Yantra (यन्त्र) is the Sanskrit word for a mystical diagram, especially diagrams or amulets supposed to possess occult powers in astrological or magicalbenefits in the Tantric traditions of the Indian religions. Traditionally such symbols are used in Eastern mysticism to balance the mind or focus it on spiritual concepts. The act of wearing, depicting, enacting and/or concentrating on a yantra is held to have spiritual or astrological or magical benefits in the Tantrictraditions of the Indian religions. Shapes and patterns commonly employed in yantra include squares, triangles, circles and floral patterns but may also include more complex and detailed symbols, for instance:
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The legend states, "those who kiss under the mistletoe |
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This is so much more than a Christmas card to me. It is a reminder to take the time to let people know how you feel. Susan’s card will inspire me to send physical reminders to let others know they matter to me, and why.
Years ago, I read that sincere compliments are so rare, we remember them for a lifetime. At my age, a physical reminder is helpful. In the age of everything quick, reactionary and electronic, a personal note is especially treasured. This year may be the perfect time to send a hand written note to loved ones to let them know you care.
Stay safe and share your love and light. No day is promised.
Years ago, I read that sincere compliments are so rare, we remember them for a lifetime. At my age, a physical reminder is helpful. In the age of everything quick, reactionary and electronic, a personal note is especially treasured. This year may be the perfect time to send a hand written note to loved ones to let them know you care.
Stay safe and share your love and light. No day is promised.
 Sassafras |  Aspen |
 Poke |  Maple |
Writing for NaNoWriMo is going well but I miss playing with colors! Love autumn’s golden palette!
I started Collecting Firsts years ago, when I was weary of the same house, job, drive to work, etc., and I decided if life was going to be more varied and vibrant, it was up to me to take a more creative and proactive approach. It never occurred to me that my ‘first’ plague was in the future, or the first time watching my youngest daughter struggle with Covid 19.
On a brighter note, as she began to slowly recuperate, inspite of on going after effects, she asked me if I’d like to participate in the virtual Baltimore 26.2 mile crabby walk. At 70, I knew it would be a challenge as it was my first, but wanted to support her, so I agreed.
On Saturday, October 10, we completed our required miles and yesterday our t-shirts and medals arrived so we opened them together on a Zoom call!
We’re planning to do the turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day and run a marathon in the spring. Setting goals together has helped to make this bittersweet year a little more bearable. Even during a pandemic, there are ways to collect firsts. I hope you are all setting goals and making wonderful memories.
On Saturday, October 10, we completed our required miles and yesterday our t-shirts and medals arrived so we opened them together on a Zoom call!
We’re planning to do the turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day and run a marathon in the spring. Setting goals together has helped to make this bittersweet year a little more bearable. Even during a pandemic, there are ways to collect firsts. I hope you are all setting goals and making wonderful memories.
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the whole world revolves.
Slowly, evenly, without rushing towards the future.”
~ Thich Nhat Hahn
We live in an “instant” world. Handwritten letters, carefully thought out and elegantly penned, were once delivered by mail. The anticipation of an artistically caring response could last for days or even weeks, and reread for a lifetime. Now we send rapid fire e-mails and abbreviated text messages and respond within seconds, often more reactive than thoughtful.
At one time, preparing a meal, from harvesting to artistic preparation and delivery to the table, could take hours. Once seated at at the table, which was often adorned with handmade linens and a center piece, we took the time to savor the flavors, share conversation, and recognize and appreciate the effort that went into the meal. Now, too often we fly through the drive through window on the way to here or there to buy over processed, fatty and over-salted food. At times, a meal is rapidly devoured in the car, or taken home to be gulped thoughtlessly in front of a television set blaring with upsetting messages. No wonder we’re still hungry after the meal. We haven’t really been fed!
During leisure time, people gathered to share hobbies: to knit, crochet or make quilts that took months to finish. Now many of us have no idea what it is like to experience the satisfaction of completing a long term project, either alone or with others. Taking time to learn new skills and complete creative projects feeds the soul in a way that nothing else can replicate.
Even simply drinking a cup of tea can be done without presence or appreciation. Finding ways to slow down and value each moment will enrich every aspect of our lives.
Action:
Slow down. This activity is one of the most powerful concepts you can apply. Pay attention to the moment. Live mindfully. Take the time to experience the senses, the flavors, the simple joys that we often rush through.
There are two steps to this process. The first is awareness. The second, consider ways to become more mindful.
1. Awareness
Buy or create a notepad that is beautiful and romantic. Why would you use anything else, now that you’ve discovered how much beauty can enrich your life? As you go through your day, make notes when you find yourself beginning to rush. Don’t judge or make any changes - just capture the activity or moment when you find yourself rushing instead of savoring. It might be a hurried exit after gulping breakfast. Or a quick goodbye to a family member, sharing a conversation that you don’t even remember moments later. Keep your notepad close at hand and add throughout the day and into the evening.
2. Consider alternatives to create more mindful awareness
Find a quiet time to sit and reflect on each item. What could you do differently? How could you slow down and savor the moment? Are you aware of activities that you rush through because of poor planning? Are there thing you do you don’t enjoy that could be delegated or completely discarded? Is there a way to increase the joy so that you truly want to slow down and savor the moment?
As with previous action plans, you’ll find that change begins with awareness. When you are ready, apply the changes that you’ve noted. Begin to thoughtfully incorporate a slow and deliberate, mindful awareness and appreciation of your life’s precious moments.
This morning I was rereading one of the sessions in the Take the Rose Instead course and thought this might be a helpful reminder for all of us. One of the benefits of the pandemic is many are being more mindful of the present moment and the rewards of slowing down.
"I just love this new look you've been creating, it's got all the details of a good botanical illustration AND it's super artistic and original. Go you!"
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis
~ Paula Swenson-Zografis, Artist-Illustrator
Lives in Vila Nova De Ceira, Coimbra, Portugal
Creating collages has been my main distraction during this pandemic. It has kept me productive and occupied. My youngest daughter fought the virus for over a month and thankfully, is now recovering. My oldest daughter was married a couple of days ago and I wasn't able to attend the wedding. Turning to gardening and art has been a comfort and therapy.
So far, I've created 105 collages!
A friend recently asked for more information on the process so I've included the steps below.
Most of the plants I sketch are from my gardens. Planting and watching them grow is one of most rewarding parts of the process!
There's a saying -
"When the world wearies, there is always the garden."
I don't think it's ever been more true than in 2020.
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The next step it so paint them. When I did my course on Enhancing Your Life with Herbs, I painted over 200. It's a six week course and I've delivered it four times, always taking in fresh cuttings to pass around the class so they could experience the fragrances, textures, color and at times, the flavors. Unfortunately, since our class will be on Zoom this year, we won't have that opportunity. Having the illustrations will be even more helpful this year.
After I create the paintings, the next step is the tedious, but satisfying job of cutting them out.
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Painting the papers comes next. The papers can be used as backgrounds, or torn or cut to create images. Using the best quality paints ensures the colors are intense and vibrant!
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Finally, all are combined to create my collages!
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A post from last year. Seems like an appropriate time to repost.
Sending prayers and comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
Sending prayers and comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
In February a dear friend's mother died. I created a comfort journal to help her process her loss and give her comfort while remembering her loved one. Since then I have made several more but this is my favorite - probably because her mother's favorite flower was the rose. The comfort journal provides quotes, writing prompts, and a list of ideas for self care. I asked her a few questions about her mother so I could customize it - her favorite color, flower, song, etc. If you have a loved one who has lost someone dear to them and likes to journal, you might want to make a comfort journal for them.
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Words are so powerful.
Last night I found this note from one of my participants. It warmed my heart and reminded of how fortunate we are to be able to lift up ourselves, and each other, using 26 little marks!
Last night I found this note from one of my participants. It warmed my heart and reminded of how fortunate we are to be able to lift up ourselves, and each other, using 26 little marks!
"As always, you and your work are my highlight of the day! Thank you so much for reinforcing affirmations and words/thoughts I say about myself. I need to be reminded repeatedly. You are truly a gift. I am so grateful for the gifts you are sharing with me!"
As I consider the power of words, I'm reminded of one of my favorite insights on resources - a quote taken from an advertisement to promote local libraries.
Roger von Oech, author of A Kick in the Seat of the Pants and A Whack on the Side of the Head, shared his perspective from an advertisement for a library
Roger von Oech, author of A Kick in the Seat of the Pants and A Whack on the Side of the Head, shared his perspective from an advertisement for a library
Miracles at Your Local Library!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
“At your local library they have these arranged in ways that can make you cry, giggle, love, hate, wonder, ponder, and understand.
It’s astonishing to see what these twenty-six little marks can do. In Shakespeare’s hands they becameHamlet. Mark Twain wound them into Huckleberry Finn. James Joyce twisted them into Ulysses. Gibbon pounded them into The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. John Milton shaped them into Paradise Lost.”
What can you do with these 26 letters to honor yourself? I challenge you to arrange them in a way that will inspire and delight!! Make a gratitude list, write a thank you note to yourself, capture your treasured memories in a journal, write a poem or a song! Be kind with your self talk! Use affirmations.
If we use our words to inspire and nurture ourselves in the same way we use them to honor others, our entire perspective about who we are and what we can accomplish will change. We will step into a whole new world of miraculous possibilities!
What can you do with 26 little marks?
Welcome!! I’m Mikell (pronounced Michael). If you love spicing up your life with herbs, recipes, decorating and crafts, symbolism and rituals like I do, I hope you’ll sign up for my newsletter and free Enhancing Your Life with Herbs e-book!
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Mikell
Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!
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