Well, my most recent gift is a little different. My sister-in-law is on her way to Pakistan as I type, and with her, she has a necklace that I made for my mother-in-law (as well as some other things for both her and my wonderful father-in-law). But, this handmade gift is a little different because I have never met my mother-in-law. I only have an idea of who she is, from stories her children have told me, emails I have received, pictures I have seen, and one struggled telephone conversation.
This is what I know about her: * She is a kind person * a quiet soul *strong * a loving, nurturing mother * city girl * hard worker * she is calm and gentle * levelheaded * she stands up for her family and beliefs * brave * selfless * determined * respectful of nature * protective * a wonderful cook * she doesn't complain * she is humble * and she loves me and calls me beta (daughter) even though she has never met me. This may seem like I know a lot, but really it is only a sliver, especially when you make a necklace that is supposed to reflect a person's style and essence.
I find myself nervous about her receiving the gift and partly glad that she can open it privately, so that I don't have to be watching her, nervous that she won't like it, although I know enough to know that she would love it anyways because she is like that, and she would think it is wonderful just because it is homemade and from me...and because she is a mom...and I'm pretty sure that all moms are like that, regardless of culture. But I still whisper a prayer that she likes it....
Circles can be found in many structures of life: the moon, the Earth’s orbit around the sun, a fruit, a flower, etc. A circle represents wholeness and unity, and therefore, is sacred in many cultures. The word “mandala” comes from the Indian language of Sanskrit, and loosely means “circle.” Here are a few examples of circles have spiritual or ritual significance:
- Tibetan monks and the Navajo create sand mandalas to demonstrate the impermanence of life.
- The creation of mandalas are often used for focusing attention and to aid in meditation.
- Labyrinths are a type of mandala used for “centering” in many cultures.
- The architecture of cathedrals, mosques, and stupas are also built around a center with domes or circular designs.
I’ve become very fascinated with Mandalas over the last several months. I’ve started using them with my students to help focus attention, meditate or reflect, and they are great for self-discovery! Coloring in a mandala pattern or creating your own has a calming effect, so it is great for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or even anxiety or people with Emotional Disorders, I believe. I have also tried creating my own mandalas during meetings to help me to pay attention better. Researchers have found that people who doodle during lectures (only when information is given orally!) are able to gain more information.
I also agree that mandalas can be great for self-discovery and as I start to create more I see them change over time. Carl Jung, a psychoanalyst, believed that the mandala represented the unconscious self. Many people believe that when a person draws a circle inside a square, it represents the self.
I cannot show any of my own pictures yet, because mandalas will be a theme in my Christmas presents this year! I hope to start creating some for my Etsy site very soon. However, here are some examples and some coloring pages you can print out to get you or your young friends started, until you are comfortable making your own.
Tibetan Mandala:
Sand Mandala:
Labyrinth:
Mosque dome:
