What do you think about when you hear the word 'solstice'? What do you think about when you hear the word 'mandala'?

Funny thing is, I *know* what a lot of you are thinking: "Isn't that like hippy, new-age, paganism, witch-craft sh*t?"

Sure, if you want to think of it that way. But it's not really any of that.

Solstice is just plain science:

sol·stice noun

1. Astronomy.

a. either of the two times a year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator: about June 21, when the sun reaches its northernmost point on the celestial sphere, or about December 22, when it reaches its southernmost point. (ie, summer solstice and winter solstice).

b. either of the two points in the ecliptic farthest from the equator.

2. a furthest or culminating point; a turning point.

Mandala (Sanskrit) is literally translated into 'circle':

man·da·la noun

1. A geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism.

2. Such a symbol in a dream, representing the dreamer's search for completeness.

Now let's just toss religion and culture debate aside for a moment, because that's not why I am here.

Let's be real. Summer is officially here, and I'm just here to CELEBRATE! Because, that's what I know how to do best. I always like to find any ol' excuse to celebrate anything, and what better way to do that than through mindful art making and greeting the upcoming months with a fresh palette of paint.

I have been working my tail off, and now, I just want to take a little break, soak up the sunshine, and breathe. Yes, I realize it's the busiest time of the year (at least for me), but sometimes I just need to sit down and be still. I'm craving stillness. Even if it's just for a couple of hours a week.

So, I created this little three-week painting program so that you could join me in the breathing and the stillness --- and just simply embracing the present moment. Because life moves a million miles per minute. And that's not always a good thing.

Why mandalas?

I discovered mandalas years ago, and not only was I fascinated by the artistic beauty of the pieces that I saw --- I was contently amazed at calm and grounded I felt, when I started learning how to make them. You could use pencils, pens, markers, colored pencils, watercolors, acrylics...you can use pretty much anything to create a mandala. Have you seen Buddhist monks creating mandalas with colored-grains of sand? Incredible.

So, I've been on somewhat of a mandala kick, lately, and I thought, why not share the process with you? Many of you have been asking about painting classes, and I thought this would be the perfect fit as an introductory program. The best thing about it, is that you don't need any technical art skills, and I will be there guiding you along the way!

We'll be using acrylic paints to create our mandalas, and everything will be self-paced and delivered in a safe, private online community setting.

If you'd like to learn more, please visit: 'Mandala Meditations: A 3-Week Painting Journey'

Happy Summer Lovin'!! xoxo-desi

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