Life is a journey

This mandala was made in a Women's retreat I attended in Mill Valley.
In complete silence, me and 8 other women laid each piece on the ground in harmony and unison. No words were spoken during the process, creating this beautiful mandala consisting of leaves, flower petals, roses, gravels, rocks and branches.

The word mandala comes from Sanskrit, meaning "circle". A mandala serves as a tool on our spiritual journey as it represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity. Mandalas are circular designs symbolizing the notion that life is never ending.   
They are used as a form of meditation for the purpose of gaining knowledge, primarily the kind that resides within us, allowing us to become one with the universe. The process helps our busy minds to take a break while the creative mind runs free.

The meaning of the mandala reminded me today to focus on the task at hand and to be more present, without worrying about all the things I can't change overnight. To focus on what I can do, instead of spending too much time feeling frustrated or upset with circumstances that are not of my liking. To take steps to build something beautiful and meaningful regardless of the challenges presented by the outside world and the negativity of others that sometimes tries to pull me down.

We don't have to be perfect, our existence in this planet is not meant to impress others or to compare our accomplishments with someone else’s. We can choose to spend more time working on letting go of the layers that hide our true selves, on letting go of thoughts and feelings that bog us down, on working on ourselves everyday to become a better and better version of who we want to be. We are a source of love, we are enough, we can choose to be deliberate creators and co-creators of a life that feels good on the inside and reflects on the outside.

When the present circumstances seem overwhelming, allow yourself to take a break, give the mind chatter a rest, and remind yourself of these words:
Life is a journey that unfolds piece by piece as each day arrives. Yesterday is already out of reach. Tomorrow is still in the making.
Today is what I have in my hands, to live, to feel, to give, to receive, to enjoy, to be...

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