Each Mandala Community Weaving project grows from the spirit of the group that creates it. From the colors of the weaving, to the representations of people, to the shapes of woven areas, to the texture of the weaving, the completed Mandala Community Weaving is a true reflection and celebration of each community.

Participants in the Mandala Community Weaving will discover new connections with their classmates, their colleagues and their community. As one hospital administrator said "I have worked next to Mary for seven years and yet really did not know her until we worked on this project together."

As a reflection of each community, the Mandala Community Weaving helps to raise awareness, pride and self esteem among the participants. A mental health client was pleased to discover how the mandala created by his group was impressive next to the one created by the staff.

Weaving is a simple metaphor for community. To build a weaving we bring separate materials together in a patterned structure. One of the advantages of this weaving project is that it can be accomplished by people of all mental or physical abilities and ages. It can be created in one day or worked on over a period of weeks. Once completed it can be added to again and again. There are subtle variations in color and materials that make each Mandala Community Weaving unique and a reflection of the community.