Tao te Ching + meditation
The Tao te Ching. Ever heard of it? After the peace rally, I’ve taken a few weeks to regroup, rest, settle in and let what’s next “come to me.” I did this because since 2016, I’ve posted here nearly every week and I just needed a little break. The Tao te Ching emerged as a central part of something I’m working on, as a result of feeling called to do more drawing.
In the past few weeks, I have “gone within.” I’ve spent some time in silence, hiking, visiting family, and feeling the need to get creative. Apparently, it’s an “October” thing. In 2016, I wrote Finding Your Spirituality Through Creativity. Almost exactly a year later I wrote, Spirituality and Creativity. Maybe it’s not an October thing – I have created mandalas galore on this website – but it seems that this time of year I feel the need to retreat and to create art.
I came out of meditation one day and had an idea. (This often happens to me after meditating. It’s one of the great benefits of meditation – the creative ideas I get). I have been wanting to create art as meditation. It’s effectively art with a higher purpose. I got the idea that I would meditate on a chapter of the Tao te Ching (the link takes you to the public domain version; I’m using the Tao te Ching, Annotated & Explained, Skylight Illuminations version). After meditating, I’ll create a mandala with that chapter in mind.
The mandalas
It’s always the same with the mandalas I create: there’s no set plan, no set way they need to be. I just let the process unfold. In fact, the whole reason I meditate on the Tao te Ching beforehand is so that the influence of the chapter will manifest somehow in the mandala itself. I created a “pre-mandala” as a practice before beginning:
I have just completed Chapter 1, meditated on it, and created the corresponding mandala. For now, I’m just showing portions of each mandala. I want them to be a surprise when I finish them. All 81 of them.
After I create each mandala, I intend to write a “meditation” – basically, it’s a reflection of my thoughts on that particular chapter, what stood out for me, any thoughts that arose, that sort of thing.
Here’s an excerpt from my Tao te Ching, Chapter 1 meditation (reflection):
We must live our lives in tandem with upholding the values of service and humility. In fact, I think asking “how can I be of service?” helps to guide us to our truest selves. I think that’s why Lao Tzu started this first chapter as he did. Once there was no universe, and now there is, and humans live in it. As part of the human experience, we live and interpret the world around us. If we get caught up in physical desires – the desire for materialism and other unhealthy addictions – we risk losing our way. We can always find the way – the path – but earthly – not spiritual – pursuits – can lead us on a path we don’t want.
There was more to that meditation and reflection, but I wanted to share a little of what I’d written.
Now I’m on Chapter 2 and have started the corresponding mandala. It’s not finished yet, but here’s a start:
It’s going to take me awhile to finish all 81 of these. I’m not even sure what I’ll do with them when I finish. For now, I just feel called to create them. I’ll leave it to the universe to guide me in the direction I need to go after that. I have some ideas…perhaps a book with the meditations and mandalas, or doing an art show, or doing something else. I’m not sure. For once, I’m not thinking about the outcome (perhaps some of these life lessons have finally gotten through my head: BE PRESENT!). I’m just thinking about what feels good to my heart.
But, after I finish each one, I’ve been posting them on Instagram and my I & S Facebook page. You are welcome to follow along if you’re interested.
Many of us seem to be wanting more inner time. This sounds like a lovely project Cynthia. Kudos on making time for silence and allowing so much creativity to come forth.
Brad – thank you for your comment. Yes, I’ve encountered quite a few folks for whom this is the case. I just know that I’ve personally going wide open for awhile now and my mind and heart were saying, “and, time to regroup!” haha. But in so doing, my creativity flourishes. Isn’t that interesting? Ha. In any case, thanks for stopping by. I hope you are doing well and that you have found a great place to live and that your job is going well, too.
Lil Sis, I am quite familiar with Lao Tzu. Many a beautiful hour has been spent reading his teachings.
You really are a beautiful human being. I love your continual quest for meaning and importance in all of life. Learning never ends unless we resolutely deny it, which you will never do.
Sending hugs and love on this rainy October day.
Big Bro, I was headed out when I saw your comment come in, but I have to say that it has buoyed me and left me in an ebullient mood. Hehe. That was such a nice thing to say. The quest for meaning and importance in life is where my mind goes every day…I’m happy go lucky as I go about my days, but those who know me know that I never stop thinking about the world’s issues and things to do to work on myself, and to bring that to the world. 🙂
Thanks again for that sweet comment. It has stuck with me all day. I know that as I evolve in my practice, “good” or “bad” events (or comments) shouldn’t affect me so much, but ah, they still do. And your comment made me soar through the clouds today. Thank you for that. Have a great week!
Aw, Cyndi honestly sounds like an awesome project and one that is helping you to find some inner peace and balance. So, definitely happy to learn more about that here. Hugs and Happy Monday now!!! xoxo <3
Janine – thank you for your sweet, sweet comment. You are the best! I always enjoy the new projects. And you with your creativity, well…you rock, too! Thank you for coming on my, dear friend. You are a gem and I hope you have a great week! I can’t hardly believe it’s October already and we’re rapidly approaching the middle of the month. Whewee! lol
Great idea to take something you love doing and create one for each chapter. I kind of do that with my quilts or embroidery.. Spent 3 hours on it this morning but it wears me completely out. I feel quite peaceful though. 😉 I’m glad you have a chance to do a retreat with someone that inspires you. Be well my friend, be well.
Marlene – hello, sweet friend. Great to see you. I can only imagine not only the peace you experience with doing your embroidery and quilting, but the satisfaction in seeing your work come to fruition. It’s incredible, isn’t it? Even if it wears you out, it’s always fun to work on these things. And the retreat…wow! I still can’t quite believe it. 🙂 Hehe. Sending you big hugs and wishes for a wonderful week! 🤗
Dear Cynthia,
I am glad you are honoring yourself and taking time to do what rejuvenates you
and brings you inner peace.
Thinking of you and sending all my love.
Hugs,
Maria
Sweet Mar,
Yes…doing some “rekindling of energy.” Hehe. This past weekend, between visits to my mother in law (who’s been in rehab), I took naps, slept for 12 or 13 hours each night and worked on art. It was pretty glorious. Hehe. I’ll return here regularly soon…just needed to turn off my inner Energizer Bunny and recharge my batteries. I hope you’ve been well. Sending you lots of love and hugs! xoxo