About Beata | beatacypcar

My story

I have developed a passion for mandalas alongside my secretarial career in London.

Painting mandalas has been an invaluable and soothing help in dealing with everyday challenges, and exploring my creativity.

Thanks to mandalas my life has become more meaningful and happier.

I certainly won't exaggerate by saying that mandalas have been friends to me, the same way as the animals were Beatrix Potter's friends!

Mandalas - the beginnings

I had begun to create mandalas over

10 years ago, long before the colouring

books for adults were introduced!

On 25th July 2010 I wrote in my diary:

'I haven't written a word for more than

two months. I didn't feel the need to do it. I think that creating mandalas replaced pouring my heart onto the paper with a pen. This is a new way of expressing myself and reaching for the light and the dark hidden in the unconscious'.

I have been painting mandalas since then. During this time, I have found that the 'sacred space' offered by a mandala creates a comforting environment for displaying thoughts and feelings.

Also, in this inspiring and nurturing setting my creativity has unfolded.

As my passion for mandalas intensified,

I learned to 'unlock ' their symbols.

I become fascinated with the meaning of colours, shapes and numbers.

I related my own perception to the traditional knowledge, religion, art, philosophy, and also to the great book by Susanne Fincher Creating Mandalas.

I am convinced that all of us have their own interpretation of colours and shapes. This is, in my view, the best approach to take when trying to understand your own mandalas.

Nonetheless, I also promote openness and sensitivity to various cultures as this enhances the mandala creating experience and gives it more flavour and richness.

'Inner Richness'

Painting mandalas has been an amazing adventure for me. As I mentioned earlier, a mandala has helped me self-soothe through expressing emotions as well as uncover my artistic flair and creativity. But most importantly, a mandala has enabled me to return to teaching and live the dream, my childhood dream.

'Living the Dream'

Sources of my inspiration and influences

I grew up in the Catholic faith, which

I highly respect and which is a continued source of guidance and inspiration for me.

I take a great interest in various religions and philosophies. They have been invaluable helpers in my journey towards fulfilling my heart's desire and developing spiritual understanding.

I admire charismatic individuals who follow their dreams with enthusiasm and determination on 'the road less travelled'.

Wisdom, empathy and compassion are the qualities I admire in people.

Universal life energy and its contribution to maintaining wellbeing has always fascinated me, and over 10 years ago,

I started to practice Reiki, an ancient Japanese relaxation technique. I am grateful to Reiki for the soothing and comfort it has given me and other people but at the moment I am giving my full attention to the mandalas.

My soul is touched by opera and ballet.

In my view, they beautifully express the big human themes: life, love, death, loss, passion, joy and anger.

I also enjoy singing and dancing as a way

of self-expression.

My artistic talent has developed naturally

in an intuitive search for 'more'.

Art galleries and museums are sanctuaries where I go to immerse my senses in paintings, sculptures, textiles and beautiful objects including jewellery and ceramics.

My family is very artistic, which was an important factor in nurturing my flair

for drawing and design.

Completing imaginative painting courses and learning the elements of graphic design has strengthened my creative skills and has equipped me with useful knowledge.

Reading the stories and myths from all over the world has developed my imagination.

I will share some of these stories during my workshops.

Nature has played an inspiring and comforting role in my life by offering the abundance of colours and the healing properties of green.

Its cycles are a reassuring reminder that spring always comes after winter, bringing renewal and revival. I have come to an understanding that the same principle applies to the human life: everything happens at the right time, and according to the synchronicity law (the Law of Attraction). But this does not mean just sitting down and waiting for 'a miracle' to happen.

A distinguished Brazilian author Paulo Coelho writes in one of his books: 'Dreams mean work'. I couldn't agree more.

From passion to purpose

The idea of conducting mandala painting workshops began to crystallize once I had accumulated substantial knowledge and experience in the discipline of mindful drawing.

Having realised the benefits of this delightful activity, I was determined to share its secrets. The notion of helping others while doing what I love was truly exciting, and I decided to set up my own company.

My pedagogical experience ( I have a Qualified Teacher Status in Poland and the UK), my warm personality and great listening skills nicely dovetailed my mandala craftmanship.

Turning my passion for mandalas into a meaningful career has been an incredible process and the last few years have transformed my life.

Completing Level 2 in Counselling Skills, Mental Health First Aid, Art 4 Art Therapy, Coaching taster courses and working for the mental health charity have given me more insight into the human condition and enhanced my empathetic approach. I can draw upon them as well as my teaching experience from Poland when conducting mandala painting sessions.

More mindfulness in my life!

Except for practicing mindful drawing,

I have explored relaxation strategies and meditation with Inner Space (Covent Garden). I have also been influenced and inspired by the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn (Wherever you go there you are. Mindfulness meditation in everyday life), Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now) and Anthony de Melo (Awakening), Louise Hay, Rumi, Abraham Hicks, Ajahn Brahm, Thupten Jinpa, Kari Samuels, and Deepak Chopra.

I am convinced that here is the most appropriate space to express my gratitude to all the amazing people who impacted my life and my growth.

In the past, my presence was not strong at times but now I am incorporating more and more mindfulness into my daily activities.

I practice mindful eating and dwelling in stillness. At the beginning, they had required lots of effort and discipline but cultivating them became easier with time. When I face setbacks, I remind myself that every moment is a new beginning, and I start again and again.

Trusting the flow of life, having more acceptance and self-compassion are important factors. Without them, mindfulness is not a loving and caring practice, as designed.

My motivation to continue developing presence is strong and I find being present immensely attractive, blissful and elegant. At the same time, I equally appreciate the benefits that the mind wandering brings: it has been proved very useful in my creative processes, during performing monotonous pieces of work, and multitasking.

You decide how you use your mind.

The cultivation of mindfulness gives you the opportunity to stay in touch with your feelings, and claim your power back.

'Reconnecting with inner child