This mandala was inspired by my initial understanding of the human body. In the center is a brain surrounded by electrical signals, which represents the brains role at the center of the nervous system. Encasing the brain are concentric circles that say, in descending order, chaos, flow, and collapse. (Dana, 2021, pg. 24) These represents the sympathetic nervous system and the trauma responses associated with it. The heart is connected to chaos because it is symbolic of the feelings that arise during panic. (Dana, 2021, pg. 24) Also sometimes when in danger, you heart rate increases. The next circle (flow) is connected to the lungs because, to get yourself it is calm state and let your energy flow, it is important to breathe. (Jahnke, 1998, pg. 85-86) The large intestines are connected to collapse because of their Yin Yang relationship with the lungs, which is also represented in the duality of flow and collapse. (Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, 2020) Surrounding the large intestine are bacteria to show their symbiotic relationship.  (Science Learning Hub – Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao, 2011) I also included integral pieces of the body such as the bones, the veins/ arteries, eyes, and cells.

References

Dana, D. (2021). Anchored: How to befriend your nervous system using polyvagal theory. Sounds True. 

Jahnke, R. (1999). The healer within: Using traditional chinese techniques to release your body’s medicine. HarperOne.