Join Carla Orlando for Part Three of Way to Being, March 9.
“We are asleep on a goldmine, on a wellspring of energy, on a volcano of creativity, on unbelievable reserves of genuine love. Everything is there, in the hidden corners of Humanity, in the interior recesses of men and women throughout the planet. Everything is there to form a more human world.”
Andre Rochais, founder of PRH International School of Adult Development, priest, psychologist, educator
Way to Being: Mandala

Andre Rochais believed that within every human being, there is a universal dimension that goes beyond all cultures or beliefs, a life force that propels them to become themselves and live in relationship to the Spirit. His research resulted in a methodical, contemplative way of following body sensations, helping persons become more aware of their interior world and “being,” a process that respects each person, their freedom, autonomy, dignity, and uniqueness.
In session three, we’ll introduce a new theme and medium for creative expression and review the method for the benefit of both new and returning participants. More teaching and practice of written reflection and speaking/listening in small groups will help deepen the practice of creative expression for all. Participants are encouraged to experiment with these contemplative tools between the sessions and in an on-going way, all transferable to a personal practice and for sharing in other, faith-based settings and groups.
Self-Preparation:
What are my motivations, expectations, or apprehensions as I prepare for evening #3?
I return to my work from evening #2. What did I learn about myself by working with collage?
Theme:
What about others? Are there people from my past or present that awaken for me a sense of Spirit, meaning, or call?
Method:
Mandala
Mandala or “circle” is an ancient, spiritual practice that encourages our contemplative way of being. Our initial exercise will be to learn and draw the 5 universal shapes. By spending time with the presented theme, we create a quiet, interior space and allow our minds to notice and follow an invitation from “below the neck,” a felt sense. The mandala slowly emerges through a methodical choosing, drawing, and coloring each layer, becoming a meditation that forms a design of personal meaning. Stepping back from the work encourages further reflection: “What does this process or creative expression reveal to me?”
Materials:
Simple, easy, and inexpensive, meant to encourage freedom and use, located in or around home or found at a local drug store or craft shop. Please do not feel pressured to go to any significant effort or expense to prepare for this program.
- Sharpened pencil and eraser
- Black ink pen or back, fine-tip Sharpie;
- Round plastic lids or containers, at least 2 different sizes (approx. 1½” & 3″, 4½ ” & 6″, etc);
- A ruler or straight edge;
- Colored pencils or fine-tip colored markers;
- Paper, tablet, sketch pad, or unlined journal of any size;
- A board or flat surface for working, protected as needed by newspaper, brown bags, or sheet;
- A pen and lined paper for reflective writing.
Optional and additional materials for mandala:
- Materials from evenings #1 and #2.
Wednesday, March 9 at 6pm PST, via Zoom. Register here. (If you registered for session one, you don’t need to re-register.)

Our Guide:
Carla Orlando, M.Ed, is an educator and spiritual director who teaches discernment, reflective writing, and contemplative prayer at Seattle Pacific University and at the Grunewald Guild for art and spirituality. Carla’s ministry includes Spiritual Direction Services at the Ignatian Spirituality Center, the Spiritual Exercises of Everyday Life retreat, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and the Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative. Carla’s somatic method, training, and supervision with PRH (Personnalite et Relations Humaines) International School of Adult Development is integral to her personal approach and guides her work with university students, faculty, organizational professionals, and people of faith.
Questions? Email Sylvia Sepulveda.
Contemplative Creativity meets the the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm PT, via Zoom.