24-334 Hope

The Mandala Lady, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
MotD 24-334 Hope — after. textured abstract background with colors of golden brown, maroon, beige, grey, light pink, and white. on top in black ink is a small, atom-like mandala with a white dot (from the background) in the center. from this center mandala, seven large “petals” radiate outward, past the paper’s edge. within each petal are filigree spirals. all of which implies that from one spark a hope, much can be done.

Hope

“to expect with confidence”

If you look at the “before” image (down below), you’ll see a lone, white dot…signifying to me that in this mandala it represents hope. Now I know it seems quite small and yet the mandala that grew out of it is a symbol, a reminder, that with just an ounce of hope, we can transform our lives.

My dad was notorious for saying “don’t expect nothing and you’ll never be disappointed”. In doing The Google, I found that Alexander Pope was attributed with saying “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” Either way…how sad. And funny (interestingly) thing about that…my dad always seemed to be disappointed about something. Again…how sad.

With hope it’s okay to have expectations…while also having an open mind to the outcome. If things turn out differently than expected, we can reflect on how this maybe this works out better for us this way.

We’re being reminded that it’s hope that drives us, that motivates us, that gives us the impetuous to follow our heart, our dreams, our quests. Rarely do we know if they will turn out the way we expect and yet when looking back on previous endeavors, we gained something beneficial in the process of all of them.

”A Course in Miracles” teaches that “everything is in our best interest”…even if it appears, at first glance, challenging to discern. If we go into each endeavor with that confidence, of knowing that whatever we do and whatever happens, it’s all in our best interest…on some level or other.

For instance in 1996 I participated in a radio fundraiser. On this one item that I really wanted, it came down to just two of us outbidding each other until it became too much for me and I had to concede. Even though I lost, I told them that I would donate the amount of my last bid offer. A little while later, they called back to let me know that they had another one available and that the person donating the item said I could have it if I still wanted it. 28 years later I still have my first edition Tickle Me Elmo…it’s a lovely reminder of how hope plays out sometimes.

I would guess that in most things, they turned out better and/or just different than expected…and the outcome probably put us in a different direction…that would have only been possible by acting on our hopes in the first place.

Along with this understanding, we are encouraged to take whatever action we can to fulfill our hopes…that choosing between being an undecided lump or taking a chance on our hopes…going forward with hopeful confidence is always in our best interest.

How about you? Is hope a core value for you?

BTW…here’s what it looked like to begin with …

MotD 24-334 Hope — before. textured abstract background with colors of golden brown, maroon, beige, grey, light pink, and white.

joyfully,

Maureen
The Mandala Lady

🌟 creating mandalas — awakening our creativity

About the 2024 Mandalas of the Day

Each day I will create and post a mandala inspired by one of 366 “value” words chosen randomly. The objective being to discover for myself which ones would best represent my core values…and by doing so, I hope it inspires you to determine your own.

Unknown's avatar

Published by The Mandala Lady

My Mission: connecting with our Inner Light in delightful, inspiring ways For me, creating mandalas is more than just coloring pretty patterns in a circle. I do it because my spiritual evolution and creativity require it of me. My mandala designs come about within an active meditative state, connected with my higher self, my spiritual guides and nature spirits. Together, we bring into form, mandala art the allows me to re-connect with my own inner peace and joy, letting me explore and expand my own creative spirit to however far and in whatever direction I want to take it. As part of my own spiritual journey, I encourage, and hopefully inspire, others to explore their own creativity, to help them re-connect with their own inner peace and joy. As a means to that end, I make all of my mandalas available for people to color. Why should I have all the fun?

Leave a comment