In the years since, Buddhist monks have continued to create intricate mandalas out of sand for festivals and sacred ceremonies. These works of art are then swept up—the sand blended and poured into a river. This might seem tragic, but it helps us remember that everything is temporary. We can appreciate beauty in front of us without missing it when it is gone. Today, the process of creating (and sometimes destroying) mandalas is an art form, spiritual practice, and meditation tool. Drawing mandalas is a wonderful way to release yourself from “the monkey mind” and move away from your to-do lists, schedules, worries, and fears for a bit. The idea is to zone out and let yourself enter a creative flow state. So turn on your favorite relaxing music, light some candles, take a few deep breaths, and let your subconscious mind take over as you draw your mandala masterpiece. Yoga Academy International has become one of the world’s most reputable yoga institutions, being recognized for the high standard of education and the quality experience students enjoy. The aim is to take a more holistic approach to yoga which includes not only postures, alignment and anatomy, but also the ethics and philosophies of yoga, guiding students into a more heartfelt way of living. Rudick helps her students see their own light within and share it with the world with enthusiasm and confidence. When not teaching yoga or running her school, she can be found surfing, hiking, beach bumming, snowboarding, snuggling her puppy or eating ice cream.
