In 2009 I created this poured ink on wet watercolor paper painting. When it dried I added color pencil and gel pen highlights and enhancements. Initially I traditionally framed it behind a matte and glass. A few years ago I decided to reframe it so that it can be experienced more closely. I prepped a square frame with a gold painted background. And that’s as far I went with it at that time.
Today, this week, I decided to finish this piece, trimming it down, and adding more enhancements and highlights, including at least one mandala.
About “Neural Pathways”
Merriam-Webster defines “neural pathways” as “a series of connected nerves along which electrical impulses travel in the body.” When the ink dried on this painting, I could feel the expansive energy and how it wanted to reach out and expand farther.
We tend to believe that what and who we are is carved in stone, locked in. We hear/say things like “it’s just how I am” or “I can’t change” or worse, “I’m too old to change.” This painting reminds us that as long as we are still breathing we can and are encouraged to change, to advance and grow.
Regardless of age, your brain has the ability to make new neurons and construct new neural pathways throughout your life. When you engage in new experiences or think in novel ways, new pathways are forged. Every time you think a specific thought, a specific pathway of neurons fires up, neurotransmitters are released and synapses are subtly altered. With repetition this pathway is strengthened. Marie Pasinski, M.D. – from 2013 Huffington Post article
Most of what we do, good or bad, is by habit. If we want to eliminate a, habit, rather than rid ourselves of it, it works to our advantage to create a new one. This new habit becomes a new neural pathway while the old one wanes from lack of use.
“Neural Pathways” inspires us to inventory our “pathways” (habits) and forge new ones that allow ourselves to expand to our full potential.
Follow Neural Pathways’ progress via the Mandala of the Day.
About the Mandalas of the Week
Each week I choose one of my existing mandala paintings that wants to be upgraded OR create a new one and post it here. Throughout the week, I paint/draw/color/collage/etc it and post my progress on the Mandala of the Day. I post the upgraded version later in the week.
Happy Coloring!
joyfully,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
follow me on:
Mandala of the Week 