## The more chaotic the outer world is, the more essential it becomes to develop a centered inner health and strength to return to over and over again.

![Chinnamasta front sf.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYMqgUk6hVEijnXEmBsdTCdrXWFLHgxEu59sSYxxbdbne/Chinnamasta%20front%20sf.jpeg)


This last week has been an intense one in my life with work days ending in the A.M.s. And adding to the load of life to carry I’ve found myself having strong feelings about the jarring happenings in the world right now. 

After the 1st super late night I had a little tap from inside my head reminding me that the only way to thrive within this is to shake myself out of automatic mode and turn to my ever present inner peace. I’ve built this consistently and it’s there for me when I need it. 

#### I can tap into the sweet consciousness that transcends the outer happenings around me and wow, what a difference! Not only am I happier, but I’m much more effective and efficient with my work, my humor flows, I don’t tire as easily and even if I am exhausted, I can tune inwards to replenish and focus my energy.


![CHinnamasta drawing.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbnRkm3rEkeoVjJzKnkeVbnS8vkdhvZ3mEhcJSMazKpc3/CHinnamasta%20drawing.JPG)
*our process begins with a drawing using very specific proportions and geometries*

The Chinnamasta Yantra builds this very capacity - the intuition  that reminded me as well as this well of consciousness.  My example is just one of so many ways that knowing how to tune into the ever-present timeless part of ourselves is extremely helpful in nearly all aspects of everyday life. Developing this builds an inner resilience that is invaluable.

The Yantra of the Tantric Goddess Chinnamasta diminishes the stimulus of the five senses and heightens the sixth sense - intuition. **When you have intuition, you have your own compass, guide and protector.** She ceases the activities of the mind destroying ignorance and distraction opening higher consciousness. Along with this comes the power of will and vision.

![Chinnamasta wet clay.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTb9edkKStfeDSNrjMUa4LL4SJ5rv7yC46Gu2ZjYq81f8/Chinnamasta%20wet%20clay.JPG)
**Next we cut it out in wet clay. It will be bisque-fired, glazed and fired once more before it's ready to be put together.*

If you’re new to Yantras, a brief overview is that Yantras are a type of Mandala and are a physical diagram or transcript of a particular energy. 

I like how Sarah Tomlinson, a wonderful and influential Yantra artist, describes Yantras:

>“This is a visual form of meditation where the symbol itself provokes a healing response. It is a remedy, it is also a doorway into the cosmos. Whichever area of life you feel stuck, or stagnant in, or if there is a place where clarity is obscured in some way then yes… there is a Yantra to bring light to the situation.”


The powerful and rich geometries of Yantras offer beneficial uplifting, restoration, cleansing, focus, heart-opening and sweetness for anyone who is in their presence. The ancient and sacred geometry carries a resonance that can have very restorative effects on our well-being and are touchstones for wholeness.

Although Yantras come from the tradition of Tantra out of Northern India around 2000 BCE, their  power and impact transcend any religious or spiritual tradition. It’s kind of like meditation - the practice is equally powerful to those who aren’t Buddhist. 


I hope you enjoy this Yantra. It’s simplicity and palette make it one of my favorites. I made it in collaboration with Rob Streff over the past 2 months. It is a 10-1/8” square made of handmade ceramic mosaic. Here it has been thinnest and grouted onto tileboard and is ready for framing. 

Other posts showing Yantras I've made:
https://steemit.com/art/@natureofbeing/new-work-kali-yantra-mosaic-the-goddess-of-transformation
https://steemit.com/art/@natureofbeing/durga-yantra-mosaic-complete
https://steemit.com/design/@natureofbeing/process-process-process
https://steemit.com/art/@natureofbeing/mega-mandalas

![FOOTER.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmddwwkT8fPXdityVETGDFfSyeRi1naT6CVfZDj1a6BFwC/FOOTER.jpg)