AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FOUR DIRECTIONS

Recently, I have been thinking about the Four Directions and am falling in love with the form and concept just as I have with the iconic and symbolic Circle. The depth of both cannot be fathomed. That alone, pulls me in. Like the circle, the Four Directions show up everywhere in nature and for that reason have been embraced by cultures and religions around the world for thousands of years. This evolution of understanding and interpretation is a beautiful invitation to each and every one of us. If approached with respect and truth, we all have the opportunity to seek out and add our own perspective to this universal force. After all, we are not outsiders looking in. We are a part of the Circle and a part of the Four Directions. What a wonderful thought! We are joining the ancients when we honor the Four Directions, and add to its rich history and power. It is sacred.

North East South West

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

Water Air Fire Earth

Passing Birth Youth Adults

Spiritual Emotional Intellectual Physical

Stars Sun Earth Moon

And others!

As I try to formulate my own definition of the Four Directions, at this moment, I have come to this. I understand the Four Directions to be a circle with movement that embraces, connects, and carries. It offers a way to understand all things in beautiful, sacred context. If the Circle is all things, then the Four Directions is all things in context.

So, this is my invitation to you to start (or continue) to think, research, contemplate, or explore the Four Directions which offers each and every one of us a much richer view of our lives, the lives of others, and the natural world as a whole.

Want to explore the Four Directions with a group of curious, creative people? Allow the silent voices of nature and art to help tune in to your instinct and intuition in my new eco-art wellness workshop, "Your Own Four Directions" happening this month at Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum on October 18, 6 pm - 8 pm. Let's look at it together! (Workshops at Blithewold often fill up, so register now - here!)

A GENTLE TURNING

To the left is a photo of a dogwood tree outside my apartment building. It illustrates an aspect of the Four Directions that brings me so much comfort and joy. The photograph shows one of the beautiful red seeds which turn an intense red in autumn. At the same time, the tree is also nourishing the buds for next year's flowers - two seasons away! When we pay attention and look closer, we find the evidence of a continuous, gentle, predictable cycle in the turning of the seasons. This can give us much comfort throughout the year, and throughout years.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS / WITH A FEW NEW ONES!

October 18 / Eco-Art Wellness Mandala Workshop: Your Own Four Directions / Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road (Rt. 114) Bristol, RI (6 PM - 8 PM) (Register Here!)

The concept of four directions, like circles and mandalas, is embraced in many cultures and practices around the world. Earth, Air, Fire and Water. North, East, South, and West. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. The four directions remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. In this introduction to the four directions workshop, participants will consider different ways to incorporate the four directions into their life and then create an individual, ephemeral nature mandala from a large variety of natural objects. Use the image to remind yourself of the wisdom of cycles, or as a prompt in your own meditation, movement, or spiritual practice.

PLEASE NOTE: Nature mandalas PLEASE NOTE: Nature mandalas are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee. are ephemeral and will not be taken home. Photographs are encouraged. High resolution, edited photographs can be ordered separately at the workshop for an additional fee.

October 29 / Eco-Art Wellness Mandala Workshop: Family Circles / New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA (1 PM - 3:30 PM) (Register Here!) Workshop fee includes entrance to the gardens for the day!

This circle workshop for adults is all about acknowledging and honoring the people who make up “family” at this moment, either through blood, love, or kindred spirit. Create a personal work of art that celebrates the people in your life using beautiful nature objects that capture their individual spirits to complete a beautiful whole.