In the first week of January, I received a beautiful gift from a friend. I meant to share it with the world earlier but one thing and another, it took me a month to write this post.

Neatly wrapped was a mandala painting done by her and framed in a silver color metal frame. With it was a card wishing me strength and courage for the New Year. I was more than delighted. Who does not like receiving an unexpected gift sent with so much thought? I don’t remember the last time someone took the trouble of mailing something to me across the distance. And not just mailing but framing, packing it with care so it did not get damaged and writing a personal note. I miss the days of handwritten letters and physical cards.

That was not all. There was another surprise too- a secret note which made me feel like a child again. In the frame (once I opened it from the back), on the back of the painting was a little note from her to me with three inspiring quotes. My joy quadrupled. Not many people take the trouble of going the extra mile for others or presenting something in a way that makes a gift special and gives it the personal touch. I certainly haven’t experienced it in a long, long time and by long, I mean forever. If you know someone who takes the trouble of doing it for you, consider yourself blessed and value them.

To my dear friend Bubbles, I want to say ‘Thank you!’ for the gift of friendship and thank you for the most thoughtful gift. I feel blessed.

Coming back to the painting gifted to me, it’s a spider spinning its web. Apart from the fact that the painting is intricate, looks like crochet made of silken thread and the colors are beautifully subtle and soothing, there’s something so hypnotizing about it that it’s easy to keep looking at it without really thinking about it or anything else.

Here’s a picture of the painting as it hangs on my bedroom wall. Does it have the same effect on you?

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For all those who do not know what a mandala is, here is an explanation I have picked from the Net-

“A mandala is a complex abstract design that is usually circular in form. In fact, “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that means “circle”. Mandalas generally have one identifiable center point, from which emanates an array of symbols, shapes and forms. Mandalas can contain both geometric and organic forms. They can also contain recognizable images that carry meaning for the person who is creating it. In essence, mandalas represent the connection between our inner worlds and outer reality. Designing your own mandalas can be both inspirational and therapeutic.“

Strangely I feel mesmerized when I see any painting done by her. I had no idea why until I began writing this post and researching on the art. That’s when I found out that mandala art helps in meditation. As per https://www.timesunion.com/living/article/Mandalas , “Mandalas, meaning “circles” in Sanskrit, are sacred symbols that are used for meditation, prayer, healing and art therapy for both adults and children. Mandalas have been shown in clinical studies to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and ease depression.”

I have taken the liberty of sharing some of her other work here. If you like her work, you can follow her on instagram.

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Mandala paintings are not my cup of tea. While I love seeing them I’m afraid the repetition and the intricacy of the patterns is not for people like me who are not good with a regimented way of doing things. It’s for those who aim at perfection, have patience, are creative and yet like to follow a system.

If you are interested in trying out a mandala you could check the attached link https://www.potentialunlimited.com.au/home-mindful-art/what-is-a-mandala/ and see if it’s the kind of art you would love to create. If it is, go for it because as per research it can only do you good.

P.S. If my friend becomes super famous one day like Gogh or Picasso, I can only imagine the furore over finding out the note in the frame…years later.

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