Cultivating Compassion Mandala Art Weekend

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER

Creating art as a spiritual practice provides us with the gift of stepping out of ordinary time and into sacred space where we create for insight, self-expression, and healing. Creating in community furthers this experience; each participant inspires and is inspired by the other participants in a mutually supportive atmosphere.

STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: In the interest of safety, we are limiting enrollment in this program; please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our additional strategies.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The mandala art projects in this program are centered around the intention of cultivating loving-kindness and compassion. Each activity includes a guided meditation that invites your attention to the present moment, opens a sacred conversation with your inner wise self, and gently awakens creative flow.

In our creative practice, we’ll work with the four elements, bringing a sweet vigilance to

• air: observing our thoughts
• water: feeling our emotions
• earth: listening to our bodies
• fire: awakening our creative spirit

The projects include creating heart chakra mandala art that opens the energy center of love, compassion, and acceptance; the Torus Yantra, a sacred symbol that reflects the expansive energy of the heart center; and a mandala with four gates to illustrate the four elements and four aspects of the self.

This program is for you if you want to give yourself a gift of creative expression that nurtures your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. You’ll go home with new skills, two-three pieces of unique mandala art, a greater awareness of self, and ideas for an on-going creative practice.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS

All materials and tools provided. Kathryn has created a special stencil for this course, which will be supplied. In addition, drawing tools, paper, and assorted markers and colored pencils will be available for all participants.

However, you are encouraged to bring your favorite supplies. Kathryn recommends:

• Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set – 6, 12, or 24 colors (or similar style watercolor pan set) – https://amzn.to/3qONODf
• Water Brush Pen, Fine Point  – https://amzn.to/2MinNgg
• Watercolor Paper, Cold Press, 9″x12″ – https://amzn.to/3a11jZM

Please note: As Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is a beautiful meditation space, only “dry” materials are allowed including colored pencils, markers, gel pens. No dry pastels or glitter.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
• Clear step-by-step instructions
• Plenty of spaciousness to get into the creative process
• Interactive sessions with sharing experiences, questions and answers
• Guided meditations
• Option to begin each morning with salutations and silent meditation
• Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
• Extensive library of dharma books
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat

OPEN TO ALL

There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE

Schedule is subject to change

Friday, August 6

Saturday, August 7

Sunday, August 8