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A Moment of Zen - Three for Thursday

 

 

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love to garden, mainly growing flowers.  There is something so gloriously fundamental about putting my hands in the living soil and planting something that will benefit bees, butterflies and/or hummingbirds (my way to decide what to plant - plus drought tolerance once established is a must since we live in the Chihuahuan Desert).  Planting and tending to the plants is my meditation and I experience many moments of Zen when I feel deeply connected to myself, to others and to Mother Earth.

 

Just what is “Zen?”  It’s to explain, especially when it is often tossed around so carelessly in popular culture (maybe like I just did above).  Zen is an authentic spiritual tradition, a path to an awakening: awakening to / realizing who we really are, and awakening the aspiration to serve others and take responsibility for all of life.  Zen is believed to be our true nature expressing itself moment by moment.

 

 

 

Tasseled Mala-Inspired Crystal Chakra Yoga Bracelet with Lotus Charm Handmade by Mary of PrettyGonzo 

 

 

About 2,500 years ago, the Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama, who came to be known as Shakyamuni Buddha and was the founder of Buddhism, revealed this path toward awakening.  The word “Buddha” simply means “awakened one.” He taught that we can all awaken and that, fundamentally, we are all buddhas - we just need to be awakened.  Sometime around 450-500 A.D., Bodhidharma was born and became known as the “first Ancestor of Zen.” He brought Buddhism to China but faced scepticism there at first since he said that Buddhist scriptures were only a guide for achieving enlightenment and that enlightenment itself can only be attained by practicing Dhyana or Zazen (seated meditation).  At the heart of Bodhidharma's teaching of authentic Zazen meditation-based Buddhism is attending to the body, breath and mind. Probably Bodhidharma’s most famous dictum, “Point directly at the human mind, see its nature, and become Buddha,” is essential to the Zen spirit.

 

With all that in mind, I decided to dedicate this newest blog, A Moment of Zen, to beautiful Zen-inspired jewelry created by three handmade artisans.  The artists featured are: Mary of PrettyGonzo; Kathy of KatsAllThat; and me, Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. I hope you enjoy these wonderful creations.

 

 

 

Om and Fairy Gold Magatama, Green Druk and Lilac Leather Beadwoven Bracelet Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

 

Peaceful Goddess and Spiral Pendant Necklace with Earthy Jasper Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

 

Colorful Mandala Earrings with Buddha Charms and Rudraksha Seeds Handmade by Mary of PrettyGonzo 

 

 

 

White Lotus Flower Crescent Pendant on Textured Silver-plated Chain Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat

 

 

 

Brass Om Aum Pendant Yoga Necklace with Yellow Aragonite Gemstones and Turquoise Czech Glass Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs

 

 

 

Buddha Beaded Tribal Necklace with Shell, Carnelian and Jade Handmade by Mary of PrettyGonzo

 

 

 

Mala Prayer Tassel Bracelet with Rudraksha Seeds, Blue Turquoise and Camel Jasper Handmade by Kathy of KatsAllThat 

 

 

 

Turquoise and Copper Czech Glass Lotus Blossom Yoga Earrings with Swarovski Crystals Handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs 

 

 

I certainly hope you enjoyed each and every one of these unique, handmade, Zen-inspired  creations!  If you would like to make my day and the day of the talented artists featured, please leave a blog comment.  And any promotion you can do will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

My contact information:

 

Indiemade shop:  Shadow Dog Designs

Indiemade blog:  Shadow Dog Designs’ Blog

Blogger Blog:  Shadow Dog Design’s Blogger

On Fire for Handmade shop:  Shadow Dog Designs

Artfire studio:  ShadowDogDesigns

Facebook:  Catherine’s Personal Page

Facebook:  ShadowDogDesigns - Jewelry

Twitter:  ShadowDogDesign

Pinterest:  Shadow Dog Designs

Flickr:  Shadow Dog Designs' Photostream


 

SHADOW DOG DESIGNS

Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry

for the Discerning Woman

 

 

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Comments

Thanks so much, Catherine, for this lovely promo!

Many thanks for sharing these beautiful handmade jewelry creations, Catherine! And super thanks for including my necklace, earrings, and bracelet. Have pinned everything and will be tweeting. Also will be sharing the blog itself. Thanks again! Treats to the Wonder Dog from the Wonder Kitty! :)

This is so lovely of you!

Thank you so much Catherine for including me in your 3 for Thursday. Sorry I am late but I will be promoting. I have been under the weather for awhile and have missed a promotion or two lately.

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