Mantra ~ Mandala ~ Movement ~ Meditation

Welcome to a playful journey of self-reflection. 

Bringing MINDFULNESS to life is MAGICAL!

How do we bring mindfulness to life?

Well, one way is through the creative play of:

MANTRA, MANDALA, MOVEMENT and MEDITATION.

Humans need to play! Humans need to be creative! Creating is Life affirming!

I have created a guided program integrating these concepts.

This dynamic workshop is designed to ground, nourish, and fill your cup.  During our time together we will learn the how these modalities can help support our well-being on all levels.  No experience needed.  Get ready to have fun!

WHAT IS MANTRA?

So, here’s the Sanskrit definition…the word combines Manas (meaning “mind”) and tra (meaning “tool”). The literal translation is “A tool for the mind.” In a traditional sense, it is a sacred word, sound or phrase that is repeated to help focus the mind.

In our modern-day culture, mantra is a useful tool to boost positive self-talk, motivation, to build confidence, and to overcome personal challenges. 

HOW MANTRA WORKS…

Mantras can be recited out loud, or recited in silence.  The rhythm and repetition of a mantra helps to settle the mind chatter.  By focusing on the sound and the vibration of the words, the brain literally builds new neural pathways. We are rewiring our brain at a biological level. Over time we build new neural connections.  We build new automatic responses. We build new defaults. 

WHAT IS A MANDALA?

So, here’s the Sanskrit definition…the word means “Circle.”  Traditionally, it is a geometric design of symbols used in many eastern spiritual practices.  It is a visual representation of the cosmos, and used as a tool to help quiet the mind and increase focus.  The various shapes represent different elements of the cosmos, and the single point at the center symbolizes the origin of creativity and unity.  In our modern culture, Mandalas have evolved into different shapes, signifying life in various ways.  Lots of times they look like labyrinths.

HOW MANDALA WORKS…

Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, saw mandalas as an archetype of wholeness and the human psyche.  He used them as a therapeutic practice to help patients achieve self-awareness, process emotions and bring the mind into focus.  In our modern world, mandalas are a widely used tool for stress relief and self-reflection.  Our natural desire to be creative is easily fulfilled during this fun practice.  Our nervous system relaxes when we focus on the patterns and colors beautifully created in the Mandalas.  

That’s the serious description.  The fun description is that allowing yourself the freedom to play and tap into your “Inner Artist” ignites feelings of joy, hope and resilience within.

WHAT IS MOVEMENT?

So, here’s the technical definition.  Movement is driven by the integration of the nervous system, muscular system, and skeletal system. It soothes the joints, stretches and stretches muscles and keeps our bones strong.  Movement also supports our cardiovascular system and endocrine system. Here’s the fun definition.  We were given these amazing bodies to be able to experience so many different things. To Wiggle, and Waggle and have a beautiful sensory experience.

HOW MOVEMENT WORKS…

Movement connects the mind and body.  It brings the brain into a place of focus.  When we move rhythmically, all of our energy systems respond. We can unite all of ourselves and flow into various forms of self-expression. The nervous system responds really well to movement. The movements can be so simple, and feel so wonderful.  Music and Movement are like Peanut Butter and Jelly…a delightfully satisfying combination.

WHAT IS MEDITATION…

So, here’s my personal definition of meditation.  Meditation is doing something with complete focus, devotion and with a clear intention.  Most of us understand Meditation as a formal practice where one sits quietly.  Yes, this is in fact true.  This describes a traditional form of meditation.  It is a very powerful practice, but not attainable for many. My modern approach to meditation, is the "Art" of connecting the dots with the mind, body and intention, where everything becomes ONE.

HOW MEDITATION WORKS…

Meditation works by calming the nervous system and helping the brain to come into focus.  It helps the nervous system to move from “Fight or Flight,” into the “Rest and Digest” part of the system.  Basically, it’s a practice to help to operate from our Parasympathetic nervous system.  When we operate from this place, we secrete “Happy” hormones like serotonin, dopamine and GABA, instead of “Unhappy” hormones like Adrenaline and Cortisol.  Meditation actually helps shrink the size of our amygdala, which is the brain’s stress center.  It promotes neuroplasticity, which is the gray matter in our prefrontal cortex.  This is a big deal because it improves our decision-making, focus, and emotional regulation, while reducing the default of negative thinking. 

I bet your next question is, HOW DO I MEDITATE?

Fabulous question!!

I say this phrase over and over to all my clients, students, and everyone that asks this question…

YOU CAN’T TAKE A MIND THAT IS GOING A THOUSAND MILES PER HOUR AND TELL IT TO SIT STILL.  IT JUST DOESN’T WORK LIKE THAT! 

It’s a practice.  It doesn’t happen in one shot! Through active, creative processes, we soothe our agitation and fragmentation over time.  This is part of the practice. It’s steps and stages, and phases.  Let’s have fun with this!  The only thing serious about this is all the technical lingo.  The lingo helps us understand why we are engaging in all this stuff.  The rest is an invitation for you to explore what fun feels like for your heart space! 

It doesn’t get any more FUN than that!

We have to remind ourselves that purposeful, creative play is the fundamental root of being a HUMAN.

STAY TUNED FOR WORKSHOP DETAILS!

~ Leelah Lakshmi ~

Mandala made with colored sand