Dear Friends of The Mandala Center,

I write to tell you that I will be concluding my work as the Executive Director of The Mandala Center as of March 29, 2013.  It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve here and to be part of this amazing retreat center.  I cannot find words for the gratitude I have and the affection I feel for the center, the staff, and all the people I have had the privilege to serve while being the director.  I have grown in ways that would not have been possible without this experience. The Mandala Center and all of you will be part of my life forever.

My decision to leave my position at The Mandala Center came out of another blessing in my life.   While it is always hard to leave one good path – I chose to step upon another good, new path. I am marrying Thomas Sweet in early April and will be moving to be with him in Harrisburg, PA.  It is my vision and hope to extend my creative work in art and teaching there and to find new ways to serve and grow while creating a new life with Tom.  Tom is the recently installed pastor of the historic Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, a progressive, open, and exciting church community among which we shall spend a great deal of our time and creative energy.

I have worked hard to create a vital and sustainable environment at The Mandala Center and to assist in accomplishing excellence in all we do and offer.   I believe our mission will continue with the grace, competence, and enthusiasm of our staff that you have come to expect and appreciate.   I feel confident the transition will be a smooth one.

We look forward to welcoming Karen Brown, a long time board member of The Mandala Center, as our  Interim Director beginning April 1, 2013.  Karen and I have worked together for the duration of my time here and she comes to the position with great knowledge, background, and skill that will continue to serve groups and individuals with the same special Mandala Center hospitality and service you have known.

I wish The Mandala Center continuing great success and I wish all of you great joy and peace as you visit this sacred place that has become very dear to me.    Thank you THANK YOU to my staff and to all the guests I have met over the years.  YOU made it all worthwhile!  You touched my heart and I send you love and blessings always.

Lori Coon, Executive Director
The Mandala Center
Des Moines, New Mexico

The Mystical Arts of Tibet, sand mandala for conflict resolution, created here at The Mandala Center in September 2010. ♥ See more Mandalas on our Facebook page!

Every year The Mandala Center features a “Mandala Artist” to share the special place the Mandala has here at the center and in the world around us.  Join us this year as we welcome Linda Wiggen Kraft.

Linda is a very creative woman who has been sharing her process with many people over the years.  She offers this insightful and inspiring workshop to everyone–no art experience is necessary.  You will learn a daily artistic and journaling practice that will enliven and bring clarity to your life.  Group sharing, meditation, art and journaling are woven together while you rest and renew in the beautiful seting of The Mandala Center.

Learn more on our website!

We are pleased to welcome novelist, poet and independent scholar of the Divine Female, Mary Saracino, to The Mandala Center this July 25-29, 2012.

Along with The Mandala Center’s Lori Coon, you are invited to this experiential retreat that takes you on a virtual pilgrimage to Black Madonna sites around the world.

Immerse yourself in hundreds of images (viewed on a big screen) and learn about the Black Madonna’s rich history, her ancient ties to Isis, Artemis and Cybele and her veneration within the Catholic tradition.

Come and explore the Divine Feminine as the Black Madonna.  Who is she and what does she represent?  Watch a slideshow, create some art, participate in a healing ritual labyrinth walk and celebrate the Black Madonna in our world today.

Learn more about the cost and details of your stay on our website.

Ann Hollier

We are looking forward to our workshop with Ann on the world of DREAMS – a fascinating and personal experience that we all take part in!!  See our workshop page for more information about Ann’s retreat, along with her website information and a link to a full interview with Ann.
Sign up early and get the EARLY BIRD PRICE SPECIAL!!!

 http://mandalacenter.org/workshops/hollier-workshop.html

 Here is a brief excerpt from the interview!! 

 Ann:  “Dream work makes us much more aware of what is going on in there, which also means we can make use of what the subconscious knows to solve problems or get a fresh perspective. And, if appropriate, through dream work we can change the subconscious, releasing old patterns that no longer serve us well. Dream work can not only help us see what’s coming in our personal, intellectual, or spiritual growth, it’s a growth accelerator.

 “I’m distilling nearly 40 years of working with dreams, including some things I’ve never taught to others before. The workshop will be a very hands-on experience. There will be some lecture, especially the first evening, to introduce concepts and give some examples, but the vast majority of the time will be spent applying the techniques to our own and one another’s dreams.”

Congratulations!

To our winners for the January drawing from our survey prize contest. 

Ann Benson  won 1st prize ($50 gift card)
Joni Alm won 2nd prize ($25 gift card)
Anne Kleinhenz won 3rd prize (a canvas tote bag)

We still have drawings in February and March plus a grand prize $150 gift card to give away in April. 

Our survey is designed to collect data about your interests, needs, and motivations for being part of The Mandala Center.  Your feedback helps us do our job better and provide you with quality programs and services.   We always welcome individual feedback from you in any form but our survey is a fun way to participate and enter to win prizes as well!! 

Go to our website home page (www.mandalacenter.org) and click on the link to win $150 gift certificate under “What’s happening at the center” at the bottom of the home page to complete the survey and enter to win too!!

Winter at The Mandala Center

Happy Holiday Greetings to Everyone!!

Last weekend we had our appreciation dinner for all the volunteers, staff, board members, and service professionals who help make The Mandala Center what it is. We want to thank you too for being part of The Mandala Center through your thoughts, your emails, your donations, and even for just coming here to check out our website!! It has been an eventful and fruitful year and we give thanks in so many ways.

NEW NEWS!! Our new website is online and we continue to make final adjustments. Soon we will be able to offer online registrations. We plan on offering some more photo galleries too!! Keep checking back in 2012 for updates.

Check out our 2012 Workshop Line Up! We have new presenters and topics to explore!

Our newsletter will be sent out at the beginning of January and if you are not on our list and wish to be, please email or call us to receive our newsletter. You may receive it via email or snail mail. Just let us know!!

Blessings to you!!
Lori Coon

Pinwheels for Peace by local students decorated our Center

Our International Day of Peace Event took place Saturday September 18th through Tuesday the 21st, 2010.  It was a huge success and a wonderful event for those who attended.  Peace and blessings were sent out to those who were unable to make it.  We want to share some photos and recap all that took place.

• You can find MORE PHOTOS in the column to the right in the
  IDOP PHOTO GALLERIES 1-5.

• You can find more photos on our Facebook page as well!

• See our page (to the right) on Poems for Peace too!!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE has been celebrated on September 21st each year since its establishment in 1981 by the United Nations Resolution.   In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21st as the International Day of Peace.  This effort encourages humankind to cooperate in acts of peace and provides opportunity for individuals, organizations, and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.  The Mandala Center wanted to act and become one place were people could gather to be part of this global effort.   The Mandala Center provided a space for a variety of ages, races, faiths, and backgrounds to come together to celebrate our shared interest in promoting peace for the good of all. (www.internationaldayofpeace.org)

The Monks on our deck under the Rainbow that appeared one day!

Our special guests for the event were the monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery (www.mysticalartsoftibet.org).  These are genuine monks who are taking time off from their lifelong devotion of contemplation and study to participate in this tour (c0-sponsored by Richard Gere Productions) and share their cultural traditions.   It is their hope to make some small contribution toward world peace through their teachings and art.

We asked the monks to come and create a sand mandala of conflict resolution – called Akshobya Mandala.  It seemed appropriate for The Mandala Center to have a mandala created for peace and for the spiritual and creative process of this art to be dedicated on International Day of Peace.

Monks working on the Mandala the first day

Mandala in Sanskrit means sacred cosmogram.  In Tibetan the art of the mandala is called dul-tson-kyil-khor, which literally means “mandala of colored powders.”   This practice has roots extending back 2500 years.

The Monks performed an opening ceremony, a healing Buddha Puja, and a closing ceremony where the mandala was swept up – a reminder of the impermanence of life and an act to release the healing energy into the world.

Monks performing healing puja

The COMPLETED MANDALA

Rinpoche told us that the Mandala is like a road map – something for our minds to follow when dealing with negative emotions or situations in our lives.  The symbols and images are teachings and guidance for how to let go our our attachments and how to maneuver violence in the world.

The monks study 5-7 years in preparation for this task.  It is believed that the healing energy of the mandala is released into the world – and to those who view it and stand in its presence – regardless of our understanding.  It is  a portal – a visual prayer for peace.

The monks brought many blessings during their stay and The Mandala Center is very thankful to them.  It was an honor and a pleasure to host them here.

Pinwheels for Peace in our Labyrinth overlooking Capulin Volcano

The monks were NOT the only attraction at our event!  So much more took place!

Students from area schools and some adults made Pinwheels for Peace (www.pinwheelsforpeace.com).

More Pinwheels by Local Students

These are created by writing a prayer or poem for peace on one side and creating a mandala of peace on the other. Pinwheels are then created and placed outdoors to send our wishes for peace into the world!

We loaded our pinwheel photo on the international site – contributing to over 5 million pinwheels made world wide!

Peace Pole Unveiling on Sunday

Lori, Kim (and Anna taking photo) Planting the Peace Pole

The Mandala Center was graciously gifted with a Peace Pole – funds donated by Bob and Phyllis Stice. This peace pole is part of an effort beginning back in 1955 when Masahisa Goi dedicated his life to spreading the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in response to the bombings of Hiroshima.

The Mandala Center was also – synchronistically – gifted with a Declaration of Peace document by two guests, Jerry Bozeman and Lon Jones,  who attended the memorial celebration in Hiroshima this August.   Blessings were bountiful all weekend!!

Christina Boyce at our peace pole

Our Peace Pole says “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in four languages.  Although there were many languages to choose from we picked the four that seemed to be most appropriate to our region.   We have English, Spanish, Navajo and the fourth side has animal paw prints – for recognition of our relationship with the earth.

Rocks were piled at the base – testimony to our rocky and volcanic landscape and guests wrote prayers of peace on rice paper and placed them amongst the rocks along with flower petals and other offerings for the dedication.
Christina, an artist in our local community brought flowers on International Day of Peace during our peace pole meditation for peace on Tuesday.

STILL MORE!!!

One of our Labyrinth Walks

Our Event also showcased our Labyrinth – built on the grounds in 2002 – and we were blessed to have Dennis Grogan and Tina Proctor join us from Denver to lead several labyrinth walks during our event – including a night walk using solar lights and flashlights.  It was a magical experience.   For more information about labyrinths visit www.labyrinthsociety.org.

Hal teaching a group to play Harmonica

Hal Walker – a talented musician from Ohio also offered his time and talent to our event.  Hal offered a harmonica workshop to guests and performed for us on Sunday night in concert.   (see

Hal Walker in Concert - Photo by Tim Keller

www.halwalkermusic.com)

Setting off on a morning hike

Our Center is surrounded by natural settings and parks land. We enticed rangers and guides from Capulin Volcano National Monument and Sugarite Canyon State Park to join in the fun.   A hike, medicinal plant workshop, star-gazing talk, and conservation lecture were given.  (Bruce Robinson, Patricia Walsh, and Lynn Cartmell)

Art as Meditation Class

Lori Coon, the Center’s director offered an “Art as Meditation Class” where participants explored the use of breath for wellness and painted their “inhalation and exhalation” with watercolors.

Lori also offered three sessions on the Seven Point Movement Meditation or Tslagi Dance of Peace as she was taught by White Feather at the Wolf Clan Lodge of Twylah Nitsch, Seneca Grandmother.  The group, welcomed International Day of Peace at 7 am with the dance.

TO THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!

I want to say a big THANK YOU to our wonderful staff – everyone worked hard and overtime to make the event a success.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers -  As a volunteer YOU help support our efforts with your energy and enthusiasm and make things run smoothly for everyone!  We could not do it without you.   Everyone contributed in ways we could not even imagine ahead of time.   THANK YOU!!

TO THE GUESTS AND SPECIAL PRESENTERS

We were blessed by everyone who walked in the door!  It was an amazing gathering of people and everyone brought the gift of themselves to the event.   The conversations and exchange of information, talent, and compassion was awe-inspiring.   Our numbers were not large but our impact was immeasurable.   I know everyone who was here will carry the experience in their heart and take it out into the world.

PLEASE VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF OUR EVENT RIGHT HERE ON OUR BLOG IN OUR IDOP PHOTO GALLERY PAGES 1-5.

Ready for you to sit and relax!

“What is Peace?”  (responses by children)

Peace is about responsibility and respect.
Peace is about loving each other.
Peace is something good for all people.
Peace is when everyone gets along and there is no fighting.
Peace is when sick people feel better.
Peace is quiet.
Peace is love.
Peace means caring.
Peace is about working together.
Peace is to care about each other and keep each other safe.
Peace is about loving somebody.
Peace is playing in the rain.
Peace is no wars in any countries.
Peace is the one dream everyone hopes for.
Peace is a rainbow after a storm.
Peace is the neutral area that all races reach for and it is the
sanctuary for injured souls.
Peace is an environment that nourishes and allows the world to flourish.
Peace should be everywhere.
Peace is freedom.
Peace is in everyone’s soul.

Phil and Monica Sanding the Deck

We are so thankful and appreciative to all the people who helped to make our volunteer week a success.   We accomplished so much  – made new friends, improved and updated  many areas of The Mandala Center, and learned a lot!  I know that I cannot begin to include all the wonderful moments we shared during the week here on this blog nor even communicate the amount of effort, dedication, and talent but this is our tribute to the week.

First I want to list the people who did contribute – in one way or another to our success.
(If I missed anyone in this first attempt we WILL correct it and apologize because we do appreciate everyone!)

1. Kristy Sweetland (NM) is our regular weekly volunteer who put up our facebook account, helped with our newsletter and assists in the office. She joined the work week to help with the decks, stain the teak table an chairs on the patio and more!
2. Peggy Minich (NM)  helped with sanding/staining decks, weeding, office work and more!
3. Joe Ress (from Ohio!) helped with sanding/staining decks, fixing wallpaper, cleaning light fixtures & more!
4. Faye Good (Ok) painted the whole interior of the Artist Nook and the Wolf Lodge doors and more!
5. Dawn Mondragon (NM) helped with the decks, stripped and refinished our wooden doors on the Casa Mandala, washed down siding and cleaned the gutters at the Artist Nook and more!
6. George Whitman (NM) came with his saws and helped trim LOTS of trees and removed trees helping with landscaping as well as fire prevention.  George did not get enough on the work week so he came back for more to help Lori finish putting in the stone path down to the labyrinth a few days later.
   

   Faye Painting the Wolf Lodge Door

7. Alex Rykken (NM) helped with the deck work, the labyrinth, and more!
8. Katie Green (CO) helped with the decks – sanding and staining along side her dad Nathan Green – our grounds and maintenance person.
9. Phillip Freeman (NM) (who stained our decks the last time on his own!) came again to help us with the decks.  He also helped with tree trimming and removal and more!
10. Jack Ingamells (NM) (husband to our operations manager – Monica) helped in a lot of our preparations for the decks and painting – measuring areas for the needed stains, paint, and supplies, traveling to purchase supplies and compile tools, driving out tools to the center when we needed them and more!!
11. Ken and Dina Parsons (NM) came to help assess what we could do to help put in a path down to the labyrinth.  Ken helped transport several buckets of gravel and the pavers to the location we needed them.
12. Joesph Wolf (NM) came with his weed-whacker to help clear paths and reduce fire risk.  He returned then with his truck and assisted with the removal of the tree trimmings and brush.
    

    Peggy (holding sand paper) and Joe sanding decks

13. Our staff also assisted.
14. Monica Ingamells put in a LOT of time and effort helping to organize the event, purchase all our supplies, and organize meals and lodging for guests. She also helped with the decks and other tasks during the work week – her efforts helped with the organization of the event to make it a success.
15. Marsha Stepleton, our lead chef, planned and prepared meals for the guests for the week.. No one goes hungry here!
16. Sasha Jensen assisted as well with some meal preparation during the week.
17. Denise Atwater, our lead housekeeper, prepared the rooms ahead of time and then helped with the decks, kitchen clean up and she brought her truck and helped with tree trimmings removal.
18. Nathan Green came to help with the decks by running the big floor sander, overseeing the project and staining the larger areas of the deck.
19. Lori Coon worked primarily with George on the tree trimming and removal.  She trimmed (and removed some trees) around the entire Casa Mandala and in front of the Deer Lodge and Wolf Lodge.  She also helped put in the pavers for a new pathway down to the labyrinth.

George armed with the saw and protected by goggles!

In total, we clocked (conservatively) approximately 280 volunteer hours and including staff hours – 550 hours – in 7 days!
(This is a first guestimate while we finish compiling everything and does not include all the preparations prior to the work week.)  WOW!  Everyone can be proud of what we got accomplished!!

We still have a “list” of things we did not get done and some people were already talking about our Second Annual Volunteer Work Week next year – so it may become a regular event!!

SEE MORE PHOTOS on our Volunteer Week Photo Page
in the right bar here on the blog!!

Volunteer Work Week TESTIMONIAL by Joe Ress
It was “Fun in the Sun” at the Mandala Center this summer!!

It was our first ever “Volunteer Work Week!” – June 30-July 7th, 2010. The volunteers hold The Mandala Center in a  special place in their hearts and gave of their time, talent, and energy to help with some “sprucing up” around the place.   The beauty of the Center, it’s ambiance, the desert scenery,  and the hospitality of the staff are the big things that draw people to this place (not to mention the food too!!) Just being here for these things makes me feel renewed, rested, and rejuvenated.  It did not matter what job we were given to do. Just being here was a gift.  This feels like my home away from home (which is in Ohio.)

Joe Ress

We had quite a lot of fun.  We teased each other and enjoyed the “afternoon siesta”- time to read, relax or nap (I was usually napping!) while escaping the hot afternoon New Mexico sunshine.  We had the 4th of July off and headed out for some sight-seeing.
I hope this becomes an annual event.  Many other volunteers agreed and look forward to returning to The Mandala Center again.

Greetings!  It is hard to believe we are half way through this year already!!  Lots left to do and experience.   We wanted to remind you of some special upcoming events here at The Mandala Center.   Take some time to read more about these very special events in other places on our website.   Lori Coon

Pottery Workshop

We have Sheldon Nunez-Velarde who is an Jicarilla Apache artist visiting us in July for his annual traditional pottery workshop and firing.  DON’T wait to sign up if you are interested in this creative and unique experience.  Workshop dates are July 19-24th.   Special commuter rates are available.  See our workshop page for more information and links to Sheldon’s website.

Susan and Jim

Jim Reale and Susan Rush will be offering Embodying the Silence, a very interesting blend of centering prayer and movement/yoga practices that deepen the experience of both for the participants.  See their interview on our Interviews 2 page here onour blog to learn more.   The dates of this workshop are July 29-Aug 1st.

Shaman

Peace Within: Shamanism as a Spiritual Approach to Healing will be offered by Myron Eshowsky Sept 2-5th.  I have known Myron for about 20 years and I met him while attending several of  his workshops on Shamanic Work in Cleveland.   He offers a genuine and heartfelt journey of spiritual connection, healing, and community.   I just posted his interview tonight on our Interview 3 page where you can learn more about his life and work.

Sand Mandalas

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE WEEKEND EVENT Sept 17-21

Our special guests will be The Mystical Arts of Tibet! Visitors staying on the grounds will have an “upclose and intimate” retreat experience with the Lamas as they create a mandala of conflict resolution.   Hal Walker from Ohio will be with us to share his musical talents. We will have labyrinth walks and a peace pole dedication on our grounds.   See our Special Events page for our full calendar and description. REMEMBER DAY PASSES ARE AVAILABLE too!! Call for on-site or day pass registration.   Monday the 20th will be a day for school groups to attend and special tour rates apply.