Co-Creative Mandalas
The Co-Creative Mandala Story
Magic of Serendipity
If someone told me when I was in my 50s, enjoying a career as a counselor/academic advisor
in higher education, that I'd find a fun and fulfilling post-retirement career, I wouldn't have
believed it. If they added that I would be creating
amazing artwork from my photographs and
offering mandalas as a way for people to rediscover
and embrace their Wholeness, I probably would
have laughed out loud. Seriously. Well, maybe not
out loud...but the journey from there to where I am
now has been pretty radical.
Serendipity: ser·en·dip·i·ty /ˌserənˈdipədē/ noun
The occurrence or development of events by chance
in a happy or beneficial way.
Serendipity is all about making discoveries by accident, when we least expect them. It's
finding something wonderful when you were looking for something else. It's those
experiences you have when you stop, breathe and notice. In those moments you remember
who you really are and what you're truly meant to be doing in this world.
In the early '80's, I purchased my first mandala: A lovely, stained glass mandala that still
hangs in my home. Shortly after that, a dear friend showed me Angeles Arrien's Maori
Medicine Wheel, a circle in which eight universal symbols of transformation and insight are
drawn. These symbols reflect one's inner life. I continue to use this l tool for self-assessment
and for seeing inner activity in the process of transformation: spiritually, mentally,
emotionally, and physically.
In 1987 I traveled to Nepal and Tibet where I learned about Tibetan Buddhist mandalas called
thangkas and the ritual use of sand mandalas that contain sacred energies. Fast forward to
2010 when an unrelated Google search led me to a website that inspired me to
look at mandalas and creativity in new and different ways. Each of these unrelated, yet
intertwined, experiences led to making discoveries by accident, when I least expected them.
Mandala: man·da·la /ˈmandələ,ˈmən-/ noun
A geometric figure representing the universe.
Mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit and symbolically represents the cosmos, a microcosm of
the universe. We find circles in nature (the bird's nest, the planets and stars, the cycles of the
seasons), in Buddhist practices, in Native American traditions, and in Christian cathedrals.
Across cultures and spiritual practices people have been drawn to circles in deep and
meaningful ways, for their healing energy and for self-reflection. Carl Jung is credited with
introducing the concept of mandala to Western thought. It was his belief that the process
facilities our potential for remembering our Wholeness. Mandalas integrate your sacred self
with sacred, universal energy.
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by kaleidoscopes. Like many people, I am attracted to
the symmetry of circles, the universal symbol that represents the infinite. Guided by
inspiration and an inner knowing, I began creating mandala images from my photographs
of flowers and plants that I grow and other elements I see in nature. It is my intention to co-
create mandalas that infuse the viewer and the environment with beauty, joy and healing.
A Synergy of Nature, Intuition, and Technology
Synergy: syn·er·gy /ˈsinərjē/ noun
The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to
produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Co-Creative Mandalas Are a Synergy of:
1. Nature---The flowers and plants that I grow and observe in my surroundings. For over 60
years I have been a gardener of the soil and of the Soul. I learned to love Nature and
connect with the energies of each season, about gardening, tilling the soil and tending to
plants (particularly flowers) from my grandmother. At a very young age, I began
communicating with Nature Beings. My "friends" were playmates when I was a child
and we continue to partner in the co-creation of beautiful gardens. Co-Creative Mandalas
are a visual representation of Nature. It is my intention that each mandala connects us to
Nature and to our inspired life.
2. Intuition--Deep knowing and inner guidance. I learned about connecting to the law of
attraction and trusting my intuition from my mother, a gifted clairvoyant. My partnership
with Nature Beings also includes listening to the mandala messages they convey for each
Co-Creative Mandala. As the images emerge, I notice a deeper sense of Self. I feel the
vibration and energy of the mandala at a deep level. This felt sense includes the visual
beauty of the image, the bright and expansive colors found in the flower or plant from
which the mandala originated, a vibration that is felt in the Chakras ("whirling circles" in
Sanskrit)--the energy centers in the body, and a message the mandala conveys.
3. Technology--My digital photographs that my partner, Don, and I electronically transform
into vibrant mandalas. I am learning about photography from Don who has over 40 years’
experience as a photographer. He, photography, and computer technology are teaching me
about patience and reminding me of the beauty of being in the moment. Transforming the
photographs into Co-Creative Mandalas is a joyful and magical experience. Each
emerging design is unique and has a life and energy all its own.
If someone told me when I was in my 50s, enjoying a career as a counselor/academic advisor
in higher education, that I'd find a fun and fulfilling post-retirement career, I wouldn't have
believed it. If they added that I would be creating
amazing artwork from my photographs and
offering mandalas as a way for people to rediscover
and embrace their Wholeness, I probably would
have laughed out loud. Seriously. Well, maybe not
out loud...but the journey from there to where I am
now has been pretty radical.
Serendipity: ser·en·dip·i·ty /ˌserənˈdipədē/ noun
The occurrence or development of events by chance
in a happy or beneficial way.
Serendipity is all about making discoveries by accident, when we least expect them. It's
finding something wonderful when you were looking for something else. It's those
experiences you have when you stop, breathe and notice. In those moments you remember
who you really are and what you're truly meant to be doing in this world.
In the early '80's, I purchased my first mandala: A lovely, stained glass mandala that still
hangs in my home. Shortly after that, a dear friend showed me Angeles Arrien's Maori
Medicine Wheel, a circle in which eight universal symbols of transformation and insight are
drawn. These symbols reflect one's inner life. I continue to use this l tool for self-assessment
and for seeing inner activity in the process of transformation: spiritually, mentally,
emotionally, and physically.
In 1987 I traveled to Nepal and Tibet where I learned about Tibetan Buddhist mandalas called
thangkas and the ritual use of sand mandalas that contain sacred energies. Fast forward to
2010 when an unrelated Google search led me to a website that inspired me to
look at mandalas and creativity in new and different ways. Each of these unrelated, yet
intertwined, experiences led to making discoveries by accident, when I least expected them.
Mandala: man·da·la /ˈmandələ,ˈmən-/ noun
A geometric figure representing the universe.
Mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit and symbolically represents the cosmos, a microcosm of
the universe. We find circles in nature (the bird's nest, the planets and stars, the cycles of the
seasons), in Buddhist practices, in Native American traditions, and in Christian cathedrals.
Across cultures and spiritual practices people have been drawn to circles in deep and
meaningful ways, for their healing energy and for self-reflection. Carl Jung is credited with
introducing the concept of mandala to Western thought. It was his belief that the process
facilities our potential for remembering our Wholeness. Mandalas integrate your sacred self
with sacred, universal energy.
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by kaleidoscopes. Like many people, I am attracted to
the symmetry of circles, the universal symbol that represents the infinite. Guided by
inspiration and an inner knowing, I began creating mandala images from my photographs
of flowers and plants that I grow and other elements I see in nature. It is my intention to co-
create mandalas that infuse the viewer and the environment with beauty, joy and healing.
A Synergy of Nature, Intuition, and Technology
Synergy: syn·er·gy /ˈsinərjē/ noun
The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to
produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Co-Creative Mandalas Are a Synergy of:
1. Nature---The flowers and plants that I grow and observe in my surroundings. For over 60
years I have been a gardener of the soil and of the Soul. I learned to love Nature and
connect with the energies of each season, about gardening, tilling the soil and tending to
plants (particularly flowers) from my grandmother. At a very young age, I began
communicating with Nature Beings. My "friends" were playmates when I was a child
and we continue to partner in the co-creation of beautiful gardens. Co-Creative Mandalas
are a visual representation of Nature. It is my intention that each mandala connects us to
Nature and to our inspired life.
2. Intuition--Deep knowing and inner guidance. I learned about connecting to the law of
attraction and trusting my intuition from my mother, a gifted clairvoyant. My partnership
with Nature Beings also includes listening to the mandala messages they convey for each
Co-Creative Mandala. As the images emerge, I notice a deeper sense of Self. I feel the
vibration and energy of the mandala at a deep level. This felt sense includes the visual
beauty of the image, the bright and expansive colors found in the flower or plant from
which the mandala originated, a vibration that is felt in the Chakras ("whirling circles" in
Sanskrit)--the energy centers in the body, and a message the mandala conveys.
3. Technology--My digital photographs that my partner, Don, and I electronically transform
into vibrant mandalas. I am learning about photography from Don who has over 40 years’
experience as a photographer. He, photography, and computer technology are teaching me
about patience and reminding me of the beauty of being in the moment. Transforming the
photographs into Co-Creative Mandalas is a joyful and magical experience. Each
emerging design is unique and has a life and energy all its own.
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Sacred Mandalas: The Next Chapter
In 2021, Sheryl was inspired by the loving presence of Archangel Ariel to take Co-Creative Mandalas to the next level of expression. Archangel Ariel has been the silent, yet powerful and loving presence that has guided the process of co-creating the mandalas. Sacred Mandalas: Mandala Messages for Aligning with Inner, Nature, and Universal Wisdom has emerged as a 48-card oracle deck that includes a guidebook, 7 Chakra mandalas, 9 Archangel Mandalas, and 32 Seasonal Mandalas. This unique desk also includes the Mandala Essence, Mandala Messages, Journal Prompts, and Affirmations for each oracle card. Whether you feel in tune with your intuition or have lost touch with your inner guidance. Whether you’re in the flow of seasonal cycles or out of step with nature’s rhythms. Whether you trust you’re supported by a benevolent Universe or you long to reaffirm your connection to Source. If something has been whispering to you... If your soul has been nudging you… If you’ve been feeling the pull… This is your invitation. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, I invite you to explore the guidance and inspiration offered by Sacred Mandalas. Outrageous Joy Wouldn't it be wonderful to remember that your soul-guided purpose is to experience and extend outrageous joy? When you use the Sacred Mandala oracle cards as a meditation tool or for creating a sacred space, you may notice a subtle inner shift that aligns your vibration with nature's rhythms and the Universe and in turn magnetizes into your life your heart's desires. When you relax, breathe and allow the mandala energy to emerge, you experience the power of well-being, allowing, and abundance that continually flows to and through you. Sacred Mandalas remind us that we can know ourselves at the deepest level—our Wholeness. For centuries, they have been used across cultures as tools for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Through these experiences we begin to trust inner and outer resources. We let intuition be our guide. Personalized Sacred Mandalas I have the great pleasure of co-creating hundreds of personalized mandalas for people around the world. Each person has their unique reason for wanting a personalized mandala. Usually, they are stuck or experiencing or anticipating change and transformation and want to infuse their awareness and their sacred space with the energy they are focused on creating. Personalized Sacred Mandalas include a unique, co- created for you mandala, that comes with a description that includes the associated chakras, and archangel that supports your journey, a seasonal mandala that connects you to nature's rhythms, a mandala message, journal prompts for deepening your experience, and an affirmation. By answering two simple questions, you will participate in this co-creative process. For more information and to order your Personalized Sacred Mandala visit our store here. Sacred Mandala Readings Based on a 48-Card Sacred Mandalas Oracle Deck, you and I will explore how to use the Sacred Mandalas for self- reflection and self-discovery, and to clear obstacles to your well-being. Sacred Mandalas Oracle Cards help you align with inner, nature, and Universal wisdom and connect with the deep, expansive part of yourself. The part of you that knows there are no limits,there’s always more than enough, and anything is possible. We will discover past influences that may be keeping you stuck and clear that energy using EFT-Tapping.Current and possible future are also explored. I would be honored to support you with a simple, yet profound process for tuning into the blessings and benefits you deserve. Contact me to schedule a session. Co-Creative Mandala Store Find Co-Creative Mandala gift cards, magnets, tote bags, note cards, personalized mandalas, and Sacred Mandalas Oracle Card Deck in the Co-Creative Mandala Store. It’s my deepest hope that you enjoy the Sacred Mandalas as much as I enjoy co-creating them! With blessings of love and light, |
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