect"..and its siblings too. Sometimes simply being aware of a polar opposite is all we need to either shift, or realize the reality of where we are so we can shift to where we want to be...or celebrate where we are! So, some connections might include those to: celebrate...to look forward to...to grow into...let go of (like my ocassional connection to mindless eating)...or reconnecting with a creative project, a defered dream...a person...or situation... the sky's the limit!

So...let's let's allow the awareness of "connect" be our companion over the next week or so.

What would that connection, or disconnection energy look or feel like if captured in a mandala?

Might it be helpful to create a "connect" and "disconnect" mandala?...a symbol of releasing...and embracing?

"Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into conneciton with action. They must be woven together." ~Anais Nin

If you've not yet joined us, you're invited to share your mandalas and thoughts at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community - or by leaving your blog link under comments. Ocassionally I will post our regular Creativity Promppts here, but the most will be posted at the Mandala Oasis Yahoo! Community.

Creating Your Own Mandalas

2008-06-13T22:10:00.028-07:00

"The creative process is about surrender, not control." ~ Julia Cameron

Below is my prescription for making mandalas, or "Mandala Medicine" as I like to call it; the Process is indeed medicine for my soul. It's relaxing...takes me out of my mental meanderings and allows my heart and soul to express.

Ahh... self-expression without boundaries...through spontaneous creativity: marking, drawing, doodling, collaging, painting etc. inside the circle in whatver way you like;,,, setting the intention to release the energy of what we're feeling onto the page and into the circle...letting our energy articulate in images and symbols when words escape us.

In making Mandala Medicine...whatever visual energy we express in the circle...it is what it is...and its relase is one more step closer to emotional, mental liberation...and the door of insight is opened; whether we realize it at the time or not.

The photo above shows what I use in creating my Mandala Medicine. I gravitate to markers. Create yours using whatever medium you're drawn to or what you have on hand. Allowing yourself to express is the main ingredient needed. Let your heart, emotions, frustrations, joys and inights soar! There are countless ways to make mandalas...which Google will attest to...this is one of them.

HERE WE GO!

1.) Draw or trace a circle of any size (a CD or a plate traces nicely...anything round!) and color, doodle, or paint, inside the circle without giving it much thought; whatever shapes, lines objects you are lead to intuitively draw...let it happen. Simply play! ~ Use whatever medium you're drawn to: crayons, markers, glitter glue, glitter/metallic pens, colored pencils, paint, collage, beads, found objects of any kind, you name it! ~ Allow yourself to get into the flow of 'just creating'...moment by moment, intuitively and spontaneously. Have fun! There are no mistakes. A seeming-mistake becomes another doorway to what lies deeper within. - This is spontaneous creativity, nothing planned here! So...begin!

Now, if you've gotten started...that's wonderful, no need to read further; but if you're thinking..."Wait a minute..there's got to be more to it than that"...there isn't...but I can provide a bit more insight and guidance, so...please read on.

2.) As much as possible, surrender to the process vs. straining to create a certain end result. Follow your inklings and urgings in selection of color, medium and whatever forms you create in the circle. This process is for your personal release of emotion, physical feelings, inspiration and creative expression. Creating in the circle informs you of..you! This is a healing process, it's medicine for your soul. So, if you have a difficult time doing this...take a few deep breaths, be patient and set the intention to give yourself permission to express that very energy (resistance, fear, grief, joy, love...whatever you're feeling,..no need to name it) inside the circle...it's a good release. You might even hear yourself exhale with an "Ahhh..".

3.) Remember there are no mistakes. A seeming-unintended mark or blob becomes another message to be revealed. You will know when your mandala is finished; then, make another one, then another! You'll likely discover that the more mandalas you create...the more you release and the better you feel! The sacred circle of the mandala is a safe space for the energy of your emotional body, as well as your physical body to express. For each mandala you create, place them where you can see them; and reflect on them every chance you get. Then make another one...and put it so you can see it too. Repeat!

4.) Remember to keep your heart open so you can hear and feel the message of your mandalas, and the messages of your heart; giving them your attention, they will eventually speak to you in some way. It might be a whisper of a thought, a feeling, a dream...or an idea, so be sure to pay attention to any inklings you receive and follow where the threads leads by journaling, talking about it aloud, or sharing with kindred, like-minded souls (the Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community is a good place to start).

5.) Consider jotting down: how you feel about your mandalas, what feelings came up, how you feel about making them...or just a word or phrase or two, it doesn't have to "make sense; or what you feel when you look at it...and any other insights that come. ~ Notice the colors, shapes, symbols and how they feel to you. ~Mandalas have also inspired individuals to write poems, affirmations, prayers and short stories, and conversations between themselves and the mandala energy. This is amazing stuff!! And if you're not drawn to write anything down, that's OK too! Mandala Medicine works whether your write what you've created, or not!

6.) Most of all, allow yourself be a vessel for what needs to come through...regardless of what it looks like. All of your creations are clues to the mysterious, beautiful, hidden treasure that is YOU!

Creating mandalas is creative play, and a form of meditation for many. Read how making mandalas has helped others at this link... scroll and read the inspiring "comments" that other bloggers left.

To become part of our online community, meeting others who are passionate about making mandalas (including digital mandalas) consider joining the kindred Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community that I started (click here to join) Share with others from all over the world doing this amazing, healing and revealing...and innately creative work.

"I am enough"

2008-06-06T23:15:00.003-07:00

This poem made it way to me as I opened myself to the message of this mandala. I have a feeling there will be more to come:

"I am unique
I stand tall
I flower

Alone on a hill

Balanced in eternity

Rooted through and through
I am enough"

There is an elaborate root system far beneath, and beyond my flesh and bones. It holds me up when I feel like I'm stranded on a hill, or a mountain...of life's challenges and requirements. Then, this Root System acts on my behalf...oftentimes even before I have asked. Yes, that's Grace, for which I am very thankful. I then realize that as I stand on that mountain wondering what to do, and where to start...this Root System reminds me that I am not alone, and that It's always here doing what it does naturally: feeding, nurturing, supporting, assuring and showing me the way. Now I see...I don't just have this root system, it has me! And, I discovered something else....I'm not alone on a hill or mountain...I am bathing in an Oasis of Spirit!

"Yes...
I am enough
I am more than enough
...And I flower"