The journey started in 1984 lit by the flames of a house
fire, and accompanied by the death of my first-born daughter,
Genelle. I had no idea that this experience could become both
foundation and gift of Spirit. The subsequent emotional and spiritual
healing came about through the discovery and exploration of mandalic
imagery, which lead to an intense inner journey through workshops,
counseling, art and further meditation.
The mandala, (a Sanskrit word meaning 'sacred circle'), is a
gift of Diving Being - designs which pattern the spiral and/or
circular route of self-discovery to the connection with Universal
Spirit. Generally modeled from a central point in a symmetrical
design (frequently radiating in multiples of four), mandalas
move both in and out from their pivotal point, just as we, as
individuals, move towards self-actualization through the process
of going within.
C.G. Jung, in his classic examination of the mandala in 'Mandala
Symbolism', notes that the designs have been used since pre-history
as an integral part of the journey to the centre of 'be-ing'.
They symbolize the harmony and balance inherent in nature, pointing
the way towards organization of individual and diverse elements
into a whole, and indicate how unique differences can be preserved,
yet also integrated into the sacred geometric pattern.
The psychology of healing through the mandala is well documented.
The use of dreamed and created mandalas to access the inner being
has been known to integrate the psyche, particularly where confusion
and disorientation is a recurring challenge. Studying the patterns
inherent in personal mandalas can provide knowledge about the
way in which we relate to our spiritual, emotional, physical
and mental existence.
When the process of healing from the fire became near unbearable
and my marriage had ended, I 'chanced' upon a colouring book
of mandalic images. As a single parent supporting myself and
two small children, my resources were limited. However, I knew
it was meant for me. I began colouring; when I completed the
first book, I purchased the second in the series. When I finished
the second, I started designing my own. The more I coloured,
the more I discovered about myself and my relationship to others,
and the more I recognized the gifts inherent in the structure
of my life. Every challenge I had faced came with a deep inner
knowing through the resolution.
Mandalas are found in thousands of structures on this planet,
as well as most types of life. They complete the most basic configuration
of every cell on earth in the form of the DNA spiral called a
helix. Even the movement of blood through living organisms is
in a circular/spiral movement (as opposed to linear activity)
through the blood vessels. The very pattern of life is, according
to many religions and philosophers, an endless circle of birth,
growth, death and rebirth.
I began to recognize that community was a word and concept I
had never understood. From feeling isolated, lonely and alone
in the world, I learned to appreciate the value of support and
the desirability of assisting others in the community. From a
woman who was angry, resentful of other human beings, frightened
of life and terrified of death, I opened, little by little, to
the beauty of living.
Mandalas are also found in some form in every culture on Earth.
North American Indians used the pattern in their Medicine Wheel,
and the current popularity of 'dream catchers' is based on one
of the oldest mandalas on the planet, that of the spider web.
Tibetan Buddhist monks meditate on their traditional mandalas
(they use the word kyhil-khor) for three days before beginning
to create their beautifully coloured sand creations. The mandala
is then dispersed through the local rivers with due ceremony
to symbolize the impermanence of all things.
One of my most powerful moments in acquainting myself with the
mandala arrived at the Glenbow Museum, when Tibetan monks completed
the most beautiful work of art I had ever seen. After three days
of laboriously constructing an incredibly intricate mandala with
grains of coloured sand, the monks held a ceremony of celebration,
and swept the sand up to be carried away and dispersed into the
Bow River. Initially anguished by the loss of this exquisite
image, I came to understand that it may be physically absent,
but lives forever in spirit. An instant knowing reminded me that
Genelle also lives on.
From colouring and designing mandalas over the last fifteen years,
my life has completely opened in ways I could not have imagined
for myself. Now living in the mountain community of Canmore,
I have endless opportunities to express myself through the mandala.
Through workshops offered here on a regular basis, through the
Canmore Artists and Artisans Guild art shows, through intuitive
mandala paintings for myself and others, and through the expression
of love and community that mandalas generated in me, I am gifted
by Spirit in countless ways. They have truly directed me on the
path leading home.
Win Dinn is a self-described mandala-obsessed
artist living in Canmore. She may be reached at 403-609-2070
or email: Winn
directly from here!
Her own book of designs, Color Me Up! is
available at selected bookstores in Alberta.
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by Winn
Dinn