Flower & Nature Mandalas
A Visual Song, a prayer of thanks, a blessing for the garden.
Flower and nature mandalas have been for me a simple, sacred act of love and devotion to the sweet family of plants that live close to me. An offering and a meditation they center me and allow me to contemplate the gratitude I have for the natural world. My mandalas are not perfect or even particularly extravagant or exceptionally creative. They are simple, made in the pleasure of a day gardening, inspired by the flowers, leaves, twigs and other natural items in my garden, or that I’ve seen on a walk or hike. They exist gloriously for a short moment and then time starts to impact my creation. The wind whips a few leaves onto the design, petals drift off, the flowers fade and slowly dissolve back into the earth.
Like a meditation or a prayer they are a ripple out into the universe from me.
Mandalas have a storied tradition in human history. They have been used consistently in human culture and civilizations throughout time. The Eastern tradition of Buddhist mandalas is very famous and quite elaborate, but Aztec, Mayan, Christian and Persian art have all made Mandalas. The beauty, symmetry and symbolism allow humans to interact with and touch the divine spark of the universe that lies within.
Making mandalas as an offering from flowers, sticks, rocks or other items found in nature is a beautiful practice of expressing gratitude, centering oneself and connecting to the part of oneself that is eternal.
When inspired here’s how...To make a flower or nature mandala
Inspiration: When wanting to take something from nature even your own garden you want to be in a calm and loving state of mind. I’ve made my flower and nature mandalas in thanks, as a loving offering and as a way to connect with the plants I’m working with.
Location: Choose the spot: Where are you going to put it? I’ve done mine on stepping stones, a table before lunch or in my bird bath.
Asking permission: Before you being gathering things, remember to ask permission to pick things. Listen for the answer. Don’t be greedy about what you take. You only need a few items to make a beautiful mandala. Perhaps even items have fallen on to the ground that you can use. Gather flowers, leaves, sticks, rocks, or any other item you want to include. Remember to ask permission of the plants first - before you pick. Wait and listen for the answer. I like to then say a prayer or sing a song of thanks as I gather.
Arrange your items in a shape that inspires you and brings you pleasure. You can begin from the inside and work outward or from the outside and work inward. I’ve done both. I let my intuition guide me and use the time to be in a meditative space
Share with others or simply offer up to the universe to enjoy
Give thanks
Resources/Inspiration
I was inspired to make my own flower & nature mandalas by seeing other folks and artists making them online or in books.
Buddhist sand mandalas have also inspired me. Elaborate and ephemeral they represent a sacred offering to the universe. When they are ritually dismantled after being made the materials are returned to the earth.
So, dream a little magic into your life, craft a mandala from beloved natural items. Release any tension and allow the beauty that lies within and without to lift you.
Blessings, may you remember that beauty and joy lie within. Cindy
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