Co-Creative Mandalas: Pathway to Outrageous Joy

My partner, Don, and I are in the process of co-creating the

2017 Co-Creative Mandala calendar.  We’re having a blast! I

first learned about mandalas, the Sanskrit word for cosmic or

sacred circle, in the late-80’s. Like my ancient ancestors, I am

fascinated by circles...the egg from which I originated, the round

planet I live on, the  circular orbit around the sun, the cycles and

seasons of nature and life,  the waxing and waning of the moon,

and the joy of gathering  to share a meal and chat around a fire.

There’s something comforting about circles. I think that’s why

I’m drawn to mandalas.  They are visually beautiful as well as

provide a pathway for inner reflection and expansive

awareness. Psychologist Carl Jung associated mandalas with

the Self, the center of our wholeness (1973, Mandala

Symbolism).  In other words, they are portals through which

we tap into the stream of wellbeing, allowing, and abundance

that continually flows to us, through us, and as us.


Co-Creative Mandalas were (and continue to be) inspired by an

inner nudge...a still, small, subtle and persistent voice that says

"Here's an idea...". I trust that voice and trust the process of co-

creation.  Like circles, mandalas are about reciprocity, the

convergence of matter and spirit.  Co-Creative Mandalas are the

synergy of nature (the flowers and plants from which the

mandalas originate), intuition (the sense of knowing when

something feels aligned), and technology (my digital camera,

computer, and software). Each Co-Creative Mandala is a sacred

circle that contains three elements: color, segments, and a

shape and form of the plant or flower from which the mandala

originated. Each element contributes to the energetic pattern of

the mandala:

1. Colors

I can't imagine a world without color! I'm drawn to certain colors

and not to others. The world is more vibrant because of

colors. We respond to color, physically, mentally, emotionally

and spiritually.  Colors carry their own unique healing properties

and have a very specific vibration, electromagnetic energy.

According to the principles of Color Therapy, the use of color

can increase your energy, bring out your creativity, soothe your

emotions, and bring  balance to your life.  Studies show that the

Vagus nerve, sometimes called the "nerve  of compassion", is

activated by color. Co-Creative Mandalas are also associated

with  seven primary chakras, the Sanskrit word for "whirling

circle", and their corresponding colors.

 
    2.   Segments


Co-Creative Mandalas are typically made of 12 segments. This

was an intuitive decision.  A few months after I began creating

mandalas, I found interesting information about the number 12.

The number 12 has significance across cultures, religions, and

spiritual teachings. It represents the cosmic order, the 12 signs

of the zodiac, completion of a cycle, and is found in Greek

mythology and fairy tales. Jung identified twelve with the growth

process he called individuation, the pathway to wholeness.

(1974, Mandala Symbolism) Listening to and trusting in the

guidance I received was a wise choice!


    3.   Flowers, Trees,  and Plants


Similar to the principles of Flower Therapy (2012, Virtue &

Reeves), I tune into the nature beings associated with the

flowers, trees and plants I choose (or that choose me) for co-

creating the mandalas. I have been communicating with these

"playmates" since I was a child.  Energetically, each flower, tree,

and plant has a message to convey.  This is a very intuitive

process, that begins when I’m growing flowers in my garden or

observing them in nature, continues as I photograph the plants,

and culminates when I’m guided to choose a particular flower or

plant for the mandala and listen for the message it conveys.


No two Co-Creative mandalas are alike and each one has a

unique vibration. Before I co-create personalized mandalas for

clients, they tell me the colors they prefer and their intention, the

vibration they want the mandala to evoke. Clients report that

when they use their mandala as a focal point for meditation, or

for creating sacred space, or as wallpaper on their Smart phone

or desktop they feel an inner shift. Through the simple act of

mindful attention to a Co-Creative Mandala, they clear blocks to

remembering their wholeness and shift from self-loathing to self-

love, from self-rejection to self-acceptance. 
.

The vibration of this Co-Creative Mandala is “Self-Acceptance”

and is derived from a  photograph of a rose. The colors

correspond to these chakras:


 Red--Root Chakra (Safety)

 Yellow--Solar Plexus (Identity)

 Green/Pink--Heart Chakra (Compassion)

 White--Crown (Integration)


Each Co-Creative Mandala has a message and an affirmation

that I intuitively access.


Mandala Message:


Honor the part of yourself that’s been keeping you safe.

Now is the time to love and accept all parts of yourself.

Acknowledge and release  self-judgment  and

self-criticism.  Remember that you are whole, complete

and perfect just the way you are.  Make room for more

love, abundance, and outrageous joy in your life!


Affirmation:


“I joyfully love and accept all parts of me.”


Incorporating  the mandala in daily practice reminds you of its

energetic vibration, message, and affirmation. Here's a simple

way to use the mandala:


Co-Creative Mandala Exercise:


I invite you to take a few moments and sit with this Co-Creative

Mandala. Allow Self-Acceptance to fill your being. In what ways

is this mandala speaking to you?  Notice what happens in your

body when you look at the colors and the design. Notice the

thoughts and feelings that arise. Read the Mandala Message.

Let the words settle in your consciousness. What do you notice?

Read the Affirmation. How true is that statement for you? What

do you need for it to be 100% true? What "yes, buts" come to

mind? Use this information to access all parts of yourself…the

parts that you have yet to accept and the parts that you already

embrace. What do you need to hear or tell yourself that

supports self-acceptance?


It may take a while to feel the inner shift. I encourage you to

revisit this Co-Creative Mandala often. I look forward to reading

comments about your experiences!


Self-Acceptance means you're being your authentic self, you

accept the unacceptable. In practicing self-acceptance you give

yourself permission to be you-with all your imperfections.  It can

be challenging for many of us, particularly in times when we

face serious upsets. It’s the opposite of being  self-absorbed or

narcissistic; it’s about getting to know ourselves, caring about

our well-being and our happiness.  Psychologist Carl Rogers

offered this thought,  “The curious paradox is that when I accept

myself just as I am, then I can change”.  We practice self-

acceptance so we can embrace and honor those parts of

ourselves that have been keeping us safe and clear our limiting

beliefs so that we begin to experience ourselves as an

amazing, bright, shining light who brings our gifts to the world.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Marianne Williamson

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live from your authentic self and live

a life that truly shines with outrageous joy?


Peace and joy to your seeking heart,

References:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-van-edwards/color-and-mood_b_2088728.html

http://eiriu-eolas.org/2013/06/15/activating-the-vagus-nerve/