On Saturday, April 8th, 2017 I hosted a Responsive Universe book signing and photography exhibit at Honey Hill Coffee in Wauconda, IL. Thanks to all the great people that came out to visit - it was a very successful event! The photography portion of the event centered on the seasons of change and how it relates to this Mandala of life. Below is a synopsis of that photography event:

In its simplest form, Mandala means “circle.” It is an ancient Buddhist symbol of inner and outer space where everything is linked as one and from which the Cosmos and all its energy arise. The Mandala includes the journey of birth, life, death and rebirth. Mandala's are intrinsic to our existence: A day evolves into night only to return to day again. Planets rotate and galaxies revolve. From spring comes summer; from fall comes winter; and from life springs death and then life again:

LilacsClose up floral image of blooming lilacs - always a spring treat in the Midwest. Shot in Lake Zurich, IL.

Spring represents birth – regeneration – new life and new beginnings…. We are born from energy and thus an insignificant but most eloquently conscious entity – an intrinsic part of the system that is everything.

VertigoThis is what can happen when you lay on your back in a wild flower field and shoot up through the foliage. Ticks included! Shot in Lake County Forest Preserve.

Note: This image was showcased on April 8th, 2017 at Honey Hill Coffee - part of a photographic exhibit celebrating the seasons of color in Wauconda, IL.

Summer represents energy, life, karma, love and existence. We are now aware of our connection to the Universe. We may not understand it, but we know through space, clarity and responsiveness that we are connected to a vast and sophisticated conscious Cosmos.

UpwardDon't forget to look up from time to time; especially if you are walking through a forest. This image taken near Minocqua, WI. illustrates the marriage of conifer and deciduous trees adding much contrast to the forest skyline.

Autumn represents beauty, wisdom, knowledge and compassion. We are here in this world as both learners and teachers. We need to be able to look in retrospect from the autumn of our lives and smile back on summer and spring. We need to be happy and satiated, alive and well...

Snow SetA great image of a snow covered Bangs Lake at Sunset. I love the texture of the glistening snow at Sunset.

Note: This image was showcased on April 8th, 2017 at Honey Hill Coffee - part of a photographic exhibit celebrating the seasons of color in Wauconda, IL.

Winter represents an exchange in energy – from life births death… Winter may be the most alluring of the seasons – Death is one of the most sublime beauties yet to be discovered. Understanding the evolution of a Mandala shows us that where there is life there is death and then life again – a revolving vortex of energy where matter is not destroyed – it only changes form… From this wisdom comes an unadulterated vision of not just a mortal world littered with dogma and ego - but a vast and unfathomable Responsive Universe....

John C. Bader is a photographer, wellness advocate and consultant specializing in spiritual self-evolution, meditation, and bio-energy healing. In his writing, he bridges science with spirituality and provides steps to encourage more mindfulness in daily life. His new book, The Responsive Universe – Illumination of the Nine Mandalas is a step by step process on how to begin your very own journey in Self-Discovery.

About the Book: www.responsiveuniverse.com

Now Available: Amazon    Barnes & Noble

The Responsive Universe on Facebook

John C. Bader on Twitter