Revitalizing Mandala (Mandalas for Peace Project) © Sue O'Kieffe 2009source image: salal
I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.~ e.e. cummings
I had the pleasure recently of exploring a part of the North Coast of
California that I'd never really visited before. I'm not sure how far my friend and I walked to reach Elk's Head, but along the way we actually saw plants new to both of us. Times like that are really a delight. When we reached our destination, we got out our drums and played to the ocean for about 30 minutes. It raised my energy levels, and I have to believe the sea lions, pelicans, gulls, and oyster catchers that were all nearby enjoyed it too.
Salal, however, is well known to me. It grows in abundance up and down the west coast. This is another shrub that has a fairylike quality. The flowers remind me of little bells and I will tell you the bees just love them. It made me really happy to see those buzzers gathering up pollen and flying away happy drunk on nectar.The mandala that I made using the top photograph as source image feels a little dreamy and romantic on the one hand, yet the vibrant lime green background has a revitalizing quality. The 6-rayed mandala is also one of my favorite formations. The number 6 has a vibration of equilibrium and completion, of creativity, beauty, the union of sexual opposites.The Pythagoreans referred to 6 as "the Mother," the Chinese endow the number 6 with the passive receptive qualities of yin (cit. Susanne Fincher Creating Mandalas). For myself, the 6 rayed mandala just makes me go ahhhhhh.
Those ahhh moments speak to me of a peaceful life, open and loving, vibrant, rich, juicy, sustaining, expanding, heartfelt and sharing. This is what I want for myself. This is what I envision for others.
When do you feel the most peaceful inside? What do you feel looking at this mandala? I would love to hear your answers to both questions.
Namaste.
~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas
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4 comments:
I am the most peaceful inside in the presence of large towering trees. They are so strong, silent and sheltering.
When I saw your mandala today, I instantly thought of life, restoration, and rejuvenation.
Thanks for that!
I am the most peaceful inside when I'm not doing and just being. I do love the sound of the ocean and gulls but also enjoy the giant redwoods and varied tree and earth smells.
Your mandala reminds me of vintage barkcloth. It has a warm, reminscent feel. Very calming and lovely.
I am most peaceful when I have worked hard in my gardens and then walk the labyrinth and sit quietly in the center.
When I look at this mandala , it pops with energy. It almost seems ready to spin in the wind, like a whirligig.
I think of Hawaii when I see your beautiful vibrant mandala. Tropical dreams- hmmm
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