So many Memories
Now begin to remember. In a journal or on a piece of paper write your memories of their lifetime that you are attached to and have feelings about. You might want to create a timeline (do you have photos of them at different ages?) Your memories/feelings may be mixed as relationships are always complex and individuals, each of us have strengths and weakness, we nurture and harm, we shine with light and hide in
shadows.
How did they suffer? Did they know joy? What were the turning points in their life? What did they resist? What did they embrace? What did they leave undone? What did they
regret?
What did they laugh at? What were their passions, addictions, desires? What were their traumas, demons, doubts? What were their favorites…books, movies, places, foods, moments?
What were the phrases they used often? Can you quote them? What lessons did they learn? What lessons did they teach?
And whatever else you think of.
The Mandala of Remembering
Now take some small stickies/post-its (four different colors…amazon has lots of
options) and work with the mandala. Sort your memories into the four areas of selfhood…contributions, relationships, well-being, and inner development.
Write memories on the
stickies and stick them onto the quadrant where they belong. What contributions did they make? What was their social life of relationships? How did they maintain well-being in life (this includes health, home, finances), Finally, how did they experience their inner life and development of selfhood?
You can also add images to the mandala that you think of as you do this remembering. I love thinking of animals and plants that make me think of them. It is okay to have fun with your memories.
A Reverent Awakening
This reverent exercise will fill your heart with a deep understanding of the meaning and purpose of their lifetime. It will free your memories from
sentimentality. You will be celebrating their karma and destiny. The soul you are remembering will know they were seen and felt beyond the dramas of existence. You see the expression of their essence and the unfolding of their potential.
You can roll up the mandala and put it in a safe place or you can hang it on a wall. It is a document of living memory. You can add to it each year. Or visit it on their birthday or deathday.
If you have any questions, just reply to this email. I'd love to help.