Mandala 99: Float

Float: 1. a.To remain suspended within or on the surface of a fluid without sinking. b.To be suspended in or move through space as if supported by a liquid. 2. o move from place to place, especially at random; 3. To move easily or lightly.

With a few days away from work, I will try to float and enjoy fewer responsibilities, get myself to yoga and remind my body and my mind how to move more easily and lightly through my days. 

Mandala 98: Skilled

Skilled: Possessing or demonstrating accomplishment, skill, or special training.


It never ceases to amaze me how much and how often I am called upon to handle a situation with some special skill, usually some interpersonal skill.  Easier, to blow a gasket, tell someone off, storm off, shake my head in dis-belief or disgust.  Harder to show up steady, strong, solid and clear, setting out the needed limits and reasonable parameters with a grace and kindness.  Life is hard.  Skills help.  Onward. 

Mandala 97: Hope

Hope:  1. To wish for something or look forward with expectation of its fulfillment. 2. To have confidence; trust.  3. To expect, to desire


I have heard it said that "hope is not a strategy" -- but still, I have it.   It seems essential in order to keep moving forward.  

Mandala 96: Sober

Sober:  1. Habitually abstemious in the use of alcoholic liquors or drugs; temperate; 2. Not intoxicated or affected by the use of drugs; 3. Plain or subdued; 4. Devoid of frivolity, excess, exaggeration, or speculative imagination; straightforward:  5. Marked by seriousness, gravity, or solemnity of conduct or character; 6. Marked by circumspection and self-restraint.


Today is my 6th anniversary of quitting drinking.  Sober.  A healthy choice, for sure.  Not always easy, but right for me.  

Mandala 95: Middle

Middle:  1. Equally distant from extremes or limits; 2. Being at neither one extreme nor the other; 3. The middle part of the human body; the waist.

I am up north at our lake home on Middle Cullen Lake.  It has been a great weekend, and will be hard to go home.  I have enjoyed a slower pace for these last 2 days, both inside/in my mind, and outside, with nothing to do but to play.  I have found the middle in my emotions and it has been a relief.

It seems for this last month, I have lived on the edges, the extremes, emotionally, and have had a hard time standing in the middle of anything.  I have walked in these last 2 months with back pain, an indication of living, in my mind and my emotions, in the extremes.  No middle.

I spent the day yesterday with my friend Shawyn, learning and experimenting with photography. Shawyn is an amazing photographer, and encouraged me to play in this medium. Just a point and shoot Cannon Power Shot.  Just a chance to walk around the property, near the lake, noticing things.  Capturing images and items and structures that caught my eye.  Noticing various ways to frame the shot.  Last evening, I played around with my photos using I-photo and photoshop, enhancing color, cropping and and refining and reframing what I captured in my camera.  I enjoyed being lost in the meditative nature of walking and noticing and taking pictures.  I felt a sense of relief in the process of creativity, both in the taking and in the adjusting the photographs.  This, of course, is no surprise.  It is my mantra to students and to my team at The LAB, that creativity is the healing force that we can each access on our journeys.  So my weekend on Middle Cullen Lake brought me back to the middle, and I am grateful.  Now, the challenge is to remain steady, in the middle as I return to the real life off and away from the lake.  Onward.

Day 94: Bike-Tire Mandala

Bike Tire Mandala:

I have been away from my mandala-making again....too much summer fun to be had, so I have become a bit negligent to this project.  I have been out biking, enjoying my new bike (see picture below).  Very fun.  Happy spinning!

My goal is to make it to my 100th mandala by Thursday, July 23rd.  It seems an honorable number.  Now, if I can only get off of my bike for long enough each day to make some mandalas!

Day 93: Playful

Playful: 1. Full of fun and high spirits; frolicsome or sportive; 2. Humorous; jesting.


Today, I woke feeling tired and sore from my workout yesterday, but also feeling "light" in my mood.  Although I have to begin my day with a couple of hours of going to work, the rest of my day will be spent playing.  I might take myself for a walk around one of the city lakes or going to shop for a new bicycle. I'm sure I'll spend a good chunk of time reading my new novel on the patio. I love the leisurely nature of summer. The choice to be playful is  a more ready choice for me in the summer.  This mandala looks playful to me.  It will be my reminder to keep a playful view each day.  I wonder how I can bring a more 'playful' plan to my school year?  Onward.

Day 92: Asymmetry

Asymmetry: 1. Lack of balance; 2.  Absense of symmetry in spatial arrangement or in logical relations


Life is like this, for sure, although try as I might to make it logical and symmetrical.  Even when much of my life seems to be operating or set in symmetry, there is usually at least one aspect of my life that is not.  I began this mandala in sets of three, but in short order, my pattern got confused.  Soon it became a less clear pattern and sets of four.  Not what I intended, but I like it, non the less. Onward.

Day 91: Mosaic

Mosaic:  1. a. A picture or decorative design made by setting small colored pieces, as of stone or tile, into a surface. b. The process or art of making such pictures or designs. 2. A composite picture made of overlapping, usually aerial, photographs. 3. Something that resembles a mosaic.


If I can think of life as a mosaic, "the process/art of making designs" or the overlapping pictures/experiences that make up this life, this design, I will be in good shape.  Too often, I am missing the bigger picture and get caught up in the small pieces, the little things.  If I can remember that each of these small things is intended to create a bigger picture, an important design, daily life can be an exciting artistic process instead of a process filled with fear or tedious moments.  Onward.

Day 90: Wood

Wood:  a. The secondary xylem of trees and shrubs, lying beneath the bark and consisting largely of cellulose and lignin;  b. This tissue, often cut and dried especially for use as building material and fuel.


Last night, I dreamed I was drilling a hole in a piece of wood, makng something - I don't know what. 

I looked up what this might mean in the world of dream interpretation and I like what I found. This interpretation seemingly confirms that I am working hard to creatively shape the course of my own life. I like, too, that there is a spiritual element to this dream/gesture as well.

Dream Interpretation/dreaming of wood: To dream that you are carving or shaping a piece of wood, indicates a power-giving act or creative gesture. You are molding or shaping the course of your own life. Alternatively, the wood may also symbolize spirituality and vital energy.

Day 89: Become

To Become: 1. To grow or come to be; 2. To be appropriate or suitable to; 3. To be the fate of.


I like this symbol because the one segment of it (with the "t" shape) looks like a person in motion to me.  This "person" also looks supported by some other being (to its left).  


I will look to this mandala as my reminder that i don't have to be in this game of "becoming", alone.  I have support from many key people in my life.  I can reach out, just as I can reach within, as I walk in this life, becoming, and living into my fate.  Onward.

Day 88: Strength-Power

Strength: 1. The state, property, or quality of being strong. 2. The power to resist strain or stress; durability.3. The ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly. 4. Capacity or potential for effective action 5. A source of power or force.

Power: 1. The ability or capacity to perform or act effectively; 2. A specific capacity, faculty, or aptitude; 3. Strength or force exerted or capable of being exerted; might. 4. The ability or official capacity to exercise control; authority. 5. A person, group, or nation having great influence; 6. Forcefulness; effectiveness. 


As I head home from my 10 day lake vacation, I go ready to tackle a few things, both personal and professional.  I hope that I can proceed with a wise strength and power to act effectively.  I have set some important goals, and will need the strength of my will -- my decision -- to succeed.  Onward. 

Day 87: Change

Change: . 1. To become different or undergo alteration: 2. To undergo transformation or transition: 3. To go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons. 4. To make an exchange: 5. To transfer from one conveyance to another: 6. To become deeper in tone.

This symbol is the most complex of all of the Chinese symbols I have chosen to include in my mandala project, (it was hard to trace) and it is a perfect metaphor or image for how hard it is to change -- to change habits, to change behavior, to change our minds - to change - even when we really want to, even when we are really motivated.  Change is hard. 

I love the definition of number 3 above -- to go from one phase to another, as the moon or the seasons -- this definition and this mandala helps me to welcome change and all of the opportunities it brings, just like each new season.  Onward. 

Day 86: Water

Water: 1. A body of water such as a sea, lake, river, or stream. 2. A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid, H2O, essential for most plant and animal life

Water Dream Interpreation: Water is a symbol of energy, cleansing, emotional stirrings. The condition of the water tells whether your emotional state is positive or negative. Dreaming of clear water foretells good luck at work and in your private life.

After a great day out on the water of Middle Cullen Lake, and after more than a week of thinking, journaling, reading and sitting with some emotional and spiritual questions, I am not surprised I had a dream last night about water. A funny dream, where I was reaching into my refrigerator in the lowest crisper drawer to reach for chocolate, which was floating in clear water. I was gathering up all of the pieces of dark chocolate with almond (mmmm good), and i was getting ready to take them with me to a work meeting.  I have known that water dreams are about our emotions.  I like the interpretation of dreaming about clear water -- that it is a foreshadowing of good luck in work and in my personal life.  I believe it is worth it to do the emotional/spiritual work to clear each season, allowing us to move forward to the next.  Onward.  (and out to the kayaks!)  

*  by the way, dream interpretation about chocolate is as follows:  Any dream that features chocolate in it is a simple omen that presages, not luxury, or impeccable taste, as one might expect, but, rather, Good health and contentment, coupled with a pampered lifestyle.

Day 85: Will-Determination-Purpose

Will:  1a. The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action; 1b. The act of exercising the will; 2a. Diligent purposefulness; 2b. Self-control; self-discipline; 3. Desire, purpose, determination, especially of one in authority: 4. Deliberate intention; 5. Free discretion; inclination or pleasure; 6. Bearing or attitude toward others; disposition.

Determination:  1. a. The act of making or arriving at a decision; 1b. The decision reached. 2. a. Firmness of purpose; resolve; 2b. A fixed intention or resolution.

Purpose: 1. The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal: 2. A result that is intended or desired; an intention; 3. resolution; 4. The matter at hand; the point at issue; 5. To intend or resolve to perform or accomplish.


I love my time at Wilderness Resort, and basically, I just love my summer.  It is my time especially, to take stock, re-group, set new goals and take action.  Last summer, this came in the form of listening to Tony Robbins daily and utilizing all I learned to tackle my physical/fitness health.  One year later, I feel so great that I achieved what I set out to do last summer.  I have become a person who exercises regularly and one who is more fit than ever before.  


This week, I am re-visiting my Tony Robbins cds on personal power and setting new goals.  This week, my goals are about my finances and about my work.  Who do I want to be in each of these arenas?  What are my new mantras that will help shape and guide my daily actions?  What is my purpose and hoped for outcome in each area? Last year, my mantra became, "I take care of my body, mind and spirit in every season, summer, fall, winter and spring".  Every action I took supported my mantra.  My mantra supported each action.  Now, I'm generating a new mantra around money and around my work.  This is all about making a decision.  I am in the process of making these decisions in these 2 key areas.  It is exciting to think about how I will feel one year from now, having achieved what I am setting out to achieve.  This year, it is a great feeling to have achieved my purpose around fitness, one year later.  Onward.

Day 84: Action

Action: 1. The state or process of acting or doing; 2. Something done or accomplished; a deed; 3. Organized activity to accomplish an objective:  4. The causation of change by the exertion of power; 5. A movement or a series of movements; 6. Habitual or vigorous activity; energy: 7. Behavior or conduct.

I love the definition in number six above - (Habitual or vigorous activity, energy).  Habits are usually associated with bad habits.  In this case, I love the notion of productive habits that give us energy.  I have returned to my Tony Robbins Personal Power CDs. Last summer, I invested in these CDs and it totally changed my life, specifically in the realm of health and fitness.  I had seen Tony in late night info-mercials for many years.  This time,  I took a chance.  I bought them and I listened to the whole series over the course of my first 30 days of summer vacation.  Every day I had a routine.  Breakfast.  Tony Robbins cd and note taking.  Journaling.  Homework and studying for my 6 summer home-study credits.  Workout.  Lunch.  Shower.  And sometimes, some afternoons I would have some social time.  Mostly, however, I was a quite a hermit, and enjoyed every minute of my private summer retreat.  I made a schedule.  I decided on what things I wanted to grow, change, focus.  I took action.  In the last year for the first time in my adult life, I have maintained consistent exercise at least 4 times per week.  I lost 15 pounds.  I feel better physically than I ever have.

It is summer again.  My renewal period.  I am listening again, to my Tony Robbins CDs.  I am setting my summer schedule again.  Deciding my focus.  Taking action. What I blessing I have to take most of 3 months off of work, to re-group, re-consider all that really matters in this life.  Health, for sure, both physical and emotional.  Deepening and appreciating my relationship with Marilou and my close friends.  Deepening my spiritual connections with a higher being through my mandala project.

I really appreciate Tony's simple view and approach to change-making.  Get clear about what you want.  Decide to go for it.  Take action.  For me, it is in the deciding.  I have decided.  A routine and schedule helps me.  Tony Robbins coaching system and style helps me.  Mandalas help me.  Decision and action = relief for me.  Spinning around in the "waiting til tomorrow" land is torture.  The time is now.  Onward. 

Day 83: Fire In Dreams

Fire in Dreams:  1. The psychologist Carl Jung said that fire represents the process of psychological transformation. Just as the alchemists used fire to transform base metals into gold, so the symbol fire is the trigger for the inner transformation. It purges the decay of the past yet is also the giver of light and spiritual truth. It is the eternal flame in the temple of the soul. It is from the fire that the phoenix of hope rises.  2. The cleanser or purifier. Relates to "getting something started or going". Means activation or setting something into motion.  3.  Spirit. Energy. Unpolluted & cleansing. Need to be inspired or renewed.  4.  To pass through fire intact is to see one elf as becoming purified.  If a particular object is on fire (house, car, etc.), this may symbolize that something is over.  Are you seeking cleansing from a bad experience? Are you going through a significant transition that requires spiritual preparation?


Last night I had a very vivid dream that a large curtain was on fire.  I wasn't in danger in the dream.  It was a contained fire that put itself out quickly.  I woke knowing that my dream was trying to help me transform my emotions.  I have had trouble of late stopping old conversations in my head.  I have had trouble of late setting down hurt feelings. But this morning,  I woke feeling a level of relief.  I woke knowing that today's mandala would be this chinese symbol for fire.  I will hold onto this mandala as my understanding and belief that I can transform my emotions, and move through, purify, cleanse and move through painful emotions  and remain intact on the other side.  After the fire, having survived, I am setting a newness in motion. Transformation.  Onward.

Day 82: Choices

Choices:  1. The act of choosing; 2. The power, right, or liberty to choose; option. 3. One that is chosen. 4. A number or variety from which to choose;  5. The best or most preferable part; 6. Care in choosing; 7. An alternative.


On Thursday, my friend Rick and I biked 16 miles on the Paul Bunyan bike trail, launching our bikes in Nisswa, Minnesota.  My first long (for me) ride  in almost a year!  (I'm still sore!)  Along the sweet trail, there were beautiful wild flowers that kept capturing my attention, and I wanted to stop a number of times to take some pictures.  Each time, however, I also knew that I wanted to do this bike ride primarily for exercise -- really trying to push myself physically.  So to stop to take a picture would interfere with my first priority of exercise. A Choice. Which felt more important to me?   My exercise plan?  My opportunity for creativity/beauty?  I was torn each time I saw another beautiful flower. Should I stop?  Should I peddle on?  I did stop once, to take a picture of this cool wispy globe (my natural mandala for today).


As I was battling with my decision to choose strong exercise, or leisurely beauty/creativity, I thought (brilliantly), that I could give myself permission to stop to take photos on my way back to Nisswa on the trail.  Perfect!  So off I continued to peddle and sweat!


On the return ride, much to my dismay, I saw a man in a large tracker, all smiles and waves, mowing the grass along the trail, mowing down all of the pretty flowers of which I had intended to take pictures!  Oh boy.  What a funny metaphor for this life.  As you make one choice, you give up something else. These choices aren't always easy choices.  We feel torn.  We battle with ourselves about which is the RIGHT choice.  What if we miss out on something by choosing something else?  The photo of this wispy flower is also a perfect image for all that does not last.  Sometimes, if you don't choose now, you won't get a chance later.  This flower, like everything, is impermanent.  I will look to this mandala for a reminder to simply choose, and act now. This is all we have, and we can only really do one thing at a time if we are to be really present in the moment.  I can also use this mandala to remind myself that waiting for later may mean that I won't get the chance -  because later might not come.   Onward.

Day 81: Sun-Day

Sun:  1. A star that is the basis of the solar system and that sustains life on Earth, being the source of heat and light. It has a mean distance from Earth of about 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) a diameter of approximately 1,390,000 kilometers (864,000 miles) and a mass about 330,000 times that of Earth. 2. A star that is the center of a planetary system. 3. The radiant energy, especially heat and visible light, emitted by the sun.

Day:  1. The period of light between dawn and nightfall; the interval from sunrise to sunset. 2. a. The 24-hour period during which the earth completes one rotation on its axis. b. The period during which a celestial body makes a similar rotation. 3. One of the numbered 24-hour periods into which a week, month, or year is divided. 4. The portion of a 24-hour period that is devoted to work, school, or business; 5. A 24-hour period or a portion of it that is reserved for a certain activity; 6. A specific, characteristic period in one's lifetime.


I chose this symbol yesterday, as it was a beautiful sunny day up here at Middle Cullen Lake.  I rode 16 miles on the Paul Bunyan bike trail with my friend Rick.  It was day three of being back on track with daily exercise.  It felt like a new day, another and new chance to choose health.  I like this image of this mandala, the Chinese symbol for sun/day.  It looks to me like a ladder, steps toward the sun.  I'm forever taking steps toward health, and it isn't always easy.  It is easiest when I remember to simply take it one day at a time, one step at a time.  Onward.

Day 80: Earth

Earth:  1. a. The land surface of the world. b. The softer, friable part of land; soil, especially productive soil. 2. The third planet from the sun; 3. The the temporal world, the realm of mortal existence; 4. a. Worldly affairs and pursuits. b. Everyday life; reality; 5. The substance of the human body; clay. 6. The ground of an electrical circuit.

7.  Chemistry Any of several metallic oxides, such as alumina or zirconia, that are difficult to reduce and were formerly regarded as elements. 8.  Idiom - "on earth"

Among all the possibilities.

In my book Chinese Characters: The Art and Meaning of Hanzi, this symol  is described as follows:  "Another of the five elements, Earth is associated with yellow, and its planet is Saturn.  In traditional chinese medicine, Earth is concerned with the spleen, pancreas and stomach, the organs of digestion.  Its emotion is anxiety, and its stage of life is adulthood.  Unlike the other four elements, Earth is not associated with a particular season, but with a period of change between seasons every three months".  

Today, after a few days away, I return to my mandala--making process.  I chose to trace a symbol from my book, one that called to me as I flipped through the book.  I landed on the symbol of Earth.  I have landed up north for a 10 day vacation.  Today, it is raining, soaking the earth, making it ready and supporting its continued growth.  Today, I am finding my footing again, my earth, and the especially productive soil.  Today is my first steps back to the notion of goal setting, getting clear my priorities, taking proactive steps on my earth to take responsibility for myself, my adulthood.  I find myself, indeed, between seasons.  This time away up north is that space marking change for me.  I want to reconsider my priorities.  I want to re-commit to my physical health.  I want to remember that I am solidly planted on this earth for many reasons.  My job is to figure out why. I like the last line of the definitions.  "On Earth - Among all the possibilities".  Onward.

Day 79: Why there was No Mandala Yesterday!

This is the culprit for why there was no mandala yesterday!  Had to make a trip to the new Apple store in Uptown.  Had to buy a new toy.  Apple TV.  Now I can make a slide show of all my mandalas! (not to mention, rent movies from itune) & watch them on our TV!) Today, back to art/mandala making.  More to come.....

Day 78: Undo Patterns

Undo:   1.  the act of untying 2. reversal of the doing of something done; 3.  canceling, annulling 4. the act of bringing to disgrace or destruction 5. the cause of ruin, disgrace, or destruction

Patterns: 1. a. A model or original used as an archetype. b. A person or thing considered worthy of imitation. 2. A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in making things: 3. A representative sample; a specimen. 4. a. An artistic or decorative design:  b. A design of natural or accidental origin;  5. A consistent, characteristic form, style, or method, as: a. A composite of traits or features characteristic of an individual or a group: b. Form and style in an artistic work or body of artistic works. 6. a. The configuration of gunshots upon a target that is used as an indication of skill in shooting. b. The distribution and spread, around a targeted region, of spent shrapnel, bomb fragments, or shot from a shotgun. 7. Enough material to make a complete garment. 8. The flight path of an aircraft about to land: 9. To make, mold, or design by following a pattern.


Just as I have spent a lifetime opening and protecting and opening and protecting my heart, I have spent a lifetime trying to undo patterns that no longer serve me.  Easier said than done, of course.  The patterns somehow are the easiest path chosen, especially in times of stress, just when indeed, we need a new pattern to see our way through. I will look at this mandala as a reminder to undo the old patterns that no longer serve me.  

Day 77: First 20 Days

First 20 Days: 

I thought it would be fun to try to capture as many of the words of my blog since I began in late March.
20 words fit into this particular mandala.  This is just a fun one-stop-shop view of thoughts and feelings that have been a part of my mandala a day project.

More summaries to come!

Day 76: Heart

Heart:  1. The chest area that is the approximate location of the heart in the body; 2. a. The vital center and source of one's being, emotions, and sensibilities; b. The repository of one's deepest and sincerest feelings and beliefs; c. The seat of the intellect or imagination; 3. a. Emotional constitution, basic disposition, or character; b. One's prevailing mood or current inclination;  4. a. Capacity for sympathy or generosity; compassion;  b. Love; affection; 5. a. Courage; resolution; fortitude;  b.The firmness of will or the callousness required to carry out an unpleasant task;  6. A person esteemed or admired as lovable, loyal, or courageous;  7. a. The central or innermost physical part of a place or region; b. The core of a plant, fruit, or vegetable;  8. The most important or essential part. 

I treated myself to a new book the other day.  It is called: "Chinese Characters: The Art and Meaning of Hanzi".  I really love the beauty of these symbols, and I appreciate the nature of how these "images" are actually words.  I know our letters are also images that combine to equal words, but this, somehow, these Chinese symbols are particularly compelling to me.  I like how incorporating this symbol into my mandala project seems a perfect match.  

I love all of the definitions above, particularly, "The most important or essential part", and "The vital center and source of one's being, emotions, and sensibilities".

While fundamentally, I believe that my full and open heart and how I accept myself and such a  full range of emotions is vital to my very health and joy, I also struggle with the nature of my heart.  Today, I am so aware of how my life has been a continual process of uncovering and then, protecting, and then uncovering my heart, again and again.  One time, I worked with an energy healer, and she told me after our first appointment that my heart energy walks in front of my body about 15 feet.  She surmised that I often feel vulnerable in the world, being so open, so transparent.  She wasn't telling me anything new. The old adage, "she wears her heart on her sleeve" is true for me.  And yet, I struggle, wanting at times, to be more closed, self-protective.  Especially, of course, when I have opened my heart, only to have it hurt, even if unintentionally, by others.  

I don't believe most people are out to hurt anyone's heart.  But I also don't believe that most people are willing to really show their full emotions, and often, can't show up fully when others show their full emotions.  This is what is most disappointing to me.  I have spent much of my life finding those people who can really walk with me in all of their authenticity, and meet my own, without dismissing me or my emotions.  I guess, indeed, it takes heart to live fully from my heart.  Definition #5a. is a good reminder - Courage; resolution; fortitude - Heart.  I march on. 

Day 75: Summer

Summer: 1. The usually warmest season of the year, occurring between spring and autumn and constituting June, July, and August in the Northern Hemisphere, or, as calculated astronomically, extending from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox. 2. A period of fruition, fulfillment, happiness, or beauty.


Definitely!  A period of happiness, fulfillment and beauty!  For a school employee who gets to enjoy such a luxurious period of time away from work, there is nothing better than a Minnesota summer - (except, maybe, a warm winter vacation to Florida in December).  This morning, I step completely grateful into summer.   

Day 74: Converge

Converge:  1.To tend toward or approach an intersecting point; 2. To come together from different directions; meet;  3. To tend toward or achieve a common conclusion; 4. To approach a limit; 5. Resulting in an end point


Today, it all converges.  The school year, and all that it brought, comes to end.  It's a beautiful day.  Onward.

Day 73: Air-Bubbles

Air: 1. A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78 percent) and oxygen (approximately 21 percent) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium & other gases.2. The sky; the firmament. 3. A giant void; nothingness: 4. An atmospheric movement; a breeze or wind. 5. A peculiar or characteristic impression; an aura. 6. Breath.



Bubbles: 1. A thin, usually spherical or hemispherical film of liquid filled with air;  2. A pocket formed in a solid by air or gas that is trapped;  3. Something insubstantial, groundless, or ephemeral; 4. A fantastic or impracticable idea or belief; an illusion;  5. A speculative scheme that comes to nothing; 6. A protective, often isolating envelope or cover; 7. To rise to or as if to the surface; emerge; 8. To display irrepressible activity or emotion.


I love this mandala, with the various size "air bubbles" floating in the larger circle, each following a pattern toward something larger or smaller, depending on how your eyes follow the trail.  I like the color choices of soft browns and blues.  I love, as usual, the various definitions of both Air and Bubbles.  I enjoy basically playing a word association game through the image of the mandala and the words/definitions that ensue.  This mandala is the representation of the the air bubbles, the breath, and  the the protective covering I have been floating in lately.  I'm trying to allow myself to float in all the areas of life that are so often quite an illusion of our own making.  I am trying to allow and accept whatever atmospheric movement is going push me along. I am trying to let go, and let my breath and my authentic-self rise to the surface, like an air bubble, finding its way to where ever it should end up.

Day 72: Complete

Complete:  1. Having all necessary parts, components, or steps; entire; 2. Having come to an end; concluded. 3. Absolute; total; 4. To bring to an end:  5. To make whole, with all necessary elements or parts: 


This post is a few days pre-mature, as when I was making this mandala, actually, I was thinking about this coming Monday -- my official last day of the school year. "Absolute. Complete. To bring to an end. To make whole. Thorough".  Monday, these definitions will ring true.  There are some endings that are particularly poignant. This year is one of those years.  I am more than ready for this year to end.  I am more than excited.  So much will feel complete.  There is so much to look forward to our next year.  For this future, too, I am ready.  It is time to make whole, again.  A summer rest, and Onward. 

Day 71: Full Circle

Full Circle: : 1.  Through a series of developments that lead back to the original source, position, or situation or to a complete reversal of the original position —usually used in the phrase come full circle.


I have come full circle.  I see with fresh eyes what was, and better yet, I see with fresh eyes what will be.