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Gratitude circle

 Many of us reflect on gratitude during November, and that was our focus for this month's Red Thread Circle. 

We each shared something we are grateful for as we passed the Red Thread; some were connection, pleasure in small moments, Community, clarity, presence and our time together. 

I used a compass in my journal, inspired by Cindy and Linda to create a couple of mandalas. I so appreciate collaborating with these amazing co-facilitators!

Neuroart Gratuitude mandala

Neurographica is a form researched and developed by a Russian psychologist, Pavel Piskerev, and taught by practioners on several countries.  It dovetails beautifully with Intentional Creativity, as you begin my focusing on an intention, or something you wish to shift. Pavel observed that while angles make us somewhat uncomfortable, round shapes are soothing and calm our nervous system. 

Linda and I took the basic class last year, and often use neurgraphica as inspiration for our own neuroart adaptations. Here's a recent video from our teacher,  Alina Smolyansky - we highly recommend her classes!

The basic neuroline is a random line: one tip is to place a coin on the paper, and push it with the point of your pencil or pen, until you reach the edge of your paper. Do this several times, letting the lines cross. After you have several crossings, begin rounding these intersections. Turn the paper to see if you've rounded all of them.

Gratuitude Neuro-noodles
Here are some tips for creating a Neurographic mandala.
  • Think of your intention - what are you releasing, what's something you are grateful for?
  • Trace around a plate, or use a compass to draw a circle
  • Draw a pattern inside the circle (flower of life, Draw around your hand, Trace around a leaf or other object, etc)
  • Draw random Neuro lines radiating around your circle and letting them cross. 
  • Begin rounding corners where lines intersect. Take your time, notice your breath and how your body feels - this rounding becomes meditative, and soothes the nervous system.
Rounding lines and patternmaking
  • After you've rounded all the crossings, begin adding patterns, circles in various sizes, etc
  • Notice thoughts that arise: gratuities, seeds of inspiration for the future ...
  • Round any new crossings, adding more lines as feels right. You might want some lines inside the circle as well - play with it!
  • Begin coloring - watercolor, crayons, colored pencil. Generally: choose several colors, and use the same color in at least three cells. 
  • Some areas might be left uncolored, the colors might extend beyond the lines - what feels harmonious?  
Dance of Gratuitude 
  • Finishing touches/ adornment: I like to use shimmer watercolor on some areas, often my orbs and leaves (or other focal point.
  • And check in again -
  • How do you feel now?
What are you grateful for?
Is there an action step your inspired to take?
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