Mandala Monday ~ Garden Things

Over the past week or so, as I’ve been harvesting nice little handfuls of beans each day from my veggie garden, I’ve felt the idea forming to include them in one of my mandalas.  Since they have a slight curve to them, I was feeling a ‘pinwheel’…

In addition to the green beans, I also added herbs of basil (which I’ve allowed to go to flower for the bees – even though I stole them from the bees by picking them oops) and lavender; along with coleus, impatiens, and a bright gazania for the center.  So simple, but I love how it turned out!  Especially against the rustic look of the wood of my potting bench.  Rustic = needs a power wash and stain.

Here’s another variation without the beans and impatiens and using a yellow zinnia for the center…

 I like using my potting bench for laying out my mandalas because it’s easier and it’s more comfortable standing than squatting to the ground – I can’t really kneel on my ‘bionic’ knees.  But I actually prefer making them on the ground.  I like the vibes better, it feels like more of a natural expression and less of a ‘display’ and I like feeling more connected to the earth by sitting on the ground.

But don’t get me wrong… I enjoy making mandalas no matter where I am.  And I will make them in a house, and I will make them with a mouse, and I will make them here or there, I will make them anywhere!  

And with any thing –  I really like the idea of using my veggies and herbs for my mandalas. The more shapes, textures, colors, and scents, the more fun. I see more of these kinds of mandalas in my future…

 And also in my past…  Earlier this spring when I was harvesting my peas I played around with them too out on my potting bench and made a few mandalas, but I never got around to sharing them.  Sugar Snap peas (so yum), rosemary sprigs, cedar, clovers and heliotrope, with a chive for the center…

And then I switched out the chive for a yellow zinnia for the center and added orange/red impatiens which really brightened it up…

I love bright things!  Although, I actually prefer the look of the first one between these two.

I wish there was a way to preserve my mandalas (other than just with a photograph), but I guess that’s what makes creating them a good meditative tool – they keep you focused on enjoying, appreciating, and absorbing the present moment.

 

 

Wishing you many enjoyable and beautiful moments to absorb in this coming week, and as always…

 

 

✿~Peace & Love~✿