Welcoming Change with Daily Nature Mandalas

I had been looking for some way to mark the days until spring without rushing the season of winter out the door at the same time. I don't wish to change what is, but instead wanted to find a way to document and recognize the subtle changes that occur as the earth wakes up from it's long much needed rest.

Thanks to the Lake Erie Institute invite to create and my ongoing inspiration by land artists, I figured out just what I needed to do. Daily Nature Mandalas seemed just the thing to visually mark change and meditate on the moment at the same time. They take as long as you want them to and are perfect for if you are busy or haven't created much in the past. I want to invite you to join me....but first let me explain very basic premise of the mandala and why it is such a wonderful touchstone for everyone.

Mandalas are circular forms that have spiritual and ritual roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. They often have a radial balance and can be used for meditation. I find the act of making, is the meditation. It's such a calming process, whether you are simply placing a few stones in a circle or really getting detailed and intricate, doesn't matter. The fact that you are being mindful of objects found in nature and that you are taking the time to intentionally create, and to create a pleasing pattern that holds the symbol of the universe at that, is enough to add a little peace to your day!

My kids and I have been making simple mandalas from our nature finds for some time now. The difference here is intent and consistency. Up until this point, we would find ourselves arranging things outside or inside just because. Often times I would start something and they would join in. But in the Fall my almost five year old made a stunning mandala of his own on the front walkway. Always one for a focused project, he set to work collecting and making and it marked the front of our home and the changing seasons in such a beautiful way!

So far I am on DAY 4 and will be making my DAILY MANDALAS until March 20th, the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Below is my mandala from DAY 1 and it pulls from bits and pieces already in our nature collection. I love that it incorporates aspects of growth and flight.

DAY 2 brought me over to our seed pod collection and I chose to reverse the background to dark wood in order to mimic the earth. The seeds have laid underground all winter just waiting...just like the little rocks on the moss nest in the center of the piece. This incubation period is so hard sometimes but full of such potential too!

I hope to get the kids in on the action this week. So far they've been excited to see the creations I've made but have been "busy" with their own projects and fun. : )

To follow along with the creations leading up please follow Collect. Make. Explore. on Instagram and LIKE our page on Facebook. I'm excited to see what tomorrow will bring AND hope to see what tomorrow brings you!