Mandala Review

MANDALA MIND EXPANSION – by Hilde Paz www.creatingoutofthespirit.com

A creative collaboration between Dana Arts was an extraordinary meeting with the most gifted artist-healers. I would compare the journey we had to the rhythmic growing of a plant as it moves from contraction to expansion, looking in and looking out, expanding into the environment. As a group we were constantly going through leaps of metamorphosis. Clearing the old and bringing in new. Inner strength grew by working with the meditation of Sakyamuni Buddha, star group meditations, individual healing sessions, sounding with Indian classical singing, dynamic movement, chi-gung healing exercises and inspiring dharma talks. I personally gained tremendous insight into the nature of emptiness through movement with Mala Sikka. The space ‘in-between’ became full of creative possibilities. We moved together in the temple and outdoors ever mindful of our connection to one another, the landscape and the body of the earth . Slowly we discovered how point, line and shape give direction, as the landscape informs and moves us.

Making mandalas indoors or outdoors we were invited to connect with living forms and to use natural materials. The creative process was one of letting go of self and opening up to the magical play of Nature. We connected with the environment through a lively dialogue with the animals, the trees, the plants, with everything living in the rhythm of that space. The seam between earth and sky suddenly lifted and our working together became full of magical play. Words fall short of expressing my gratitude to Terry Hagan and Mala Sikka, Elizabeth St.John, Tim Jones and Jan Howarth. Your “healing presence” has opened my eyes to the numinous and filled the world with more joy. May the Mandal Mind Expansion collaboration continue to unfold in time to come.