December 2011: Letting Go

Download the December 2011 Mandala of the month

We often hear the phrase just “let it go.” And yet we hear this without being offered any ways to do so. How do we let go when we are still aware of that which we are to let go. Sure it’s easy to say, following through becomes the challenge.

So along with coloring this month’s mandala of the month, we have a way to work on letting go…if we so desire.

The “letting go” of which we speak of here is the letting go of old patterns, beliefs and/or limitations that have long stopped serving us in any positive way. Some of my old patterns that I want to release are…procrastinating, being messy/disorganized, being 15 minutes ahead of where I am actually present, and judgement (both of others and of myself).

Here’s how it works.

1. Come up with 5-10 positive attributes you would like to be (calm, confident, responsible, orderly, etc.)
2. Pick the top 5 and write one in each of the 5 smaller circles in the mandala. In my example I wrote “calm” in one of the smaller circles.

3. 

   In the 5 lower boxes of the stack of boxes around the mandala, write down a word or phrase describing what stops you from experiencing that positive attribute. You can put in the box to the left or right of where you wrote the positive attribute. In my example I wrote “worry”.

4. Now in the smaller box, draw in a symbol to represent what you can do to transform the limitation into a positive. Make the symbol something that will help you remember the transformative action you can take. In my example, I know that taking some deep breathes helps me to calm down so I drew something that looks to me like a big inhale and then exhale.
5. When you’ve done this all the way around, you can then color the mandala. All the while being aware of your limitations being transformed into your positive attributes.

The center of this mandala represents your well-being, the essence of who you are. You can think of the transformations being channeled into the mandala’s center and then radiating out to your positive attributes.

You can repeat this process as often as you need for as many old patterns, beliefs and limitations as you want to release.

I know many methods exist for helping us let go of stuff…this is just one. You’re welcome to pursue any practice that will help you. The sooner we can let go of these old patterns and limitations, the sooner we can begin living authentic lives.

It’s also a great way to prepare for the new year. 🙂

Here’s a great blog post from Daily Om about Revealing your True Self.
[added 12/2/2011]

Be sure to check out Section 12 of the 2011 Mandala of the Year.

Happy Coloring!

joyfully,

Maureen
The Mandala Lady