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Flower mandala

 


Mandala is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism. Mandalas have magical qualities that are intrinsic to its creation — no beginning and no end.

Mandalas are often used as a meditative tool. When creating mandalas it’s a way to center ourselves and focus our thoughts. The meaning of the word mandala is a sacred circle and it signifies the cycle of life. Creating a mandala out of real flowers and flower parts is an ephemeral art that will wilt, die and return to the earth. This process is a very symbolic and theraputetic tool to connect to whatever we may be struggling with internally; help us gain perspective; and then let it go.

– The most typical model mandala form is a square with four gates containing a circle with a central point. Mandala often has an outer circle. – This basic form can be found in many ancient mandalas but there are endless variations which all include flow.

Materials:

– Flowers, petals or leaves

– Flat work surface

How:

– You can adhere to the most traditional format, as described above

or

– Follow the flow of the petals and leaves:

Take a moment + write down in a notebook several words that describe your current state of mind.

Notice the pace of your thinking, moving and feeling.

Then go to a forest, a park, botanical garden or field for an hour or just use flowers from your vase or garden.

Sit and relax, or take a walk. Look around you.

What colors do you see?

What shapes intrigue you?

If walking, pick up little treasures along the way that attract you: a twig, a flower, a leaf, piece of bark, stones.

After an hour, notice how you feel.

When you’ve gathered up enough materials, find an area you’ll feel completely comfortable and at ease to make your mandala.

Start from the center and build outwards. You have complete freedom! The mandala can be a circle, square, diamond ~ whatever suits you!

Keep building or changing the design up until you're completely happy with your beautiful creation.

You should find the process uplifting, centering and peaceful.

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