What is Mandala Art?
“Mandala” means “core, essence” in Sanskrit. In the Mandala making process we aim to penetrate to the core, the essence of ourselves and of different challenging situations in our lives. It helps to release the energy that is needed for us to
feel good and to move on.
“Mandala” also means “circle”, which is a symbol of inclusiveness, completion, perfection. In the process of creating a Mandala, a circle sometimes occurs organically within a piece and sometimes it doesn't.
To penetrate to the core, to the essence of ourselves and to different aspects and situations in our lives is an Art. It needs to be cultivated and developed.
The media we use is pastels, paint and anything else that can help us to break an old pattern and create a new one - movement, sound, word, breath…always coming back to the Mandala painting which holds the form of the process.
No artistic talents or previous experiences are needed to create a Mandala. Not only that but you might be pleasantly surprised to see what happens when
the creative juices get activated.
Why Create a Mandala
The Mandala making process can be a tool to assist you to move through any challenging situation in your life; to release your inner potential; to help you get in touch with your own strength, creativity and wisdom.
Basic Steps in the Mandala Making Art Process
1. We start with concentrating on an area in our lives that feels blocked or out of balance. It could be anything– relationships, work, health, prosperity. At this stage we usually use soft pastel which allows the raw emotions
to flow freely on the paper or the canvas.
2. Then we carefully observe the drawing, recognizing any spontaneously occurred symbols, colors, patterns. These are our messages from the subconscious mind, usually locked deep inside and unconsciously governing our lives. In the class everyone gets individual assistance and guidance in recognizing the symbols and the patterns.
3. The next step is the transformation. It begins with clear and precise intention of what we really want. At this stage we use acrylic paint to work on top of the first layer. Then layer after layer is interwoven with each other until the desired transformation - realignment with the soul and the spirit is achieved. People usually work with the same Mandala for weeks, months, even years, adding layers and forms as they work through their own unique transformation process.
Mandala Art is a Unique, Individual Process
No two Mandalas are alike; there is no right or wrong way to create a Mandala. Everyone’s process is unique and valid. Every Mandala is a profound and beautiful expression of the individual’s own journey.
A Few Things We Do in the Beginning of Each Class to Connect More Deeply with Ourselves and Each Other
We chant 21 OMs – that helps to access a higher level of consciousness, shedding off the denser energies we carry with us…and also assist us in connecting more deeply with each other.
We move – everyone offers movements…to help us relax, to open the energy doorways, to connect with the elements…additionally we get to know each other in a fun, non-judgemental and nonthreatening way.
We share – we sit in a circle and everyone shares what they are dealing with, what is their heart’s desire and where they want to be.
Mandala Art Class is a Beautiful Group Experience
Every time I witness a group of people coming together to do Mandala Art, I have the same exciting thought:
Imagine a world where we all do what is happening in this class. Everyone is taking responsibility for his or her own life, emotions, and happiness. People are honest, open, and authentic. No one is trying to solve anyone else’s problems and yet everyone is supportive and compassionate. What a wonderful world would that be!
A BOWL OF LIGHT
In Hawaii, where the knowledge to live in love (aloha) is still remembered, there is a belief that each child has at birth a bowl of perfect light. If he tends this light, it will grow in strength and he can do all things - swim with the sharks, fly with the hawk, know and understand all things. If, however, he becomes envious, or fearful, doubtful, desperate, or jealous, he drops a stone into his bowl of light, and a little of the light will go out. If he continues to put stones in the bowl of light, the light will go out and he will become a stone. A stone does not grow, nor does it move. If at any time he tires of being a stone, all he needs to do is tilt the bowl and the stones will all fall away, and the light will come back and grow once more.
Creating of a Healing or a Soul Mandala is like tilting the bowl of light to help the stones to fall away and allowing the light to come in.
Times and Locations for Mandala Art Classes
OHANA HOUSE CLASSES
148 Islington Ave, #303
Fridays 10.30 am - 1.30 pm
First class - $ 65
a drop in class - $ 55
a package of 4 classes -$ 200
all materials are included
SPRINGMOUNT SESSIONS
MIND & BODY SESSIONS
for classes and workshops registration,
please call Aloha Yvetta at 416-259-3050
or email [email protected]
please call Aloha Yvetta at 416-259-3050
or email [email protected]
TESTIMONIALS:
……Dear Yvetta, I am very happy for you and so delighted to hear that
others will be able to witness the
amazingness of your divine talents! I have been so fortunate to have met you
and worked with you. Your vision has brought so much into my life and
enriched it and makes me
whole everyday. I long to sit with you and
share all the amazing transformations that have
occurred since my time here, but i know for some reason you can already
imagine what i have experienced.
………Hi Yvetta, I put the Mandala on the wall in my bedroom,
and am meditating on it when going to bed.
Thank you so much again - this is a gift that is impossible to repay!
My relationship with my daughter is a
so deeply wounded part of me, that I have scarcely touched upon it in my therapy.
I feel that now I am strong enough to start addressing it,
and the Mandala is perfect for that - it holds all my feelings and
limitations in the sacred space of honesty and compassion.
....The mandala process has been an amazing journey for me - it safely allows me to
explore who I am and to understand better myself. The painting process is unique to
each person, intuitive and often surprisingly beautiful. It has provided an amazingly
creative way for me to heal many challenges in my life and to help others. I know for
certain that I would not be the same person today if it were not for doing this work. I
am more grounded, centered, confident, creative and sure of myself. I am truly
thankful to you Aloha Yvetta and for creating and
guiding me through this amazing process!"
……. Dear Yvetta, My deep thanks for the work you did with me yesterday.
I feel significantly lighter,
emotionally, and my hands feel less painful and stiff today.
…....Since November I have been gradually learning the process of
creating a healing mandala.
This has been a profoundly transformative experience and
one which I realize has endless potential to
continue to effect change at every level of my being.
Thank you, Yvetta, for your insight, patience and wisdom.
I am deeply grateful for such inspired guidance.
…….My first thought was; "me, art? I can't do that!"
And then I jumped in and tried. I never looked back.
Working on a Healing Mandela has been one of the most nurturing and
enlightening experiences I have had to date.
All ego melts away once into the process and the results are amazing.
What I have learned in a short time, what I have been able to process and let go,
has allowed me to solidly
root myself in who I am and understand the importance of what is happening around me.
The work being done is very personal, and the people working alongside,
seem to come together creatining a sacred space.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow in this very beautiful manner,
and for Yvetta's wonderful and gentle guidance and help throughout .
…….Thank you Yvetta, as always your guidance and insight help greatly.
I have been meditating and singing, praying, drumming and dancing,
trying to raise my vibrations up as you suggested.
When I am able to do this, I can forgive and be loving,
but sometimes I sink back down into anger and sadness
still. I know I have to believe in the abundance of the universe,
and that love comes from all different sources, not just one person.
I do really believe this now and know that I have the power to manifest
my dreams if I am in the right place spiritually.
I am breaking the painful pattern, and it is like a painful birth,
but I think I have come out the other side and love myself more.
Thank you for your love and support.
........Hello Yvetta and Margit ,
Once again, I found your workshop today very powerful;
transformative and encouraging. My mandala
is before me now while I sit with the reflections each of you offered me.
I am letting in the recognition of the illusion I have long held onto -
the belief in a separation between my child, playful self and my
magical shamanic self. I let that go now.
I am letting my heart take its space in the 4th chakra, the place
of compassion, while recognizing the healing power of the 3rd chakra
to work with the energy I encounter in others.
And I am embracing the uterus within me. I look forward to deepening
my self-awareness by attending your next workshop. You are quite a team!
Thank you for your heart, your commitment to your work,
your skill and compassion.
……Dear Yvetta, I am very happy for you and so delighted to hear that
others will be able to witness the
amazingness of your divine talents! I have been so fortunate to have met you
and worked with you. Your vision has brought so much into my life and
enriched it and makes me
whole everyday. I long to sit with you and
share all the amazing transformations that have
occurred since my time here, but i know for some reason you can already
imagine what i have experienced.
………Hi Yvetta, I put the Mandala on the wall in my bedroom,
and am meditating on it when going to bed.
Thank you so much again - this is a gift that is impossible to repay!
My relationship with my daughter is a
so deeply wounded part of me, that I have scarcely touched upon it in my therapy.
I feel that now I am strong enough to start addressing it,
and the Mandala is perfect for that - it holds all my feelings and
limitations in the sacred space of honesty and compassion.
....The mandala process has been an amazing journey for me - it safely allows me to
explore who I am and to understand better myself. The painting process is unique to
each person, intuitive and often surprisingly beautiful. It has provided an amazingly
creative way for me to heal many challenges in my life and to help others. I know for
certain that I would not be the same person today if it were not for doing this work. I
am more grounded, centered, confident, creative and sure of myself. I am truly
thankful to you Aloha Yvetta and for creating and
guiding me through this amazing process!"
……. Dear Yvetta, My deep thanks for the work you did with me yesterday.
I feel significantly lighter,
emotionally, and my hands feel less painful and stiff today.
…....Since November I have been gradually learning the process of
creating a healing mandala.
This has been a profoundly transformative experience and
one which I realize has endless potential to
continue to effect change at every level of my being.
Thank you, Yvetta, for your insight, patience and wisdom.
I am deeply grateful for such inspired guidance.
…….My first thought was; "me, art? I can't do that!"
And then I jumped in and tried. I never looked back.
Working on a Healing Mandela has been one of the most nurturing and
enlightening experiences I have had to date.
All ego melts away once into the process and the results are amazing.
What I have learned in a short time, what I have been able to process and let go,
has allowed me to solidly
root myself in who I am and understand the importance of what is happening around me.
The work being done is very personal, and the people working alongside,
seem to come together creatining a sacred space.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow in this very beautiful manner,
and for Yvetta's wonderful and gentle guidance and help throughout .
…….Thank you Yvetta, as always your guidance and insight help greatly.
I have been meditating and singing, praying, drumming and dancing,
trying to raise my vibrations up as you suggested.
When I am able to do this, I can forgive and be loving,
but sometimes I sink back down into anger and sadness
still. I know I have to believe in the abundance of the universe,
and that love comes from all different sources, not just one person.
I do really believe this now and know that I have the power to manifest
my dreams if I am in the right place spiritually.
I am breaking the painful pattern, and it is like a painful birth,
but I think I have come out the other side and love myself more.
Thank you for your love and support.
........Hello Yvetta and Margit ,
Once again, I found your workshop today very powerful;
transformative and encouraging. My mandala
is before me now while I sit with the reflections each of you offered me.
I am letting in the recognition of the illusion I have long held onto -
the belief in a separation between my child, playful self and my
magical shamanic self. I let that go now.
I am letting my heart take its space in the 4th chakra, the place
of compassion, while recognizing the healing power of the 3rd chakra
to work with the energy I encounter in others.
And I am embracing the uterus within me. I look forward to deepening
my self-awareness by attending your next workshop. You are quite a team!
Thank you for your heart, your commitment to your work,
your skill and compassion.