MANDALA Art Painting Retreat

Mandalas represent the symbolism of the universe through balance.

Learning to create our own mandalas allows us to meditate through drawing and observation, bringing tranquility and relaxation to our inner being.

When we create and color mandalas we prevent negative mental states, such as anxiety, stress or anguish thus encouraging creativity, which immediately leads us to raise our vibration.

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 five elements, bringing a sweet vigilance to

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

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. Yani 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. Yani 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 SOHAM Retreat Center 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
• Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
• Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat (by request only)

OPEN TO ALL

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

SCHEDULE

Schedule is subject to change

Friday, April 21

3:00 PM Check in 

6:00-7:00 PM Dinner

7:00-9:00 PM Welcome and Introduction - Opening the Heart Chakra

Saturday, April 22

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional

8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:30-11:30 AM Mandala Project: Cultivating Compassion with the Four Elements

12:00-1:00 PM Lunch

2:00-3:30 PM Open Studio

3:30-4:00 PM Break

4:00-5:00 PM Reflection, Integration, Sharing Circle

6:00-7:00 PM Dinner

8:00-10:00 PM Fire Pit, weather permitting

Sunday, April 23

7:00-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional

8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast

9:30 -11:30 AM Mandala Project: Sacred Geometry—Expanding the energy of love with the Torus Yantra

12:00 PM Check out and departure