Riley’s Mandala of the Stomach Spleen and Pancreas This mandala demonstrates the earthly transforming and digesting energy of these organs, which are visualized in red at the center of the mandala. The yin-yang template ley-lines the map of the body from head to base. Each element is depicted with emphasis on the rising phoenix-bird coming out of the Shen of the spleen, and a dragon of the east for the cauldron of the stomach.
When starting my body mandala I wanted to make sure to put little dots to represent our cells and how we are made up of energy. I think this quote from Bryson.B (The body: A Guide for the occupants, 2019, p.190-191) “ The stuff responsible for the energy in our cells is a chemical called Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP, which may be the most I important thing in your body you have ever heard of. Every molecule of ATP is like a tiny battery and that it stores energy and then releases it to power all the activities required by yourselves – and indeed by all cells in plants as well as animals ” described exactly what I wanted to convey. In my opinion, it meant every living thing having ATP is connecting us all on a molecular level. That quote also fits with the layer of flowers, leaves, plants, and stars I have on the top layer of my mandala. The squiggly lines in the fourth and seventh rings in my mandala represent the mind and spirit. “ The simple practice of focusing on the breath, applying self-massage, gently moving the body, and deeply relaxing bring the natural relationship among the body, mind, and spirit back into balance.” (Jahnke. R, The Healer Within, 1997, p.5). This quote is similar to what I wanted to convey in this mandala – reaching for growth and finding balance within. In the center of my mandala I wanted to represent the heart and mind because I feel like if they don’t match then when can the healing begin for traumas emotional or physical? Even though we are focusing on ourselves the safe and caring relationships we gain in life help with the process of connecting the two. These two quotes from Dana. D ( Anchored, 2021, p.9-10) are great examples. The first “Polyvagal Theory is the need for finding safe connection with others in the experience of co-regulation.” (P.9) and the second “ While the world seems to be increasingly focused on self-regulation and independence, co-regulation is the foundation for safely navigating daily living”(p.10). I think that it is always important to remember, especially with recent covid times limiting our connections with people.
Book references:
Bryson, B. 2019, Equilibrium. The body: A guide for occupants (p.190-191). Anchor Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York
Jahnke, R. 1997, The Medicine. The Healer within (p.5). HarperCollins publisher, New York
Dana D. 2021, A Quick look at the principles and elements of Polyvagal Theory. Anchored (p.9-10). Sounds True inc. Colorado
TCM acknowledges that the body is balanced by what is referred to as Qi. The simplest way to explain Qi is by giving the Oxford Dictionary’s definition: “The circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine.”
This energy must flow freely to maintain good health.
By addressing emotional needs and eating healthy it is easier for individual to maintain positive flow of Qi energy.
“The combination of both scientific and spiritual mindedness in this thinking encourages health and well being and a connection to our inner and outer world.
Melanie Cooper, in her article Lung and Large Intestine Meridians, states that the large intestines let go of their waste “like the trees let go of their leaves in autumn. Compost for the next spring, to move forward to the next cycle.” (Melanie Cooper Yoga, November 27, 2021)
“This is my representational interpretation of the connection between the lungs and large intestine in the form of a personal artwork.”
While learning about the two organs, a simile to describe the two working organs; they are similar to a house with its front and back windows open, proper air and energy is flowing through providing a good environment, where as, if one of the windows is closed, it disturbs the flow and creates an unbalanced system.
The lung is a delicate organ, referred to by ancient texts as the lid of qi which allows the flow of life force to radiate through the rest of the entire body. It is responsible for the ingoing and outgoing of vital universal energy. Associated within the spiritual bounds of the white tiger, the element of metal, and the eight petaled white flower. The western element of metal is tied to the season of autumn and crisp air. Metal is known as the mother of water, and thus the lungs are the mother of the kidneys.
“guard your lungs as all you do flows from it”