I encountered my first mandala at Wanderlust Tremblant. As I made my way to an 8am meditation class, I noticed a structure adorned with easily recognizable objects and things foreign to me. The obvious attention to detail given to whatever this was, blew me away.
I asked someone, “What is this?” She responded, “They do this at all the Wanderlust festivals. It’s designed using lots of natural materials found in the region.” She didn’t tell me what it was, then sat down quietly inside the space in a meditative pose and stayed there.
I didn’t know what to do or what to make of this intriguing space of infinite circles so I made a list of what I saw inside: Tree branches, shells, bird feathers, rocks, dried moss, glass stones, dried leaves, fungus, red lobster tails, artichokes (a bow to the food gods?), pine cones, tree bark, a beaded goddess, a golden metal vase, and several strategically placed silver globes on small tree stumps.
After my class, I felt drawn back into this space. To my surprise, facing the wooden centrepiece of the structure, I glided into favourite standing poses with ease, not worrying about who might be watching, or if I might falter. It was powerful, relaxing, fun, and liberating.
Digging deeper, I discovered mandala comes from the Sanskrit meaning “circle.” Mandalas offer balancing visual elements, symbolizing unity and harmony. The meaning of each mandala is unique. The goal of the mandala is to serve as a tool for our spiritual journey. It symbolizes cosmic and psychic order.
Digging even deeper, a natural trait of most yogis, I was delighted to learn about YogaArt at the festival and the creators of the sacred space I just enjoyed.
Nature Dreamweaver has been creating sacred space temple art for the last 8 years at festivals all over the country. Using found, natural, and recycled materials, he leads teams to build altars, earth mandalas, and human-sized NESTs (New Earth Sacred Temples).
This year at Wanderlust, he’s inviting everyone to be part of the art. Nature arrives early with his team to build and create altars and mandalas, then everyone is invited to add on to them over the weekend.
I found a natural energy inside this mandala and the area surrounding it. Already fascinating and unforgettable on the very first day of the festival. The cool thing is, the energy and meaning of this sacred space can only grow and evolve as does the festival as more and more people enter the space and add to its transformative magic.
Each moment interacting with YogaArt is unique. And you are part of what makes it so.
See how the mandala makes you feel, how it inspires you. Visit it each day or several times a day. There are many wonderful intentions woven and embedded into the energy of the art to evoke planetary healing, awaken our consciousness, open our hearts, and appreciate the spirit of the earth through the art.
Arriving early to a scheduled class has benefits. You have time to ponder and discover something new. It just may be the art found right next door to your class.
For more information about Wanderlust Tremblant YogaArt visit: http://tremblant.wanderlustfestival.com/experience/art.
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Peggy is a Canadian paddler, freelance writer, and communications professional with a popular blog called the BaffinPaddler. It’s about kayaking, paddling, outdoor, travel, and perspective. Perspective being the most important word. Yoga keeps finding its way into Peggy’s blog and life more and more. She’s diving headfirst into Wanderlust Tremblant for the first time this year, ready to explore, learn, connect and share new discoveries.