Mandala 1 [Elevate]

Hi all! Here is my first hand painted mandala entitled Elevate. For more information on my mandala exploration see the previous blogpost [here].

Stay posted for more....

Mandalas [Meditative Expressions]

Mandala coloring book (perfect for plane rides)

Painting is my favorite state of flow. It is the type of mental, physical, and spiritual space where time stands still and everything unites perfectly. Skiing sometimes is the same way (but I digress).

Sudden inspiration came to me in the vision of mandalas most recently. I don’t think that I have ever been exposed to them consciously, but images of the art form are probably stored somewhere in my subconscious. I had a strong urge several days ago to learn more about the beautiful creations.

Mandalas are gorgeous maps of the cosmos, which originated as an eastern art form around the 9^th century. With the power to evoke visceral reactions in many, mandalas are also thought to serve as elaborate representations of nirvana, the ultimate state of enlightenment and bliss.

The word mandala means circle or enclosure in Sanskrit, which is why you often find a round motif in most. The roundness and pattern is what draws me in. 

Another aspect of mandalas is that they often have symmetry incorporated within. I love the way that their symmetry creates a never ending motion. I have heard somewhere that all people you meet are your mirrors. I think that mandalas are reminders of that sentiment.

For purposes of meditation, mandalas can serve as guides for deeper self awareness and ultimate truth, whether viewing or creating. As an art form, mandalas represent both the macrocosm and microcosm of the universe, bringing individuals together with the universe. Mandalas are also thought to awaken spiritual energy within the viewer, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Whether creating or meditating on mandalas, it is all about following your intuition--getting into the flow and seeing what comes naturally to you. Surrender to whatever shapes, colors, patterns, and forms come into your mind’s eye and see where the elements elevate you.

. . . 

I took two flights on Saturday and worked on sketches during both.

When I arrived in Dallas from Salt Lake, my flight was delayed for quite some time. I took it as an opportunity to draw. I felt very inspired and was filled with love that I needed to express after a wonderful visit home. 

I put on a playlist and created these mandala-inspired drawings. Suddenly, the waiting time to get to Miami, the babies crying, the stuffy air, and the chit-chat disappeared into the background, and I made these. 

Sketches from my plane rides / delay in Texas

Close up mandala sketch 1

Close up mandala sketch 2

I hope that you like my meditations! They will serve as starting points for my next group of paintings.

View from our plane, as I began one of my mandalas