First annual Ventura Community Mandala, 2024 “Compass Rose” (Oriented to True North)
“Creativity awakens in us the power of now and brings value and meaning to every aspect of our lives.”
One of the ancient principles of Mandala making from India and Tibet is that their creation signifies the transformation of a universe of suffering into one of joy.
The Mission of the Mandala Medicine Movement is to bring mandalas as points of connection, beauty and peace to cities and towns all over the world. Foundational to our method is that it is free, involves people of all ages and all artistic abilities. We are fostering the next generation of community builders in our method so the joy, beauty and sense of belonging may be shared and continue to grow among the people.
The Community Mandala is a large painting on the ground, in the street or in a park, sponsored by grants and donations, is designed and planned with a team and brought to the community to paint. It is a 40ft-60ft Diameter circular painting that is drawn with chalk and painted with tempera paints. It is not permanent and can last for months, fading over time.
Community Mandala making is often allied with city celebrations and special events such as Earth Day, etc. They provide a "magic carpet" or stage on the ground upon which ceremonies for special events can take place. They provide a beautiful stage for spoken word, musical and dance performances to take place.
We are continuing to develop our MMM programs and we are regularly updating our website as we go forward. If you want to bring the Mandala Medicine Movement to your town check out our dedicated website! MandalaMedicineMovement.com
Our intention is to teach our method of building community through art.
Reach out to River at MandalaMedicineMovement@gmail.com
Mandala Medicine Movement’s 13 Principles
based on 30+ years of experience and inspired by the
Anishinaabe Grandfather teachings, the Lakota 12 Virtues,
the Haudenosaunee Great Law of Peace,
and the Seven Generation Principle
Inclusivity - All ages, all abilities, all genders
Love - We treat each other as friends. We care about each other and exercise and model compassion.
Respect - We respect each other, from the smallest baby to the eldest and all those in between.
Honesty - We are sincere and straightforward in our communications
Humility - Everyone is important, no person is above another. Your presence and participation have value.
Cohesiveness - All participants and helpers are guided to work well together. We foster harmony in the space.
Creativity - Everyone is creative and we understand it takes courage to express yourself in the space. We encourage your creative expression.
Freedom and Improvisation - We share ideas and support each other's expression in the space. There is no freedom without structure.
Generosity - All materials and guidance are provided free of charge to participants. This is possible because of generous support from the community through donations & grants, the support of local organizations and volunteers.
Spirit of Place - We paint what we love about our locale and consider the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. This encourages participants's connection to the land and places them in the here and now.
Peace - A peaceful atmosphere is promoted and protected. Come in Peace, go in Peace.
Wisdom - We make decisions and take action keeping the good of the individual and the whole in mind. We apply our experience and knowledge with sound judgement.
Legacy - Based on our 30+ years of experience and the Seven Generation Principle, we’re called to share our method with the world. Our organization is formed to create a living legacy and a published blueprint for us, and those yet to come.
The painting event works best when we have “grandmothers” in leadership. Participants naturally feel safe and seen when elder women are facilitating. Grandmothers care for others and have come to terms with their egos and that's where we want to lead from. This comes from natural order. Our elders who have reached mastership guide the group.
The method works best with a mix of ages and genders on the support team. That is not to say that younger people or other genders cannot lead, it is an observation from over 30 years of the method.
This is your opportunity to learn fro River who is sharing her over 30 years of experience using art to build communities.
Reach out to River at MandalaMedicineMovement@gmail.com
Printable flyers: in color and black and white.
