Mandala creation is a centering device to bring us clarity and deeper wisdom. Yoga nidra and yoga practices are wonderful at awakening our innate creative flow within us, and help us to get out of our ‘judging mind’, giving us more freedom to create with ease.
Mandala means ‘center, circumference, power circle, or magic circle’. Peoples and cultures of all eras have found circle or Mandala creation a satisfying and meaningful form of expression. The mandalas we create reflect something about who and how we are in this present moment to learn about ourselves in a new way. It is what Cherokee teacher Dhyani Ywahoo calls ‘Bringing your wholeness to light’.
NOURISHING EARTH ELEMENT Five Element Yoga® Self-Care
Late Summer’ is the fifth season of the year according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This ‘harvest season’ from late August until the end of September is a time that reflects the Earth’s role in providing nourishment and support, as it is a time of gathering and storing energy. Stomach and Spleen-Pancreas are the main organs and Meridian energy-channels activated at this time, aiding in digesting and absorbing nutrients to build and store your energy.
The art of paper cutting began in China in the 4th century, not long after paper was first invented by Ts’ai Lun in the year 105 CE. Paper cutting as an art form slowly spread around the globe. The Japanese form called Kirie is still practiced today. I love watching artist Masayo Fukuda as she meticulously wields her exacto blade, imagining the meditative state that must accompany such focused practice. She is with her ‘octopus’ and the rest of the world fades away… It brings back fond memories of when I too would drop into the serene immersion of ‘meditation-mind’ – at one with my focus. As a sculptor, I primarily worked with constructing with fabric, employing techniques that were very repetitive and calming. Art creation, for me, was meditation. I hope you enjoy this short video! Witnessing her exquisite creations cradled in human hands truly breathes life into them and evokes a sense of awe.
Restorative Five Element Yoga® uses props on the floor in order to release tensions and rest deeply while you are awake and aware. Each pose gently activates and balances specific elements within the Five Element systems in yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
RESTORATIVE TWIST POSE: Balances Fire & Earth Elements
Sit with one hip touching the end of your bolster (or tall stack of 3 pillows, blankets, or large couch cushion). Allow knees to slide apart to feel comfortable.
Sit up tall and stay upright as you slowly twist facing towards the props.
Then slowly lower your belly, chest and head onto the props.
Turn your head the same direction as the knees, or rest forehead on your hands.
Breathe and rest deeply.
After some time, slowly rise up, and practice the other side.
Notice the effects and how you feel after your practice.
Possible Benefits of Restorative Five Element Yoga®
Teaches you how to ‘consciously relax’ reducing stress.
Deeply soothes the physical and energy bodies.
Stills quiets, a busy mind and reduces feeling of struggle.
Allows you to practice Mindfulness through your body-mind.
Releases muscular tension, improving mobility and flexibility.
Tones the Vagus Nerve to balances the nervous system.
Shifts you into the Relaxation Response – parasympathetic.
Improves capacity for healing.
Boosts the immune system.
Stimulates Oxytocin the ‘feel good’ hugging hormone.
Numerous studies have provided evidence that Metta Loving-Kindness meditation has the ability to restructure the brain in a positive way.Metta means ‘positive energy and kindness towards self and others’ in the Pali language from northern India and closely related to Sanskrit.
Engaging in this easy and simple practice requires only a few minutes of your day and can shift your perspective.Simply find a calm space, sit quietly, and intentionally direct benevolent and empathetic thoughts towards yourself and others (family and friends; someone with whom you have tension or a conflict; those around the world who are suffering).
Feel free to use these phrases below.Give yourself permission to change these, or make up your own phrases.Repeat each line three times aloud or silently.
