Mandalas

Mandalas have always fascinated me.

I love the work that goes into creating one, the intricate designs, how dynamic and alive they seem, even when they are only two-dimensional. And, I love the symbology behind them. Mandalas are spiritual symbols.

Mandalas represent circles and cycles. They are symbols of the universe, and a reflection that we hold the universe inside of us; that we are all connected; that there is unity in us and around us. Some use mandalas as a means to feel that connection, to meditate, and/or to attain higher levels of spirituality.

The other day, I tried to draw a mandala on my own. I was surprised that I could make a circle. It was lopsided but it fit the page and it was definitely circular-looking. I used a ruler for the first time in years, and it felt good to use it to trace lines. I realized I needed a central focal point from which to anchor the lines. It was like muscle-memory…a feeling of “Oh yeah, that’s what I’m supposed to do.”

It was quite beautiful. The depiction wasn’t beautiful, which is why I’m not sharing it, but the exercise was. It helped me reignite a connection within. I often struggle to be gentle with myself, and this exercised helped.

For me this meant that even in my disconnection, I was able to step away from the minutia and see the bigger pictures.

What in your life helps you explore yourself, your connections, your links?

Much of the poetry I write is about symbology and meaning. I reflect upon questions like this. This is the reason that I chose mandalas as the design element for my poetry collection. All three covers have a mandala on it. Don’t worry, I didn’t design those—a professional did, and she did an amazing job.

I am a person who sees connections. That is who I am. I establish good relationships with people and I also see the links between people, between events. I write about these links, especially those in my life. In doing so, I feel more myself, more connected within.