Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

madamesilverspurs

(16,066 posts)
Mon Sep 16, 2013, 10:10 AM Sep 2013

A Colorado Memory

About sixteen years ago I was privileged to watch the creation of a sand painting. It was round, and about twelve feet in diameter. The creator spent three days on it, and spoke to us as he worked.

He explained that it was spiritual more than artistic, often regarded as healing, that the process itself is deserving of respect because of its connection to spirit; because of this it is to be entered from a certain direction, and the work is done in deliberate order, just like the earth of which it is made.

He mentioned several times that humans have forgotten that they belong to the earth, not the other way around, that because of that forgetting we are losing the ability to hear the earth when it speaks to us. He went on to say that the earth has been lamenting the imbalance we bring, and that the earth will eventually have no choice but to fight back.

We respected his request that no photographs be taken. Having watched him work, I realized that it would have been as intrusive as filming someone at prayer. It doesn’t matter, the colors are still vivid in memory. And the same can be said of the vibrancy of his message.

1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A Colorado Memory (Original Post) madamesilverspurs Sep 2013 OP
It is a privilege to live in Colorado locks Sep 2013 #1

locks

(2,012 posts)
1. It is a privilege to live in Colorado
Mon Sep 16, 2013, 01:34 PM
Sep 2013

Some years past a group of Nepalese monks came to Boulder and painted a large mandala. We could sit and watch them. It was so beautiful and then we watched them pour the sand into Boulder Creek. This creek is bringing sadness to Boulder people today but we will always have great memories of the many times our children and CU students have tubed and played in it and built rock cairns just for fun and the beauty of nature.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Colorado»A Colorado Memory