Mandala?

      It recently occurred to me that many who read these blogs and explore this website may wonder, "Why all this focus on a Mandala?"  Many years ago I learned about, "The Sacred Wheel of Life," as a way to understand the human experience. That is to say, what gives life meaning, and how do we find happiness, and for that matter, what is happiness? Centuries ago life was based solely on survival, and as civilization expanded, there seemed to be more time to think about the possibilities beyond simply surviving. During my own personal search for understanding the meaning of life, exploring that question took me on a journey into other cultures and their consensus of the meaning of life. 
     Being brought up in the teachings of the Christian faith spurred my curiosities. Learning the importance of knowing there was a source greater than this world brought great comfort to my heart. As a result, as an adult I began to explore other expressions of connection to a higher source outside the Christian faith.  It was the simplicity of the ancient ways of the indigenous peoples around the world, including those of this country, that led me to the teachings of the Mandala. The word Mandala originated from Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, and where it translates to "circle," or "container of essence" which was used to represent a human's sacred walk in life. 
      I have always sought to find the common thread that runs through all cultures in order to assist myself and ultimately others, with making sense of life, and support mutual understanding of all of life, including nonhumans inhabitants of this world.  The Using the Mandala as a Compass retreat being offered, Saturday, March 7, from 1-4 p.m. opens the door to a broader, yet simple way to understanding life. In this great time of upheaval, this simple way of understanding the basic needs of every human being, combined with the seasons of nature, and indigenous teachings of the seven sacred directions offers a doorway into a broader, more personal connection with all inhabitants on this beautiful planet.  Check out the Community Events link for more information along with past participants responses. If you have wondered, "Mandala?" hopefully this peaks your interest into attending. While our thinking mind ask questions, it is our heart that guides us to those answer. Working together, the ever wondering mind and passionate heart find peace. Coupled together, all sorts of dreams and possibilities become reality. I promise you will gain a simplier, more efficient way to live life with intention and purpose. You will also leave with a personal Mandala started during the retreat, to take home and complete as the teachings unfold in your heart.                             Always from the Heart,  Vicky

Our next Deepening into Wisdom Circle will be Thursday, February 19, from 6:30-8p.m. Join us and connect with other "seekers" looking for that "common thread" that adds to the richness of everyday life. We will have a special treat added this month with a guest sharing some wisdom they have gained over the past several years.