Contemporary Implications of the Mandorla

Cultural...

Nowhere is the need for the transformative power of the Mandorla more compelling than between cultures. Any cultural differences can lead to predictable misunderstandings and conflicts, in spite of good will. But, particularly in the United States, those conflicts also touch upon the lingering wounds and unfinished business around issues of injustice and oppression that is our historical legacy.

Engaging these differences consciously and with respect calls upon our better natures. With the right blend of humility and courage, we can choose "our way," rather than "your way" or "my way," as a new path toward healing. In this spirit, Mandorla Resources International has developed Diversity Partnerships, collaborating with many groups and organizations that are addressing cultural dilemmas.

Diversity Partnerships offers our skills as experienced trainers, facilitators, and consultants in support of Valuing Diversity initiatives, Anti-racism programs, community dialogues, and cultural competency trainings. No one person or group has THE answer; every effort is a piece in the puzzle. When viewed together through the Mandorla, each step brings us closer to a world of healing, empowerment, and collaboration.

Relational...

When any two people come together, possibilities exist for both conflict and collaboration. Holding the idea of a Mandorla in a relationship creates a "container" strong enough to carry multiple perspectives. Instead of destroying the relationship, difficulties can be transformed into new opportunities for learning, self-expression, and mutual benefit.

Any interaction between the Feminine and the Masculine presents a potentially powerful Mandorla. Like the "opposites" of Heaven and Earth, these two energies, which at times appear to be irreconcilable forces, can create magic and mystery when they come together. This possibility forms the heart of the Essential Partnership/Women & Men programs available through Mandorla Resources International.

Offered in a variety of formats, Essential Partnership/Women & Men provides a safe space to share experiences and explore questions around gender issues. The experiences may be personal, professional or social. The questions may involve men and women, men and men, or women and women. Whatever the issues, our goal is to increase respect, reconciliation and co-leadership between genders.

An added bonus: Our experience has shown that when men and women develop the skills to address gender conflicts, they can stand together as stronger allies to address other systemic social dilemmas.

Personal...

The Mandorla offers a way to balance our contradictory human qualities in ways that allow for our fullest self expression. Cultural pressures guide us to embrace some parts of ourselves and disown others, which then become part of our "shadow." These elements, when unacknowledged, will eventually emerge to claim their place in our lives, often in dysfunctional ways. "That's the time," says psychologist Robert Johnson in his book, Owning Your Own Shadow, "to understand the Mandorla."

"The Mandorla offers healing for the split," says therapist Brian Jensen. "When the most Herculean efforts and the finest disciplines can no longer keep the painful contradictions of life at bay, one can find relief in the Mandorla. [It] binds together that which was torn apart..."

Completing our triad of services, Mandorla Resources International offers one-on-one coaching in Voice Dialogue, an empowering process of giving voice to the different selves within us. With guidance from the coach, Voice Dialogue clients learn to hold the tension of opposing selves and to make informed choices from a new point of awareness. It is also an ideal means of identifying and addressing issues of "internalized oppression."

This internationally acclaimed technique provides both a sense of personal empowerment and peace of mind. By consciously bringing together all the aspects of who we are, we can discover untapped resources that will benefit ourselves and our communities.

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The Mandorla Through History

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"Mandorla People"

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What is a Mandorla?

Mandorla Resources International
9801 Royal Lane #601
Dallas, TX 75231
janevelten@mac.com
dirkvelten@mac.com
(214) 343-7126