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 travelled 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 travelled 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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Outrageous joy
Wouldn't it be wonderful to remember that your life purpose is to experience and extend outrageous joy? When you use your Co-Creative Mandala as a meditation tool or for creating a sacred space, you may notice a subtle inner shift that aligns your vibration with 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. 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. Personalized Co-Creative 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 Co-Creative Mandalas include a unique, co- created for you mandala, that comes with a description that includes the associated chakras, a mandala message, and an affirmation. By answering two simple questions, you will participate in this co-creative process. For more information and to order your Personalized Co- Creative Mandala visit our store here. Co-Creative Mandala Readings Based on a 20-Card Co-Creative Mandalas Oracle Deck, you and I will explore how to use the Co- Creative Mandalas for self-reflection and self-discovery, and to clear obstacles to your well-being. Co-Creative Mandalas Oracle Cards help you 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 you want 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, and Oracle Card Deck in the Co-Creative Mandala Store. Co-Creative Mandala calendars are available for a limited time each year. Click Here to find out more about the calendar. It’s my deepest hope that you enjoy the Co-Creative Mandalas as much as I enjoy co-creating them! With loving blessing to you. |
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