What is it about the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci that draws approximately six million viewers to the Louvre every year?
I have a print of her here at home, and I asked her. I looked into her eyes and waited for an answer. This is what came to me:
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
For centuries scholars have been intrigued with her Renaissance identity. But does the truth of her fascination lie with the quality and power of the painting itself? Many people comment on how her eyes travel with them as they walk past her painting in the Louvre, or even when gazing at a print at home or in a book.
Mona Lisa – Her mystery
Mona Lisa’s beauty lies in her mystery. She is not beautiful by modern standards, but rather plain, unadorned, and certainly not an example of a classic beauty. She is not trying to be demure, or sexy, but in fact is quite the opposite. Her hands are large and a bit pudgy. There is no revealing cleavage, and yet she is just so composed, so sure of herself with her enigmatic smile that seems to say “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.”
Leonardo da Vinci has used a technique called chiaroscuro – the rendition of light and shade – to portray the particular shape of her features and the quality of her skin. We can feel the dedication of the artist as he works the paint so delicately over her face and hands.
This woman knows she is loved!
And she shines love back.
Leonardo da Vinci has painted her large in front of a distant landscape. There are winding paths behind her on both sides, one is smooth and leading to flowing water and the other path is rough and overgrown. Could the paths be symbols of the paths we can choose to tread in life?
Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.
When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.
The painting in the Louvre is small, and yet she has a huge presence amongst all of the paintings in the gallery and wherever she is displayed in print form. I get a feeling of the love and respect that Leonardo felt for women as he painted this portrait. It is a painting for women, to empower them. Equally it is a painting for men, to feel their tenderness, and for both men and women to honour the sacredness and preciousness of women when they are absolute and complete.
Mona Lisa – Her inspiration
Throughout the centuries Mona Lisa has remained a constant. She has been continuously emanating a quality of energy to inspire us now as modern women to be that grace and presence ourselves – our own Renaissance. She puts out a challenge: a choice to be that, or not. Spending time contemplating this portrait has brought me to a place of understanding about the power of the painting and the truth expressed in it for all women.
Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman.
I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am then able to bring my qualities – delicateness, fragility, tenderness – to others in my daily life. I now have a deeper appreciation of the beauty, grace and power in women claiming their true qualities.
Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world. And that is what six million viewers receive as they walk past Mona Lisa at the Louvre. What a gift to humanity!
by Bernadette Curtin, Byron Bay, Australia
You may also enjoy:
The Yearning and Impulse to Express our Beauty by Gina Dunlop
What Defines a True Woman – Returning to Be-YOU-ty by Kate Burns
Women Speak 101
Image credit: © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / Michel Urtado
Women in Livingness Blog 
“When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.” I had this same experience yesterday where I could not work out what was crushing me and making me feel so much less than I know I am, what came to me was that the presence of comparison had seeped in and it was like a poison corrupting every quality I know is truly me. It was like a sickening cloud of pollution over me. Once I nominated it and let it go I instantly felt back to me and the quality I know as me within myself, and my heart beautifully expanded letting out the light again.
I love the symbolism of the pathways behind Mona-Lisa and how they can be symbolic of the choices we have in life to make and hence the corresponding path we would travel or may find ourselves on.
The confidence and ‘assuredness’ of a woman have little to do with her outer beauty but is an emanation from within, and this is something for each of us to practice and live in deepening layers.
Thank you Bernadette for your sharing about the Mona Lisa – there is much said here for me to reflect on and areas I had not considered in symbolism!
She is timeless and in that teaches us that true beauty is about quality not physicality.
I went to the Louvre a few years ago and when I got to the Mona Lisa it was quite a surreal experience, instead of the normal standing and appreciating a painting at a gallery people were frantically taking pictures of it on their phones .. it was literally like being at a rock concert!!! What was ironic was the stillness that is felt from the painting was the complete opposite from the crowd of people that came to view her, even pushing each other out of the way to get a photo. As most things in life, when we have our phones it takes away the feeling and appreciation of being in the moment wherever we are. I love this question you raise ‘Could the paths be symbols of the paths we can choose to tread in life?’ I must admit I hadn’t noticed the paths much in the painting before but yes absolutely they could be a symbol of the path we tread in life or more so the choices we make.
Mona Lisa reflects to us something that is in all of us and that is a great knowing and understanding of the divine.
Inspiring read, thank you Bernadette, a beautiful reminder of the qualities we all hold as women and the care we can take to express those and not lose ourselves throughout the day. It is definitely a powerful painting, offering a return to the stillness and depths of beauty we all have within.
Spot on Melinda, and this quality holds all women as equal and sacred, and hence not one ounce of comparison can come from the way this woman has been painted.
Having heard so much about the Mona Lisa, I was disappointed to see how small it was the first time I saw it. But looking at it for a while, it emanates a presence of deep stillness and a quality long forgotten, buried in ourselves in today’s society.
What a great picture, seriously when we feel the quality in this picture we are reminded that we are all other worldly.
“This woman knows she is loved!” And she knows she is love and an inspiration for all to be all the love that they are.
It just goes to show when we know we are loved and of course deeply love ourselves the ripple affect it has on others is clearly felt ✨
Reading this I can really feel the qualities in the Mona Lisa you write of, and of those qualities in me. And this is what she is saying too – we are all equally beautiful; outside measures of this are irrelevant, beauty is what you connect to within and emanate.
I was in a newsagents the other day and there was a magazine about history and on the front page was a picture of the Mona Lisa, what was really cute was that a child around 6 years old pointed at it and said look Daddy there is Mona. It was said with such affection, the child as do many felt the unimposing sacread quality.
How old is this picture? There is something very eternal about this picture, The Mona Lisa is a reminder of the fact space is vast and goes on for ever whilst time is man made and temporary.
“There are winding paths behind her on both sides, one is smooth and leading to flowing water and the other path is rough and overgrown. Could the paths be symbols of the paths we can choose to tread in life”? This is quite possible as I find there are only 2 paths- one with the soul and one with the spirit. I must admit I never notice the paths as I always look into Mona Lisa’s eyes. I find I feel settled and empowered seeing a woman like her.
I feel the same Fiona, the Mona Lisa is a true mirror reflecting the sacredness we all are.
Always the best most powerful photos/ pictures of women are of those who know they are deeply loved and are not afraid to shine that out.
Mona Lisa is a painting you can’t look at and not feel something from it, as you say reminding us that we are much more that what we have settled ourselves to be. The confirming, appreciation and sacredness she eminates is something I absolutely adore to look at and have as a continual reminder.
I love your understanding of the Mona Lisa Bernadette, you capture her essence and her absolutely stillness and sacredness that is in every woman. The painting offers women to feel what it is like to be in the presence of a woman who knows who she and does not need to prove her worth in any way.
The picture is timeless and reminds us of the fact that there is so so much more to life that what currently meets the eye.
It makes so much sense that the vibration of the painter will be affecting the picture, in Leonardo’s case the man was clearly a genius connected to the universe with a gift of bringing through pure heaven.
There is a real authority and beauty in just being. The Mona Lisa is a great reminder of this for us all in this modern era.
Beholding and appreciating the absolute surety and confidence of another is an incredible reflection and healing that we all benefit from: we see it in another and we know that we are that, too.
What is inspiring is the timeless quality: that the Mona Lisa reflects a steady stillness and depth of beauty to all women is as relevant to women back when it was painted, as it is now.
The painting of Mona Lisa is small, yet what it emanates is huge and powerful, ‘The painting in the Louvre is small, and yet she has a huge presence amongst all of the paintings in the gallery and wherever she is displayed in print form. I get a feeling of the love and respect that Leonardo felt for women as he painted this portrait. It is a painting for women, to empower them.’
Lorraine your comment reminded me that as single bodies we too are small, yet our presence can have an enormous impact when we surrender to our soul, and to the sacredness and love we are.
Indeed Bernadette I can really appreciate Mona Lisa’s completeness and absoluteness – the settlement in her body gives you permission to simply be yourself – no more no less.
The Mona Lisa represents the truth of beauty – it’s not in your clothes, role or physique but what you emanate – and boy does she shine away.
The true essence of a woman that is what is clearly felt when looking at the Mona Lisa. We have a Mona Lisa at home as well and as I was reading your blog looked up at her and felt a stillness within my body. The irony is when I went to see her at The Louvre the crowd around her was anything but .. it was like being at a rock concert!!! Crazy that currently in this day and age instead of being able to stand and appreciate something we are looking at it through a mobile phone trying to take a picture of it franticly. ‘This woman knows she is loved!’ I would go further to say this woman knows she IS love and emanates this humbly yet powerfully so.
She feels so rock solid, so content in herself, and so knowing. She knows everything she needs is within her and she is part of something much grander than human life, to me she feels untouched by the world, yet fully in it. She is quite the study.
Could it be that we cal the Mona Lisa mysterious because the image is emanating a quality to us that is equally in us too but have made this mysterious for ourselves because we have walked away from it long time ago and have comfortably forgotten about it?
There is an authority in her stillness. It is inspiring to feel. It communicates the true essence of being a woman in connection to our divinity. When I look at it, it has the power to support me to connect to this. It is what Leonardo Da Vinci painted it for.
This is so true Michelle – there is a simple being rather than a doing that comes from this painting, and this is in such a settled way that it allows you to stop and be as well – therein lies the power for us all.
In our current world of so much image manipulation Mona Lisa truly reflects divine inspiration to humanity to re-connect to our own stillness and live from there.
I have a couple of prints of this iconic painting in my home and often when I look up as I walk past I am called to stop for a moment by the exquisite stillness emanating from her. For me, she truly offers a reflection of the inner beauty of each and every woman, a beauty which is timeless and priceless.
We have a picture of the Mona Lisa in our home, she is a great presence for us as we live, reminding us to be aware of quality as we carry on with the daily tasks of life.
One thing I notice is that many women in paintings are still putting out a front or trying to be something more or less than they are, the same as in photos today, whereas with the Mona Lisa there is none of that – she is a woman completely content with who she is – and that is really quite rare currently.
So why would we call that what Mona Lisa emanates mysterious as we all have this same quality within and instead try to be someone or something.? You could say that we have lost the connection with that what we call mysterious but actually all know so well and is not mysterious at all.
“I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman.” So true this is how we build a foundation that supports us to honour ourselves at every moment in learning what it really means to be a woman and live this without compromise. People are drawn to the Mona Lisa is because she has all the qualities and essence of a woman. There is a stillness and radiant beauty that says this is who I am, open transparent delicate and serene yet you can feel the power that lies within.
Mona Lisa is not mysterious, she’s surrendered, radiant and her contentment is what puzzles us – we’re not used to seeing this emanation from women today.
This really shows that there is purpose in art and also that it has an effect on us. This means that it is important to know what quality we put out for others to receive and that when we paint or draw with emotion this will affect the people who are looking at it.
I like how you discuss the winding paths in the painting, and what they may be portraying, ‘There are winding paths behind her on both sides, one is smooth and leading to flowing water and the other path is rough and overgrown. Could the paths be symbols of the paths we can choose to tread in life?
Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.’
There is an amazing quality about the Mona Lisa. I saw her in The Louvre 30 years ago and was struck by the absolute presence she has, a quiet power that held everyone in the room.
There is a steadiness and lightness in the reflection that the Mona Lisa offers, I like to reflect on how I am feeling in relationship to it when I see it. It is a great marker of my own stillness and grace.
I have the mona lisa in my bedroom and I love the simple beauty she represents.
I have seen and felt the quality of women actually living in the quality that Mona Lisa composed herself in. Now what a blessing that is for all to be graced by! And such is the potential of us all when we live from our Soul.
The Mona Lisa is regarded by many as the most famous painting in the world. This shows us that there is something about this image that we cannot take our eyes off and that speaks to us universally. For no matter our geographical location across the globe, when we look at this portrait we are compelled by her beauty, yet she seems so ordinary. What is it about her that draws us to look deeper? The depth of her gaze, her smile…
Could it be that Leonardo knew exactly the quality he was capturing with this image and that this quality is the love and light of our Soul – our true self – and that when we see this reflected through an image such as this, we cannot take our eyes off it because it is reminding us of the same exquisite beauty that lives deep within each and every one of us? Furthermore, there is nothing mysterious about the Soul’s light. It is the most ordinary thing in the sense that it is our true and most natural way to be. If we think that such beauty is mysterious then is this not an indication of how far we have drifted from it?
‘There is nothing mysterious about the soul’s light’ – so true Liane, scholars have sidetracked us with questions of her identity, and many of us have wondered what is the so-called mystery she holds in her gaze – why this portrait is so compelling. You have explained it beautifully.
Well said Liane. The old alchemists used to say about the ‘philosophers Stone’ –people make a big hooha about its mystery but it is so common and ordinary, that you actually know it like the tip of your nose.
Apt analogy Lyndy, for is not the nose symbolic of the truth and our ability to sniff and thus live it?
Totally Liane. It is a wonder we don’t all look like Pinocchio. The truth is right here at the tip of our nose, at our fingertips, within our innermost – we are imbued with, born with, and can never lose this adamantine diamond of truth. It can only be covered over with the murk we have bought into imagining that this was ‘life’.
‘An inspiration for the modern Woman’, yes with the pace many of us women live in today it is a moment of grace to pause and reconnect to the innate stillness with us, the grace of presence and beauty of our being.
I remember being quite surprised at how small the original painting is that hangs in the Louve though the emanation was powerful. Those eyes are alive with the knowingness of the sacredness that women hold.
Indeed what a gift to humanity. A symbol of grace and true beauty with no sign of the modern day ideas of what makes a woman beautiful. Her presence is everything and that cannot be denied.
When I saw the Mona Lisa in Paris I was shocked to see how small the picture was. Yet the power emanating from it was palpable. “She has been continuously emanating a quality of energy to inspire us now as modern women to be that grace and presence ourselves – our own Renaissance.” Beautifully expressed Bernadette.
She is not your everyday beauty, she doesn’t have the big eyes, small chin, slim body and big bum that everybody is looking out for nowadays. But she looks like she is completely content with herself, she’s not trying to prove to anybody that she’s beautiful she just sits there. What also comes through this painting is the appreciation Leonardo must have had for her while painting in order to so accurately capture her essence.
Wow, yes – what a gift to humanity. To have a piece of art which serves to remind us of our qualities, of the beauty of us all – thank you for bringing that to light Bernadette
The pure steadiness that one can see in this great piece is what we are all searching for. It is not surprising that so many visitors are heading to view this artwork. What is interesting to note is that the idea of beauty is marked by her solidness in knowing who she is not what the world wants her to be. Now I know why is it called a ‘master piece’.
The only thing that matters is my quality.
So very true that our ‘…presence transcends time’. For our Soul in never bound by time or physicality or anything in this world, as such whenever we live in connection to our Soul, the essence of who we are, it is this timeless beauty that emanates forth from our eyes, our body and our movements, imbued with the wisdom, power, grace and sacredness all of which represent the qualities that we innately are as woman.
Your words about a woman feeling complete really stand out – how many women feel complete in themselves? We so often strive to be more and are so intensely self critical as if our as yet undeveloped strengths (also known as weaknesses) are faults to nit pick at and prove that we are not enough. We do not even give ourselves the right to grow, instead going into self attacking for not meeting a picture. The other side of this is the completeness Mona Lisa reflects and her deep connection to her qualities, to her sacredness, grace and stillness. This is a woman who knows who she is and is settled in that, and hence we see a woman complete in herself and emanating true power. The word ‘complete’ invites us to surrender into all we already are and to enjoy the way this unfolds – no self criticism necessary.
It is amazing that Leonardo Da Vinci chose a reasonably ‘ordinary’ looking woman and brought such beauty into that face with the energy of stillness and repose. She certainly is an inspiration to modern woman who has lost the plot with all her raciness, anxiousness, restlessness and constant ‘doing’ to keep everyone happy.
The Mona Lisa is an ordinary woman with an extraordinary smile that comes from the depth of knowing who she is – who we all are.
I have never looked beyond Mona Lisa’s eyes to notice the 2 paths behind her. I will have to take a look! “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” This is exactly what I feel when I look at her. She knows herself and she reminds me that I know myself equally. She reminds me of the true quality of women and to honour that deeply.
When I look at magazine covers of beautiful models or pictures of women on billboards yes I see there is physical beauty but underlining the picture there is often a sense of emptiness and competition often these pictures are used to ensure the viewer feels lesser. In the picture of the Mona Lisa I see none of that I feel she is saying I am divinely beautiful because I know who I am, she is simply inspiring us to also see the divinity and beauty in ourselves. When we feel the energy of a picture or photograph it is often quite different to what our eyes first perceive.
I agree, when you look at Mona Lisa it’s like she says to all women: I’m amazing, I’m strong and I’m steady – I’ve got this – and you’ve it too.
Leonardo da Vinci was very astute in painting her as an ‘ordinary’ woman with no definable traits of external beauty as we have come to define them, nor is she bursting with cleavage. He is giving us every possible chance to drink in the true depth of her beauty – the stillness, the steadiness, the sacredness – without the usual pitfalls of comparison and jealousy befalling us as per the usual route when we look at the beauty of another and see only the surface value. In this way, we see in her, the same depth of beauty and stillness within ourselves. A blessing indeed.
It’s a good point Liane that in her ordinariness we are not distracted by an outer beauty, instead we can feel in full the true depth of a woman who is connected to and emanating her sacredness, stillness, power, and grace. Da Vinca has somehow captured the formlessness in form.
Wow that is a beautiful way to describe the quality Melinda, Formlessness in form captured, pure divinity in action.
What a gift indeed! Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings have completely changes the way I view art in general. It is rare to find art work that seeks to truly support and inspire humanity.
That’s very true, Leonardo Da Vinci has shown me there’s more to art that an amazing picture, it’s about the quality and the aliveness of the picture which is a direct reflection of the artist themselves.
How we move builds our quality, how utterly simple and yet profoundly true. We build the quality we emanate to the world.
It just shows us that we love the reflection in truth ! Kinda funny really we live the opposite of this but instinctively know we are far greater and are drawn like moths to a flame of truth.
Beautiful reflection Bernadette. The Mona Lisa is a living quality of true beauty that communicates the power of a woman in the grace and sacredness she is.
Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa emanates the essence of a woman who knows and appreciates the Divine beauty and sacredness of her inner being.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This is true of all woman , the femaleness of their essence.
Yes, I love the purity of this painting, how it disarms you, and brings all things back to the most basic truths that we can know.
Amazing… I couldn’t but smile at the end of this article in what you share – the millions of viewers that view the Mona Lisa, the gift that they receive. The legacy of love and of a life dedicated to serve humanity in and with love remains, and it cannot be retracted.
Yes we are all knowing and the reminder in this painting – the quality emanating from it is undeniable – hence its popularity!
A masterpiece that has stood the test of time and has the world viewing in the millions says a lot!
I love the reflection Mona Lisa offers us all and the absolute, stillness light and love held within her features heralds a moment to pause and appreciate that which also exists within us all and that is amazingly felt by the quality found within this glorious work.
What if …. our beauty, our mystique, our grandeur did not come from the way we look or they way we dress but from a magic inside us?
That is an absolute yes, the truth of our being…
I love stopping to take the time to be with my copy of the Mona Lisa; in fact just looking at it as I pass often stops me in my tracks and asks me to take a moment in time to feel her presence and in turn to feel mine, where I am at in that moment. And yes, there are times when I too can hear her saying: “When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are”. That is a most valuable message as who I am, who we all are, is so very amazing so why would we want to pretend to be anything or anyone else?
I’ve always felt the power of this painting also but for a long time I turned my nose up at it finding all ‘the fuss’ over this artwork a bit ridiculous and believing it was just another peice of art people pretended to like and understand so that they appear ‘cultured’. I even felt this way when I went to see the real thing in the Louvre! What a waste. How humbled I have been as I have come to feel the incredible power and wisdom that is communicated through the expression of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Thank you Bernadette, I’ve read this before and it’s been calling me back to read it again. Such immensely powerful words about the Mona Lisa “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This speaks so deeply to me and awakens something within me.
There is a definite quality of calm and serenity about the Mona Lisa that is not found in any other portrait that I have seen. She sees all with no judgement.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. When I visited the Mona Lisa, knowing it was one of the most viewed paintings in the world, I was taken by its size. It’s a small painting and in Louve where it lives, it is cordoned off to the public by ropes. I watched hundreds of people come and go, and everyone, whether they were aware of it or not, was transformed by the experience. The emanation of the painting and what it represented confirms us all in our divine beauty, grace, and power.
Yes I remember also being surprised at the size of the Mona Lisa. Another beautiful reflection that it is the quality and not the quantity that truly emanates power grace and beauty.
The painting of Mona Lisa is the most beautiful invitation for us all to come back to our essence and once again be and move from that absolutely divine grace and beauty that we all are within.
Every aspect of the painting is beautiful , and the presence of beauty and sacredness emanates from the painting. Just so Divine.
You can not deny what you feel when you look into the Mona Lisa. A reflection of a wise lady that is showing all her power, beauty and grace with a classic pose and glances. I feel lighter and inspired when I look at her.
I love your exploration of what love is and isn’t, Bernadette. I used to think love was some extreme emotion, but I’m starting to feel that it isn’t that at all – that we all have it, are it, in equal measure. The extent to which we can feel it depends on how we live in each moment, the quality of our thoughts, how we move, how we feel about ourselves and others. Knowing that everything we do is either harming or healing, loving or not loving, and making more loving choices, is how we slowly start to feel more of that love that we innately are.
I agree the Mona Lisa is confirming of who I am / we are as woman. No hiding, powerful, tender and sacred. I love to look at it and have it in my work place.
I love how this painting allows us to feel her essence and in that connect to our own and in this she is definitely an inspiration for all women and her timeless reflection is a gift to all.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” . . . beautiful Bernadette. The Mona Lisa certainly says all this and inspires us to celebrate the beauty that emanates from within as who we truly are.
“When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.” I can completely relate to this Bernadette and I know the feeling inside me that the Mona Lisa is emanating, and to chose to live in a way that hampers that connection is really quite devastating, but it is our normal way to live distracted. Being reminded of our qualities and love, of being beheld and beholding is natural and this painting is a welcome anchor to remind us of our internal home.
What a gorgeous concept, that we could be complete. And what a gift from Leonardo, to have a reflection of a woman in her completeness.
Mona Lisa is saying to us, the standards of beauty are man-made and can change like the wind. Beauty is not on the outside, but it is already within us waiting to be revealed. Like everything else, being that is an emanation of a quality, it needs not be said nor advertised. This woman knows who she is and that is not because of any outside recognition or external appearance. She knows she is more than just the physical, and it is this that we find intriguing, absolutely, as this depth and breath we feel of the Mona Lisa, too, is within us all.
What if our quality, our presence, our delicateness, the depth in our eyes and our universality is actually more powerful than what we look like and is where our true beauty is found?
The quality we all feel when looking at the Mona Lisa is that which comes from being prepared to know self as a son of God, in full. To make the choices to negate anything that prevents us from living in and with this honesty, as it completely simplifies life, brings understanding and halts our many vices in but a moment.
The Mona Lisa is a gift. But so are we. Every single woman has the power to emanate the innate stillness that we are born with as a woman. Have we taken this responsibility to heart? Have we simply expressed what is the most natural to us?
‘This woman knows she is loved! And she shines love back.’ Indeed and she is a great reminder for all of us that we are love, we are tender, we are fragile and to be that in the world is a gift for all.
Knowing we are loved we must first know we are love. Whenever I feel my family and friends being especially interested in the Mona Lisa painting we have in the house, it is a beautiful confirmation of a deepening of love.
“Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman.” Yes it is true, not in the usual sense that you would get from magazines where there would be a comparison of the woman on the page to how we are looking and feeling, but from an inner knowing that is sensed and felt, The Mona Lisa leaves you alone, there are no images to live up to, nothing imposing or hooking, only a stillness that says yes, I too am you.
When I look at Mona Lisa I feel ‘remember, you are me and I am you’, she is showing that what we hold inside transcends what the outer has asked us to be, and that allowing that through is divine beauty, power and precious. I have also been to the Louvre and stood behind a crowd of people and yet felt completely touched by seeing Leonardo’s painting… there is nothing small about what this painting shows and emanates!
“THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED! And she shines love back.” This describes the Mona Lisa perfectly to me. Thank you Bernadette. In our essence we all know we are love, loved, cherished and adored. The Mona Lisa inspires me to reconnect to the essence of who I truly am.
I have never liked seeing Jesus on a cross, it always seemed quite barbaric and I couldn’t seem to find anything sacred in it, yet with the Mona Lisa I can feel her divinity and yes you are right Bernadette what she represents is inside all of us.
When I was younger, I was always open towards boys in a friendly way. I approached them with the intention that I can be friends with boys just as well as girls. This approach often gave a chance for the boys to feel like they can be themselves, and that was something they loved about me. I now realise that that’s the reason why so often they would develop feelings for me, it had nothing to do with my physical appearance, but exactly that innate quality that I allowed to come through.
The Woman knows she is loved and she shines love back, what a gorgeous reflection and so much needed in a world that is no longer aware of what it means to be loved or offering love back. The stillness is exquisite and while we may not feel the full extent of what she is reflecting there is something we all feel that keeps us mesmerised by a beauty that is so much more than skin deep.
I love your phrase ‘a beauty that is more than skin deep” alisonmoir as we all know this beauty, the beauty of the soul, still and exquisite.
The image didn’t download with this blog, but the way you described it meant that I could feel the picture without using my eyes yet my eyes saw the picture as well. I have not felt this before and it has been a gift. Thank you! I will look out my picture of Monal Lisa and put it at my desk so I can remember to embrace stillness when I am working, knowing that I am that love.
“THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED! And she shines love back.” What a confirmation this picture is, she is confirming we are all loved much more then we often tend to admit or care to feel. When we do accept the love that is all around us we confirm the universe and the multidimensionality of life.
The Mona Lisa says to me that we are the same, we come from the same source -divinity. Then there is a choice to express that or not. And even if at the time we walk away we have been touched by her grace and beauty and that stays with us wherever we go.
It is awesome how such a small painting holds such a huge presence. Even as I see it now on my laptop screen, even smaller than the original, it has a completeness and an eternal quality. Although there is a great stillness there is also a flow and harmony.
‘I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty’ The Mona Lisa reflects these qualities knowing we all have them equally within.
Something that I love about the Mona Lisa is how the picture lacks any kind of sexuality because although it is of a woman she does not lure you in with physical temptation and desire which is rare for images of women from the period of time it was made in and especially nowadays when the sexualisation of women has gone so far and so extreme.
Have you ever heard the saying “One Picture Worth Ten Thousand Words”. Well in this case it fits, this painting says more to me than some of my teachers in school ever did. I have a relationship with this picture, its not perfect, sometimes I don’t want to look at her because I get annoyed, I think I am over it, I think, why does everyone love that picture so much? Then other times I feel what she is offering me and in that moment my body rests.
I love your honesty Sarah, how cool that this painting allows us to feel everything there is, even if it is not wanting to look at it.
I can think of three women who remind me of the stillness, beauty and wisdom of the Mona Lisa and as they walk with us they too inspire me to feel as though I too can reflect back the same beauty and authority as I go about my daily life. We can all do this as we are all the same at our very core.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” – this is so profound and reflects for me the absoluteness of what it means to live claimed as a woman. For our greatest power comes through living in connection who we are in essence, knowing that we live the same quality that resides within every other women, equally so. And so the sacredness we live we live not for ourselves alone, but in the embrace of all that we share this universe with. And this quality will continue to live on, though the lives that are touched and inspired by the reflection of who they are in essence.
The Mona Lisa, does feel supremely still, so much of modern life is about doing and she sits there in stillness observing and holding us with her loving stare.
This painting is an inspiration , it says “I am”, with no need for anyone else to say “Yes you are”…this is something that inspires me and reminds that this quality of love and conscious presence is within us all.
The Mona Lisa has captured the hearts and imaginations of hundreds of people over the centuries – not just an amazing show of skill and renaissance art, there is something about the Mona Lisa that is more than paint on canvas – the way her eyes follow you, her slight smile and the fact that she is beautiful and yet if you really take the time to look, she meets none of the modern standards of beauty. So what is this saying? Is it possible that all those years ago, Leonardo captured something – something more than just the likeness of a model, and he did more than simply paint a great painting – what if along with her physical features he captured the essence of her, and in doing so of every women – an essence that is beautiful, timeless and graceful so that when you look at the painting that is what you see.
Looking at the picture of the Mona Lisa here she shows to me a woman fully claimed and in her essence, her upper chest is full yet there is no feeling of sexuality or wanting to attract she knows who she is and she is not shying away from being a woman. The delicateness with which Leonardo Da Vinci has painted her is exquisite, she feels very real as if she is right there with you, it is a painting that surpasses time. When I look at her there is a vibration that runs through my body that just stops me in my tracks and offers me a moment to feel the delicacy and stillness that emanates throughout the painting. Like you say Bernadette this is beautiful gift for humanity, thank you for sharing.
I love how there is so much to see in this painting and how everything has a meaning and a lesson to learn from. People are indeed not drawn to this simple picture of a woman, they are drawn to the quality this painting emanates – something we all deep down crave and know is true.
I love the sharing about the 2 paths behind the Mona Lisa and how this could be the choices we have – love or not love. This is a cool way to look at it and for the first time I can really notice the difference between the 2 paths. I love the endless messages that can be felt and seen from this painting.
Lovely to read again. There is such simplicity and power in this line “Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.”. The Mona Lisa painting reflects the stillness, wisdom and sacredness that comes from choosing to be love.
Whether you look at her hands or at her face you get reflected the same graceful love. I love her hands, the stillness touches me.
It is a most beautiful painting, it is more than meets the eye that touches us and brings out the mystery. It is the quality that is so known to us all but made unkown in our current way of life. Giving the reflection to return to and get back to the women and men we truly are.
Your gorgeous blog is another gift to humanity Bernadette. Lately I have been feeling the grace and power offered by this work of art and it truly blows me away. If we choose to connect to our soul each and every one of us can live as a walking , talking, breathing Mona Lisa.
The Mona Lisa painting is an inspiration, I have it in my clinic at work, my room is in the centre of the building, she is in the centre and it feels amazing to feel the quality of the painting alongside me as I work. The stillness and ease that she expresses every day inspires me to go deeper with my knowing of myself as a woman.
All of the above I shall confirm as the truth written reaches my heart (inside truth). It is so beautiful what you have written here when you looked at the eyes of Mona Lisa: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
This teaches us all women to be ourselves, to come back to who we truly are – an emanation of lived stillness, grace and beauty and so completeness within oneself for All.
The Renaissance was a time when humanity was offered the opportunity to arise out of the shadows in which we had plummeted and reclaim once more the light of the Soul that lives within us all. The Mona Lisa for me reflects this resurrection and is a symbol of the undying love we all in essence are. As love never dies, her reflection is ageless and therefor has the power to span many ages for her gaze forever calls us all back home to the love within our hearts.
Beautifully expressed by a 21st century Renaissance woman, thank you Liane
I love how the Mona Lisa shows us that the magic of a women is not in the way she looks, but her essence. Women have so much magic that is overlooked because people’s gaze only goes skin deep.
‘I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am then able to bring my qualities – delicateness, fragility, tenderness – to others in my daily life.’ And in this way we are an inspiration for other women, without explaining anything, it is emanating out of us, we can not hold back the beauty and wisdom we carry in our bodies.
It is so true Bernadette, the Mona Lisa is not classically beautiful, but there is something about the quality of her essence that emanates out for us all to feel. I have several prints of the Mona Lisa in my house, so her eyes are definitely on me wherever I go and I often stop and ponder on her reflection of stillness which supports me in coming back to me.
What I have come to feel is the beauty of Mona lives not in her appearance, but the quality she was painted with. Like a ripple in a pond that never ends, the sensitivity and purpose Leonardo Da Vinci held in every brush stroke emanates constantly and touches everyone that she sees. She asks and questions you and me, do you settle for life as just what you see, or do you know that we are more, that we are divine, that we are here to be Love? and anything else is but a game absurd distraction from the brilliant truth that lives inside of you. It’s this joke of our life, Mona knows and expresses with her smile. Thank you Bernadette, for bringing her beauty to light.
A worth while interpretation of the Mona Lisa.
Enjoyed reading your account Bernadette
This is one of my favourite pictures and each time I look at it, I sense the completeness and absoluteness in it. And reading of your experiences with it Bernadette, and hearing how it reminds you that every step, every movement builds the quality in us as women stopped and touched me deeply. I feel the grace offered in this reminder and that’s why I love looking at the Mona Lisa daily, as a reminder, a check-in that everything matters and there is a beauty and delicacy we bring as women to the world which is pure gold, powerful and delicate, and very much needed.
The message and symbolism in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of the Mona Lisa is as powerful today as it has been ever since it was first painted. A woman who knows who she is: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
“Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world. ” Is is so beautiful to feel this energy whey standing in front of this picture, I have a prints everywhere and I for me its a reminder and confirmation of the power and stillness I have within me.
The Mona Lisa continues to fascinate, crowds flock and she is held as being a timeless classic with eternal enigmatic appeal that is still rivetting now as it has been for centuries. The desire to understand this painting remains a quest, yet we have to love how it feels to really get it.
Thank you for your take on the Mona Lisa, it is always interesting hearing about things from an artists prospective, you deliver some technical points that are held by your energetic understanding of this piece of art. I have always been a little perplexed by this piece myself, I felt watched, deeply met and at time even a little intimidated, in the end, I always loved how steady she was and how never wavering an expression she holds. What I am getting to is that the picture never changed but I have, so each time I would look at it, depending on how I lived, depended on what I felt from her expression.
That is a great insight Sarah, that the picture doesn’t change, but our reading or response will change according to how we are living as women ourselves.
When I look at the Mona Lisa, I feel the power and authority in her body coming through her still, gentle eyes, which equally I am, it is this reflection of my essence that she is confirming. It would account for all the visitors that gaze into her eyes and receive a reflection of their own Divine Glory and essence that connects them to their beauty, their Soul, that touches us so deeply.
The picture of the Mona Lisa is indeed intriguing and the mind cannot make sense of why it touches us so deeply. I have seen people cry in front of the painting, others standing their in awe, not sure what they are looking at and feeling. When walking towards it you can feel the emanation already long before you can make out her features and looking at her stops you in your tracks. It only makes sense in a world that is made up of energy, which explains that even objects emanate an energy, there is no otherwise explanation why a small picture from several hundred years ago would draw so much attention.
One thing that is certain is that the millions who flock to see the Mona Lisa do so because of the divine quality of unadulterated female ‘livingness’ that Leonardo brought when he painted her. This shows that everyone in fact does know this quality intimately and cannot help but be magnetically pulled to it, albeit unconsciously.
The two different paths behind Mona Lisa are such a powerful yet simple symbol for the choices we make everyday, to live from love and move freely, or to walk the path of obstacles and struggle denying ourselves the graceful movement that is love.
Soo true Roslyn.To feel our natural sweetness and our essence, which Mona Lisa confirms that we all have equally, as testified by all the comments made here, is so delicious. Returning to this innermost divine knowing who we truly are cannot be matched by any external success.
How different would our Art classes at school have been, if we were treated to such a beautiful sharing of the Mona Lisa as a Woman whom we could relate to also. Her natural beauty and composure and Grace that all of us have within too.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing. I have found it difficult to appreciate the Mona Lisa painting. Most of the time when I looked at it I would shut down to what was being reflected even not willing to feel and accept the resistance held within. This morning felt different. What struck me most as I looked at the painting was the depth of stillness and the incredible power emanating from this stillness. As the tears flow knowing it is within me too but yet to be lived in full.
Bernadette, you inspired in me a greater understanding of the Mona Lisa and what she brings to all women .What she brings is ageless, transcends all cultures and encourages us all to reconnect to and live as the gorgeous women we naturally are.
That’s incredible 6 Million people visit the Mona Lisa every year. That is the power of energy and the confirmation of the great man Leonardo da Vinci.
I have a picture of the Mona Lisa in my room on the wall for the prestige. It is the only painting I have too. I have not really stopped and appreciated the depth it offers. It’s time I did.Thank you Bernadette for your sharing.
Thank you Bernadette for a very beautiful article about the Mona Lisa, reflecting out what every woman is and can be in our divine stillness, I love these words “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.”
When we walk our walk, when we flaunt what we have got, when we cherish ourselves as a son of god, for sure then we will see we are ourselves masterpieces – great works of art each with the power to inspire and delight just the same way Mona has come to do. Isn’t that her beauty after all? to reflect back from the wall you, and you, and you and you, you all are the fairest one of all.
I agree Joseph Barker, Mona Lisa seems to speak directly to us as if we are in an intimate conversation or moment with her. Whenever we stop to look at her portrait, we are confirmed as equals in every way.
There is a stilling quality about her when looking at her portrait. There is no need to push, drive or try but sink into ourselves on a deeper level. Like his other paintings you can’t help but stop and stare, there is a space around them that becomes very still. I experience this every time I visit the National Portrait Gallery to see The Cartoon and The Virgin on the Rocks. This quality when placed onto paper, or in ones daily activities for others to see and feel has huge ripple affects.
I love this interpretation of The Mona Lisa. I could relate to all that you have said here, it rings so true. It has also inspired me to keep a more vigilant eye on myself so that I too can be love more consistently in my life. Now when I look at a print of this painting I shall be more aware of the messages you have shared. Thank you Bernadette.
Beautiful Elaine, it is like we all bring a similar imprint to others in this world, just by the way we look at them when we hold this feeling of Love. What a joke, it is this quality that transforms the world that we know, rather than any breakthrough technology.
Bernadette, we are offered so much by this painting the Mona Lisa, and as you say ‘I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman.’ – that captures for me what this painting reflects to me, a delicacy, a sacredness I carry as a woman and how I’m always called to be that, no matter what is going on, to connect deeply to the those qualities in me as a woman. And how gorgeous that I have access to and can see the Mona Lisa to inspire me.
I love that you have written…every movement and every word I speak builds my quality as a woman. This is so important and it is such a strength for us to feel the power and quality of the Mona Lisa and to know that it is our power and quality equally.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Love this reminder….
‘ This woman knows she is loved’. These few words feel very powerful if embraced and lived, as in just to know and to feel how much we are truly loved, we would no longer carry our hurts and our issues, they would simply not belong in a body that lives true love. I stop to take a moment to feel how much I am deeply loved… I am truly loved, as we all are.
Beautiful jacqmcfadden04 to read and feel how you stopped to feel how much you are deeply loved. As you have written, the hurts and issues don’t define us, they don’t belong in our body.
Absolutely jacqmcfadden04, what if after all there is nothing more? nothing extra we need to do but simply feel all of life dramas are not true, the Love that actually exists rights here right now with me and you? Well then, I feel we would have a similar smile and knowing gaze on our face to the Mona LIsa as we greet the world today and know we all are great.
It’s the game changer Joseph, to feel and know how much we are truly loved would transform all our relationships, would transform how we work, how we move and how we breathe.
‘our own Renaissance’ – so true. Mona Lisa inspires us to renew our connection to our sacredness, our stillness, our beauty. Renaissance in the truest meaning of the word.
Humanity truly is fascinated by this portrait, and how much more fascinating and extraordinary would be the life of the person who painted it. Surely this is a window into the wisdom of someone who knew humanity so well that, within a painting, they were able to tap into something so deep that echoes throughout the ages. Is it possible that this depth of wisdom continues to this day and that it is indeed an ageless wisdom that is a source of renewal and evolution for us all.
‘Is it possible that this depth of wisdom continues to this day and that it is indeed an ageless wisdom that is a source of renewal and evolution for us all.’ Thank you for this beautiful question cjames2012, My answer is a resounding ‘yes’, that we can all tap into this deep well of universal love.
Bernadette, I love the Mona Lisa, and have her picture in my room, there is such an understatedness to it, and yet there is an absoluteness of the all there, that as you say confirms us all as women and invites us to remember the stillness we all naturally hold and are. It never fails to remind me of the beauty there is in all of us, and to connect to that beauty in me and all those around me.
The fact that this painting is still so widely known and viewed shows that while people around the world may not be able to describe exactly what it is that they receive when they gaze at this picture, there is nonetheless a knowing that they are in contact with something ‘more’ than can be described in tangible terms. The serenity, stillness and grace stand out to me and after reading your blog Bernadette I am now able to link this to being a representation of women everywhere. Beautiful!
“Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world.”- A beautiful gift for all who visit La Lourve. I have a picture of Mona Lisa in my living room. Very timely to appreciate the qualities it brings and know that I too have these divine qualities within me also, as a woman.
“Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love” And as you shared Bernadette our bodies show us when we are choosing to not be, it feels horrible. I can feel on a deeper level just how much I have not chosen to be me, but the more I connect to the real me the more I then choose to respond to these choices lovingly and without the harshness that the not loving energy that is not me would choose to react to such messages from the body. If I am not choosing to be me and my body highlights this truth with a message such as pain, tension, emotions or moods now I am building an appreciation for the alarm and responding with – ‘what am I choosing to be unaware of?’ and ‘what energy am I in in order to be experiencing this message?’. It has developed and continues to build on where I now can’t just push through these messages as I used to, they are getting louder and I am understanding the joy and love that comes from honouring these messages. It’s like if we didn’t stop at the red traffic lights we’d be constantly crashing into others and weighting off cars by the hour, thats expensive and painful and yet we’ve done just that with our bodies. It’s ability to regenerate is amazing but what if stopping at the traffic lights allowed us to have a quality of journey that was not so painful and traumatic?
I love your questions in response to the alarms of pain, tension or moods, Leigh Matson. Honouring these messages in this way feels very powerful, joyful and loving, and prevents another crash.
I have four paintings of the Mona Lisa in my house, one in each room. The biggest one being at the foot of my bed so this is usually the last thing I look at at night before I go to sleep and the first thing I look at when I wake up. Even in the dim light of my bedroom the light from her heart seems to emanate out, and I don’t know what it is about the Mona Lisa but I turn to her when I am feeling a little anxious and I instantly come back to my own stillness and know that everything will be okay.
That is beautiful Sandra!
Thank’s awesome Sandra.- I have a large print in our living room so when anyone comes in they see Mona Lisa. When I look into her eyes I feel a reassurance that everything is fine and not to worry, and just be love.
People, male and female, are truly blessed whenever they look into Mona Lisa’s eyes. As you mention Bernadette, she may not look on the outside to be a modern day beauty, however the power of her stillness, grace and beauty is not external, and therefore those qualities stand the test of time as she continues to emanate that which comes from within.
And the blessing for, as you say Paula, both women and men is in this truth, that what we feel if we allow ourselves to be inspired by the emanating energy of the words, is not about outer beauty seen in looks only, typical women’s magazines. Yet there is one exception – The Women in Livingness Magazine, where you find many Mona lisa’s emanating the same light by choosing to live according to their Soul-full impulse in modern day life. A work of art? I feel so.
A beautiful sharing of the Mona Lisa, Bernadette…and what also stands out for me in this painting is the steadiness of her presence – she has a stillness that is unshakeable, and that is very inspiring…to be living in this world but not affected by it!
Just imagine… If the energetic impulse behind paintings indeed all works of art and products of creativity was able to be felt, then the extraordinary ancient wisdom held by the artist and that shines through the Mona Lisa would put to rest all the myths and stories that are bound, and the truth would be there simply to behold.
More and more it becomes apparent of how every word, moment and detail in action can either support us or not as women. It is essentially a process of re-discovery returning to a way of being as women that is truly honouring of who we innately are. The reflection Mona Lisa provides with this, and Leonardo’s intention in painting her is clearly felt – as an imprint to stand in time, and a reminder to us all of the stillness that we can connect to, all equally so.
We do indeed need to return “to a way of being as women that is truly honouring of who we innately are.” The world is in dire need of the delicateness and stillness that we as women can offer.
Beautifully shared, thank you Bernadette.
There is great clarity and divinity in this picture, like all of Leonardo’s work there is a quality that is other worldly. When I look at the Mona Lisa, I feel her pulling me up reminding me that in truth great beauty is a inner feeling and has nothing to do with perceived outer looks.
That is so true Samantha – real beauty is an inner feeling ad not outer looks. It almost feels as if this were the reason Leonardo actually chose this particular model to convey that truth. The Mona Lisa was passing by on my moving screen saver the other day and I was totally refreshed by the vibrant youth that was emanating from her, something I have never specifically clocked about this painting before!
Beautiful to clock the ‘vibrant youth’ emanating from this ageless timeless image Lyndy Summerhaze, thank you for this gem.
In art I never really understood (nor cared to listen as it just didn’t feel right) the understandings that people gave behind a piece of art or poetry, the history and why it was painted was understood but never the emotions behind the work that fascinated people. Here however there are no emotions, nothing drawing you into the painting but allowing you to be right where you are but there is a depth to them (other Da Vinci’s such as the Cartoon and Virgin on the rocks I frequently visit). This depth is available for all to see and explore if they wish, it’s all laid out before you and yet if you choose to not go deeper thats fine also. The Mona Lisa is completely content with herself and willing to show you all and that absence of need from others is what makes her beautiful.
It’s like Mona Lisa goes beyond what it is to be woman, but looks on at all humanity, lovingly smiling as she sees true reality, the games and false ideas we play out. She kindly looks on, seeming to say our true beauty is so much grander than what we see. Thank you Bernadette.
Yes it is no wonder why so many go to visit the Mona Lisa every year.
It is a gorgeous thought to believe that the Mona Lisa emanates a quality designed to inspire us to be our own renaissance and to honour and embrace the grace and presence within ourselves and then reflect that to the world like this painting does for so many. There is no doubt that this painting is supremely powerful in what it can teach us about holding this quality and steadiness as a woman.
Oh My Goodness….I never got what all the fuss was about with the Monalisa, until now. It’s probably the first time I have truly looked at this painting and I can see the love in her eyes, that so plainly burns in her soul. I also get the symbolism of the background, that could be showing the choices that we make in life to be love or not. I also totally agree with you about the feeling in the body when one is not love, when comparison and jealousy creep in and also the feeling of amazing joy, harmony, expansiveness and love when I am all the love that I can be. Without Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, I would never have discovered this myself. So thank you, Serge.
Fascinating to read about the deeper meanings behind Leonardo’s portrait of the Mona Lisa and what she represents and reveals, particularly the inspiration she offers women so that they can choose to bring those feminine qualities she portrays for the benefit of the wider world. Thank you for uncovering that there is much more to the Mona Lisa than meets the fleeting eye.
“Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world.” Thank you Bernadette. As I read these words today I can feel they are absolute truth yet I find myself struggling to connect with these qualities in my own body at this moment. This in itself is a great marker for me.
Don’t worry Leonne, Mona Lisa is waiting patiently for us! The fact that you feel the truth of our innate qualities is proof that you know them, and are we not all returning to them, gently and in our own time?
It is very steadying to connect to this and know that I have the potential to emanate the sacred stillness you write about here.
Tears of appreciation and connection are gathering in my eyes as I read your sharing Leonne and Bernadette. Thank you for such tender loving and supportive truth and wisdom you share. This is exactly the reason I choose to re-read this blog this morning and here are two very beautiful, sensitive, fragile women sharing the wisdom that I also know and appreciate is with-in and returning to a deeper stillness is an on going evolutionary choice.
The Mona Lisa is a reflection of what every woman holds deep within themselves. There is a feeling of great inward beauty and wisdom that shines out and that has the capacity to hold the viewer in that same stillness, and let all women know they are equally the same.
Bernadette I love this article, what captures it for me is “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” For me the Mona Lisa reflects all that in her eyes, as she makes eye contact with me from wherever I stand, it is like she is following me around the room, offering that same stillness.
I agree Bernadette, The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci is a most powerful inspiration for todays women. Her beautiful, calm, graceful and composed but absolutely natural composition brings a sense of serenity to the viewer, with a depth and wisdom in her eyes that all women could aspire to. Thank you .
You have summed it up well Roslyn. Physical beauty, although much sought after in this world, is quite insignificant; what captures people’s attention is a woman who has claimed her power and her wisdom and is living in her natural state of tenderness and grace. When we see those qualities within another it is quite irresistible.
Bernadette, I love Mona Lisa’s reflected answer to your questioning. She is a powerful presence in her timeless stillness. Even after a full day of, working, communicating, shopping, cleaning, eating… etc; to look at her, she is still still. I pause and melt as I see reflected in her eyes, the inner grace and beauty of the woman I too am.
Yes Kathy, the Mona Lisa is huge reflection for us, bringing us back to our stillness when the choices we are making take us out. We have always known that there is “something” about this woman that is special and Bernadette has articulated it beautifully.
Yes she has articulated it beautifully and it brought me a deeper understanding and appreciation of this divine painting.
Extraordinarily ordinary so beautiful.
So beautifully confirming, thank you Bernadette, for sharing this inspiring story of the Mona Lisa.
Thank you for this tribute to a true work of art Bernadette. The Mona Lisa reminds us that we are all masterpieces of colour and light. Being pretense-free and present just as she is, feels so right.
Thank you so much Bernadette for not holding back how you see and feel about the picture of Mona Lisa. I could remember that I was breathless when I stood in front of her original picture and was completely fascinated from her presence. As you wrote so beautifully: “Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world.” That is so true!
I feel the picture of the Mona Lisa offers us such a great connection back to the divine we are actually all from. The true femaleness and stillness offered here is greatly needed in our world. I have always found it disturbing the many pictures and statues we see of Jesus on the cross to me this does not celebrate our divinity, where as the quality in the Mona Lisa offers us direct divine reflection.
I feel this too samanthaengland, that this painting offers us a connection to the divine we are all from, and that this quality is needed in our world.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This is how the Mona Lisa speaks to me and in her smile she lets me know that I am this stillness and grace too. No wonder millions queue to see her and to feel this quality. But we can have it with us in our everyday, if we choose. Thank you Bernadette and Leonardo Da Vinci.
“We can have it in our every day” – yes so true Joseph, it is our choice.
I can feel the stillness in this painting, it inspires me to feel the power that exists in claiming the women I truly am.
I love the wisdom and knowingness in her eyes- this is the depth of beauty.
Absolutely Kirsty the knowingness in her eyes are divine. I heard today how you can find the Golden Ratio in all of Leonardo Da Vinci paintings, this is absolutely fascinating and shows how clearly connected to divinity he was.
With all the great wisdom and celebration around Mona Lisa in this blog, it is very palpable what an amazing ‘earthing’ the original painting must have been for humanity at the time it was painted. Even if for many it was simply a woman in a picture, the emanating quality has a life of its own.
I agree that it was an amazing “earthing” for humanity Simon, as are all Leonardo’s paintings. As you have written, “the emanating quality has a life of its own”, it is this quality that we feel, that holds us, that gives us a moment to be still and present and complete within ourselves.Then it is for us to continue to hold this quality when we move away from the painting. I feel there is a calling us to be that quality too.
Thank you Bernadette, I love your blog. It captures a feelings of delicateness and knowingness. It’s amazing the power of the Mona Lisa painting reflecting back to the viewer. It feels like anyone can stand in front of the Mona Lisa and gaze at it endlessly. The depth of quality, stillness, grace and light emanating through the painting reminds us that we are all like this too. Very empowering.
Yes chanly88, We are all like this too, and we feel these qualities when we spend a moment with this painting.
Thank you Bernadette, You have given me a blessing with your explanation of the Mona Lisa. I couldn’t put my finger on what was causing an edgy “so want kind of feeling” in me when I looked at her. When you claimed in your explanation “This woman knows she is loved! The piece of the missing puzzle for me was that, as a woman I did not feel that I am loved. Wow! Most of my hurts come from this as my foundation. What a way forward for me now with this false perception is unveiled.
And yes we do have choices the smooth to running water or overgrown hard and turbulent and stagnant.
Once again Bernadette Thank you and blessings to you too.
Thank you Concetta, we can all build our love for ourselves and others with tenderness and care and deep understanding, and especially with appreciation for our vulnerability and willingness to learn and grow. We can choose love in every moment and flow and flower.
Bernadette it is good to read, feel and be reminded about the “wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world.” The busyness of life can be stilled by the contemplation of this painting and be a source of replenishment for the soul.
Yes Patricia, the busyness is stilled, the soul replenished, whenever we take a moment to be with this painting. I feel that we receive the energy of the soul of Leonardo, he shares his quality and deep wisdom with us and for us.
When I was an art student at High school, I always admired Leonardo Da Vinci as a figure for humanity. He seemed to me to be a grand master, like Pythagoras etc. His art is brilliant and I particularly loved the detail and precision tat is displayed. I learned that most of his paintings took 2-3 years to complete. I personally did paintings in 1 or 2 days and was amazed at the level of care and detail that Leonardo must have worked with to perfect his art, not to mention the amazing presence that all of his work has. Truly astonishing.
There is something completely divine about The Mona Lisa and in fact all of Leonardo Da Vinci’s work. He is a true master of his time.
A really lovely read, thank you. I really enjoyed how you said the Mona Lisa reflects who e truly are, and we can’t be anything but that when we are in her presence. How beautiful.
On a postcard or tea towel; as a book mark; in a magazine or as a print on our walls, Mona Lisa is a forever invitation back to the qualities we all hold: stillness, grace and a true love for humanity.
Reading this amazing blog and comments I am feeling it is time for me to invest in a Mona Lisa and enjoy the quality and stillness her reflection offers.
Absolutely Shirley-Anne, what a blessing for everyone who sleeps in the room! And could you feel the energy in the room – how the room feels with the print on the wall? How the room felt when you walked into it?
The quality of the Mona Lisa represents what is possible for all women – a deep stillness that emanates nurturing and love. She truly is an inspiration to us all.
I love that you have chosen to write about this painting , it has indeed intrigued humanity for centuries. I can fully accept what you observe about the painting, Leonardo Da Vinci was incredibly perceptive and he knew that the painting needed to speak to all women, and transcend time. I love how she has been painted, purely ordinary in looks, yet alive in her strong timeless presence. There is so much more to be appreciated by the world with this painting , and this blog is a wonderful contribution, thank you Bernadette.
I agree Felicity, The Mona Lisa transcends time Completely.
Throughout the centuries, there have been many people and signs to inspire us. I feel I chose to ignore lots of them at the time, through those dark ages, but some like the Mona Lisa have been kept as a record for us to reconnect to in this lifetime. She has attracted millions of people to her and will continue to, for we feel her energy, whether we are aware of it or not.
I read this article a little while ago and have been pondering Mona Lisa and Leonardo De Vinci quite a lot since then, concerning what the work shares with us as women and the potential to connect to love and stillness. I have a Mona Lisa up where I work and I have been looking at it wondering what my feeling its about it. I agree she absolutely looks like she feels loved and express’s that love. For me there is something else about her as a woman, looking straight out with no apology, no demands, no measuring, she is open. I feel when I look at the Mona Lisa, it reminds of the gorgeous of equality, meeting all equally with love.
Mona Lisa asks nothing of us for she already knows the beauty we are and the confirmation that our inner ‘Knowingness’ will release that back into the Life we are Living. Beautiful Blog
I love the power in the part “I am every woman” . I feel here the unity of all of us woman, the deep connection we naturally have , the nurturing of ourselves and of each other and this is still an aspect,which I love to bring more into my life. Thank you Bernadette.
The Mona Lisa is waiting (the position of her arms reveal this to me). Her waiting is eternal. There is no hurry there. Her smile reflects an inner connection that is strong. She knows what awaits us. She shows us the way. She knows we will all make it. She reflects us back to us. What she is, we are too. Visiting her is also a visit to oneself. A moment of connection to something we do not know its true dimension, but big, really big.
I like this Eduardo, waiting for humanity to come back to the knowing of who they are and the smile states, a part of us never actually left. Mona Lisa represents that part.
I love this too Simon and Eduardo, that her posture expresses waiting for us to return to the love we naturally are, men and women everywhere. “Visiting her is also a visit to oneself” – it is beautiful to feel this, thank you, and as you write Simon, we are returning to “a part of us never actually left.”
I like that Eduardo. She is waiting, and is eternal.
Very beautifully said Eduardo. It is truly remarkable this connection we can feel when we are presented with the amazing power of stillness and grace, it reminds me of someone who has just had a Esoteric Healing, as they are sitting up and getting off the massage table. Their whole face and body emanates this same quality. It brings me back to the recent Livingness Workshop Level 2 I attended.
There is something so natural and understated about Mona Lisa and yet very precious and striking at the same time – the way Leonardo has captured her qualities is pure genius.
“What is it about the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci that draws approximately six million viewers to the Louvre every year?” I don’t know, but she’s beautiful and I have got four in my house so there must be something very special about her. Maybe there is something emanating from her that we can’t see but we can feel.
How divine that if we know and love ourselves as women, our living reflection calls other women to their power and essence. It shows how when we take the responsibility to connect to our innate love, wisdom and power, this is not just for us but a divine reflection to the world calling others back to the truth of who they are also. Nothing that is true benefits just one person, or can be kept or limited just to them – it is always for all and rightly so given that we are all connected.
“Nothing that is true benefits just one person” – this is beautiful Sarah, truth benefits all and we are all connected.
Trying to keep truth and love to ourselves would be like a fish trying to put a fence around a little bit of its own sea, impossible!
Absolutely Sarah – the reflection of how we choose to live – and how other people can be inspired by this is absolute gold. The responsibility we have here is beyond words and as you say so powerfully ‘nothing that is true benefits only one person’. Wow that says it all.
We have a print of the Mona Lisa on our bedroom wall and I am often caught looking at her for periods of time, there is a distinct feeling of being held by her gaze and a living quality in her expression. It’s as if she is smiling knowingly at what she knows we also know but are not aware of. Beautiful.
I have a rather large print of the Mona Lisa at the foot of my bed and I often gaze at her before I go to sleep. She gives me that knowing look and it comforts me and makes me smile because I feel she is watching over me, with no judgement, just pure love and wisdom.
If we women are steady and still with our presence, men will be set free to be themselves. I feel that when we come from stillness first, connecting to our preciousness as a woman before we start to do anything, our day can flow effortlessly. I love the days when I support myself this way in the early morning.
There is a real power to being still in our presence as women. To observe women who hold this steady and consistently blow me away and is something I am learning to hold for myself. They forever inspire me.
Thank you again for such a beautiful blog Bernadette – what this also shows me is how in Leonardo’s work – there was a true sense of purpose. I absolutely love how the Mona Lisa can be very confirming for women – and ask us to be equally as soft and loving.
My word for this week is surrender hvmorden, surrender to the words you have used, to purpose, to love, to not having everything be a certain way, and I get all this from this painting too. I agree the Mona Lisa is very confirming for us, that we are everything she is.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” I love this quote. I have a smile come on when I imagine it being under the painting of Mona Lisa in the Louvre, seen by millions as they flock to be with her.
The fact that the painting in the Louvre is small, and yet Monalisa has a huge presence amongst all of the paintings in the gallery speaks volumes for the quality she sits in and the quality of Leonardo as he enjoys his subject. The relationship they have emanates the painting and calls us to it. I feel this is why it has such presence beyond even her most grand and colourful neighbours.
The eyes of Mona Lisa are really amazing. When I look into her eyes, what comes to me is – “I see you”, trust, stillness, a smile, warmth, I know who I am, self-confidence, a big heart for other people. love.
I agree Alexander the eyes certainly are something you can look at and open up to. And this is something on a printed piece of paper! It really shows how the magnificence of God need not be limited in the physical plane of existence, providing the receiver choses to not limit themselves. Perhaps it was painted to honour the receiver knowing s/he were equally divine?
As the Mona Lisa sits there it feels like she is always reflecting ‘ I am all I need to be’
I love that, and I feel it too.
You can feel the love that Leonardo has for women, this is indeed deeply felt in the painting. It shows that when a painting, photo or any art object is made, it carries the energy of the artist in it. Mona Lisa reflects such a deep love, for herself and humanity, which is for me the reason it is such a grand and timeless painting.
This is true mariette, any object made carries the energy of the person who makes it. Leonardo held a great love for humanity, and great wisdom and understanding, he knew that our beauty, our love and power comes from within. Therefore it is his energy we feel when we look at the Mona Lisa. A beautiful confirmation of men and women as equals, respecting and loving each other.
It is certainly grand and timeless, as you’ve shared. Mona Lisa’s reflection is empowering and deeply healing.
“When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious” – words of such affirmation Bernadette, that we can enjoy when we take that moment to stop and feel to gift ourselves with such knowing. Beautiful.
I have often spent time gazing at the Mona Lisa Bernadette, and felt that gentleness you mention come over me and through me, and I become still, feeling more of who I am inside. The energy of that painting is so powerful, the kind of powerful that is not force or control, but which comes from deep understanding and awareness of self. No wonder many are mystified by it yet very attracted, and know deep inside themselves that here is something very special for them to experience.
“I become still, feeling more of who I am inside. ” Yes joanchristinecalder I feel this stillness too, and re-connected to my essence each time I take a moment to be with this painting. As you say this type of energy is powerful, and I feel that Leonardo who knew that power himself is sending us a message that deep inside we are all that love too.
When observing this beautiful picture – As you share with us Bernadette “Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman” So true the gentleness, knowingness and a wisdom being held for all to see and feel. Without the intrusion of modern day outer influences to mask such beauty within.
Bernadette your blog is a great example of deep appreciation, love and understanding. What a great gift we all are when we embody and express like this!
There is so much stillness and grace in that beautiful woman! A great reflection for all.
This painting shows a women complete and with herself and not having to be anything but herself. What a beautiful reflection for the world.
There is an immense power in the level of self acceptance and embracing of oneself that reflects the completeness expressed in the Mona Lisa painting Gail. Indeed a ‘beautiful reflection for the world.’
I love this description gail, it certainly matches what I feel when I look at that painting.
Thanks for your wonderful blog about Mona Lisa. Your blog gives me a much greater understanding, why this painting is so amazing. Now I’m also able to see a lot of things, which I hadn’t realized before. A great blog – thank you.
I agree Alexander1207. This blog made me aware that it is for a specific reason that people from all over the world come to see it. It is magnetic and makes you want to connect with the wisdom and depth in her eyes. Amazing.I also love La Scapigliata from Leonardo da Vinci.
And I get a sense that when we allow ourselves to be in this passive receipt of the ideals and pressure we are interminably exhausting ourselves as we quash the totally natural expressions we have as women – to honour, cherish, nurture, appreciate and take care of ourselves and everyone we come into contact with.
Thank you matildaclark for your reminder to “honour, cherish, nurture, appreciate” as when we take moments to think and act this way we build our self worth and we build our acceptance and appreciation of others. Life becomes lighter, more joyful and playful.
It really is interesting how people have been fascinated with this painting for centuries. I often find art quite imposing, or empty, and this work by Leonardo is neither. Equally, it shares the power an artwork can have, without being imposing. Mona Lisa stands as a symbol in history, pervading through each generation as a reminder of the honour for women that can be there – without any sexualisation or imposition. This to me is shown in the painting of her hands. Each exquisite motion of a paintbrush was done in complete honouring of how the light fell on each delicate piece of her skin, and he knew the importance of that in this painting’s reflection, for many aeons to come.
I have never looked at the Mona Lisa before in such detail. Thanks for your observations Bernadette. Your blog made me ponder on what it is about her that is so ordinary and yet makes her so compelling to look at. There is a quality she has that has sparked all the comments on this blog. Leonardo has captured the beauty of this woman dressed in simple clothes, with no special make up, and it continues to emanate from this painting. The message for me is that beauty really does come from the inside.
I love re-reading this piece Bernadette. Feels gorgeous this understanding that beauty comes from the love that we express outwardly, and that our outer beauty really comes from this knowing and fully accepting of who we are, and walking with this in every step. How different could the world be if all women knew they were loved, starting with themselves first, and chose to ‘shine love back’?
It’s interesting that anyone would require reminding that they’re loved, including by themselves, if they just choose to!
Our world would not have the level of low self worth that is in epidemic proportions in women (and men too). The woman we see and feel in the Mona Lisa painting stands in absolute equality with humanity; she deeply knows and emanates Love. Just a glance at this painting is truly empowering as she ‘shines love back’.
What a joy to read your contribution about Mona Lisa Bernadette. It only confirms, real beauty comes out of our eyes, it has nothing to do with our physical body.
I love your quote “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
What strength in your words.
Thank you Natasha, and today I am feeling the strength in the delicateness of this painting, how Leonardo da Vinci was able to express this quality in his brush strokes.
Mona Lisa, an enduring image, one which I reckon the majority of the world’s population has seen, that goes on winking at us to say ‘this quality of stillness is it’.
When I look into the eyes of Mona Lisa there is no mystery. She says that women are none of the false things we have been lead to believe. We are not here to run around in a frenzy of busyness, multitasking, taking care of everyone but ourselves. Quite simply she reminds me and confirms that I am divine. I loved what came to you when you looked in her eyes. That is the power of this picture. To remind and inspire us all.
That’s very interesting Fiona, there is no mystery. Are we prepared to allow the Mona Lisa to be a reflection for us – to look into ourselves and be inspired by the Grace and beauty within? Then there is no mystery.
Aren’t these the 2 perspectives we can actually choose from. The first one is to look and interpret with our minds what we see? Or are we allowing to receive the reflection that the Mona Lisa is offering us? To receive the True Beauty, Power, Strength and Love she is beholding. It is up to us what we choose. The fact that year in year out, SIX MILLION PEOPLE see the painting says a lot about the reflection that we choose and want to receive. Of course… As she is reminding us of the True Love that we are too.
I reckon that the people who visit Mona Lisa and study her from an intellectual point of view are also touched by something much deeper, without even knowing it.
I reckon you’re right Matilda!
Bernadette reading you appreciation of the Mona Lisa supports me to deepen my appreciation for her, myself as a woman and all women. This reduces comparison and jealousy to nothing.
Reading this reminded me how ordinary the Mona Lisa looks in one way, and how totally extraordinary she looks in another, a depth beyond words, that captures what we all know to be true deep inside, as it is equally within ourselves.
Isn’t that the crux? We are reflected that we too are just ordinary people, but are all extra-ordinary on the inside. The Simplicity and profound Wisdom in the picture is huge. And the fact that the painting up until today is still very much appreciated, means that somehow, somewhere on the inside, people just know! That might not be consciously aware, let alone talk about it. But deep inside we all know the Grandness that is within, waiting to be connected too. Mona Lisa is a constant reminder for us that there is indeed this Magnificence there. That we don’t have to go anywhere, that we are allready everything. I love the fact that she’s very still enjoying herself. Observing the world and being connected to her own True Beauty. How amazing that the painter – Leonardo – was able to catch all this in the painting. He must have been a wise man as well.
Floris, I relate to all you say about the Mona Lisa and about Leonardo. She is so THERE. Her confidence and authority, along with her repose, are palpable for all to feel.
I love that Floris, “Isn’t that the crux? We are reflected that we too are just ordinary people, but are all extra-ordinary on the inside.” Yes, this is the crux of the matter.
Yes Floris I love Mona Lisa’s gentle smile which exudes such confidence and tenderness. She is totally mesmerising.
Wow I haven’t really looked at this picture for so long, there’s certainly something that pulls you in and says you are all the qualities I am and more, discover them.
Reading the blog and looking at Mona Lisa I have to agree, the feeling of the deep stillness within me as a reflection is truly lovely and that deep stillness is also within all and so just as I connect to it so can everyone and it seems 6 million a year do so at the museum and how many more worldwide. What a wonderful thing for all those six million plus and everyone they then connect with.
Leonardo da Vinci truly understood light and how to portray it in his art. The picture of the Mona Lisa not only shows the light reflected on her face, but we can also feel the light within, the stillness, fragility and tenderness of a true woman that reflects back to us the same qualities we have within each and every one of us.
Thank you for mentioning the light within, as I agree Carmel, this is the quality that Leonardo da Vinci held himself, and was able to express in this painting for us to feel within ourselves.
Indeed Carmel, we can all feel the light the Mona Lisa emanates, and is a powerful reflection of our own light within and hence the huge amount of people who are attracted to the Mona Lisa.
Mona Lisa is a real delicate symbol for all women in their sacredness. She does not need fancy jewellery things or make up. She just is as she is- and really natural beautiful.
This woman knows she is loved! I smiled quietly today when I read this sentence and can feel the huge positive impact it has on my body, when I accept this as my truth, as in; I know I am loved, I know I am deeply cared for and held, I know I am Enough! oh, my body is feeling the light of truth.
Letting myself be inspired and supported by other women, the Mona Lisa included! An inspiring and developmental piece of writing. Thank you.
I love how this blog actually speaks to me in the qualities you have described here about the Mona Lisa – “innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality”. The Mona Lisa is indeed a gift to humanity and I love how you have claimed this. Your gift in this blog Bernadette is also a huge gift. By expressing what the Mona Lisa has said to you, you have developed and expanded what Leonardo Da Vinci has on offer.
This painting it a classic example of what it ‘looks’ like to have the true power of a woman. Mona Lisa is not ‘doing’ anything in the painting, in fact she has sat doing ‘nothing’ for many hundreds of years. The power of what she has brought in doing so however is unfathomable. It is the quality that emanates from this woman that really has the impact. This is symbolic for me, and for all women, as we learn more to appreciate and build our divine innate quality that emanates, and the power this has.
I love coming back to this blog again and again. There is such confirmation and authority of what it means to be a woman through this painting. By looking at the Mona Lisa I am confirmed in my own power of stillness and connection within. The equality we all have as women in this regard cannot be disputed. The Mona Lisa presents THE ALL to us a fact!
When I look at the Mona Lisa its life all of life’s challenges are put into perspective. I am reminded of something deep within me that knows that I have an ability to handle whatever is before me.
Your comment is a beautiful confirmation of the healing power of this painting Kristy, “knowing there is something deep within me that knows that I have an ability to handle whatever is before me”. I feel this too, every time I look at the painting.
Beautifully said, Kristy. Prompted to remember that ‘something’ deep within which allays all fears and struggle. It feels like expanding into ‘everything is possible’ – and now to work!
A lovely reminder for us all Kirsty that whatever each day brings and not matter the situation in front of us, we all have the ability to handle whatever is in front of us.
So true, Kristy, she reminds us of our true power within.
Six million viewers a year, what a draw card if you have a museum! It has to be the most famous of all paintings and also the most reproduced. We have a copy in our porch so I see her everyday when leaving the house.
I recently visited the Universal Medicine Clinic in Brisbane for the first time and stood transfixed just inside the front door where a magnificent Mona Lisa is placed.
In this timeless painting Leonardo De Vinci reminds all women of the delicateness, tenderness, beauty, joy, preciousness and Sacredness we naturally are.
There are no fancy clothes or make up to buy, (nope, not even those gorgeous shoes!) no car or house that will allow us to feel any of these innermost truths – simply connecting to the knowing that all women have these same qualities- irrespective of geography, religion, upbringing, size, age, appearance or false beliefs.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Beautiful thank you Bernadette
I agree Bernadette, the portrait has transcended her Renaissance identity and now she is every woman. Wise beyond measure she sees and understands humanity without judgment. The six million viewers who visit the Louvre probably do not know what they are attracted to, but you have described it here beautifully.
I’ve have had the same poster of the Mona Lisa for at least 20 years, it is a bit tattered on the ends now, but the beauty is no less mesmerising as the day I got it. For a long time she watched over me as I watched TV, though she did not judge me, I knew she was not impressed. Nowadays, I can feel her glancing over my right shoulder as I work at my desk, when I turn and look at her, I’m pretty sure she is smiling a more widely.
Just as the Mona Lisa will continue to draw millions of visitors because of her allure, this blog is destined to draw much interest and many comments in the years to come because it opens the mystery in a way that makes one want to know, first hand, the stillness, grace and beauty that The Mona Lisa portrays.
Beautifully put Gayle, so much understanding and wisdom coming through the blog as well as many comments, truly wonderful to be experiencing.
6 million+ people a year (let’s include those seeing the Mona Lisa on all the tea towels, mugs and fridge magnets out there) can’t be wrong. For 512 years it has captivated us: there’s no doubt about it, this painting emanates something powerful that transcends time and is universally loved. I used to study art history and theory, a field in which there is often ‘much ado about nothing’ – so much of art is about indulging the whim of the artist. This painting feels like it is there for us, not the artist. This is art in service of humanity, not self.
I so agree with this line Victoria “This painting feels like it is there for us, not the artist”. I do not get the feeling that the artist is wanting us to tell him how fantastic he is, rather he is offering us something and we can choose to accept it or not.
I concur Victoria, ‘This painting feels like it is there for us, not the artist. This is art in service of humanity, not self.’ How different that feels, when the artist does not want or need anything from us.
Bernie your connection and love of humanity is palpable through this very beautiful article. I have a picture of the Mona Lisa on the wall opposite my bed and at work. I am reminded constantly of the blessing I receive when I connect with Her stillness. I just love your summation ” I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every women” This connects me with a deeper level of love and truth. I will be reminded of this every time I look into her timeless eyes. What an incredible blessing your article is.
After a discussion this morning about pornography and the sexually abusive energy around how women are being portrayed on porn sites, and how the viewer is affected, and how some women are displaying themselves on social media, all the above comments are powerful in that the writers understand the true divine beauty that we all are, men and women. This painting feels like an anchor to support us to claim and celebrate our steadiness in a world that is not.
Thank you Bernadette. An awesome insight into the Mona Lisa painting and one that gives me a greater understanding about how truly powerful this painting is.
Absolutely Tracy, it’s amazing to feel the many stories behind this painting, with the knowing that only one is true.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This is so true, she emanates what is of every woman. And therefore what a blessing the world receives when any one woman, rediscovers and claims her qualities in full and goes about her daily jobs.
‘here I am, I don’t need to be something for anyone, just be who I am’. I can feel such power in these words, the power of showing all of yourself, holding nothing back. I agree Ariana, that is real Grace.
What a gorgeous article and one that connects the reader to their womanliness, grace and tenderness (even if they’re male!).
The line, “My presence transcends time.”
feels so profound … her presence resonates forever and everywhere, how blessed are we.
I love looking at and feeling the painting of the Mona Lisa, I can feel how this is me, this strong, still, knowing, powerful woman – this painting is gorgeous and deeply healing.
Thank you Bernadette, I can feel what you say: “Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman.” I will be looking at the Mona Lisa like that from now on, deeply appreciating the gift Leonardo Da Vinci has given us, deeply appreciating the sacred qualities I carry within.
Bernadette, this is a lovely article and a great gift you have offered to us all as women. I love the message from the painting that you shared with us of the power in stillness, grace and beauty, and how that is enough. We are complete. I love the sense of her presence and how it brings us into the timelessness of being in stillness. The painting by Leonardo is a great gift to humanity as is your article.
Judy I love your comment and appreciation of Bernadette’s beautiful piece. I have always known that Leonardo’s love and appreciation of women with his mastery in the Mona Lisa transcends time and you say all this with the wisdom of the ages in that the sense of her presence ‘brings us into the timelessness of being in stillness’
Stillness is a quality in a woman that is sometimes put on a pedestal even though the choice to be this is with us at every moment. To just be in our power and not have to ‘do’.
In understanding that quality is within all of us it to appreciate ourselves and be ourselves. A beautiful connection of wisdom, love and harmony.
that a simple painting, not huge and overbearing, just a portrait, can inspire and fascinate humanity for so long is surely a signpost that what society understands about creativity and the arts is possibly just the tip of a very big energetic iceberg about which more and more will be revealed as we understand the injured flow of energy in the universe more and more.
That one painting that is so small and seemingly plain can be such an icon for hundreds of years is truly testament to the power of energy. It emanates a quality that people can feel, even if they do not consciously know that.
Reading this blog again – and looking at the Mona Lisa again – I can see that no matter what path we chose, we end up at the same body of water! This is a beautiful representation of the fact that no matter how much we choose the struggle in life, we will all return to the Divinity of God and the Divinity of who we really are.
Thank you anonymous, for your understanding that it is a choice – the uphill struggle – on the right side of the painting, with some kind of jagged mirage in the distance – or surrendering to the Divine Plan – the open path, leading to a flow of water. As we spin around and around on planet earth, Mona Lisa watches and waits. Her call to women and men is without judgement.
I love to se more and more women as the living breathing Mona Lisa’s – many women spring to mind that now totally embody the beauty and radiance that was captured by Leonardo in the Mona Lisa
Bernadette thank you for sharing your wisdom about the Mona Lisa. I find your words so true and filled with love of humanity as you said “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” and then ‘ I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am then able to bring my qualities – delicateness, fragility, tenderness – to others in my daily life. I now have a deeper appreciation of the beauty, grace and power in women claiming their true qualities’.
These two quotes could be everyone’s purpose in life and life would be entirely different on planet Earth.
This is a beautiful blog and a very good explanation of the Mona Lisa. I understand the painting and the portrait so much more – thankyou for sharing this with me. What I felt for myself was in the hardness in my body – in contrast to what I see in the Mona Lisa. While feeling this may not be comfortable, it certainly brings to light the path that I am choosing in everyday life.
Being more aware of this can only be a help to me!
I agree Amelia and Maree, we do have these inner qualities, and men have the same tenderness that Leonardo da Vinci had. I feel that this painting is calling us to reclaim our essence in a world which tries to take us away from our stillness and wisdom.
Bernadette, you have beautifully expressed the essence of the Mona Lisa and I can feel that she does say “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” And also “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” As you say, she has a feeling of being at ease with herself, loved, content, prepared to hear and to share. This inner knowing and strength resides as in essence within all women, just waiting to be brought out to the light when we are ready to choose it for ourselves.
The Mona Lisa is a deeply delicate and womanly painting. I feel like this time looking at it is the first time I’ve really started to appreciate her detail, and what it is she brings to us by way of reflection. The more I connect with her, the more I can feel those same qualities in myself too. It’s interesting how some may call her ugly or unfortunate looking – I for one cannot see this one iota, and only the deep beauty and delicateness she holds. This may have been different ‘once upon a time’, but now is all I see. Our different perceptions of the world are fascinating, as well as how we end up with them!
So true Amelia, how incredible it is that perception dictates the beauty we can see or the judgements that we can make. I guess it comes down to the way we see ourselves and the judgements we make towards ourselves that determines how much beauty we are able to see in others.
I only see and feel her beauty too Amelia I was surprised when a man recently said many would see her as plain and even unattractive. I am sure there are so many reflections from Mona Lisa for men and woman. As you said Amelia it was the delicateness for you, she is that for me too and with that is the natural unimposing power that comes with that delicateness. When I look at her its like she is saying you are that delicate power too, it is your natural way.
I could feel the sense of your solidness in yourself as a woman as I was reading this blog Bernadette. It occurred to me that I was receiving a blessing from both you and the Mona Lisa! How beautiful!.
Ariana I agree with you. It is as if still-ness sits within every cell in her body. If she lived today, in the modern world, I couldn’t imagine her joining the rush and anxiousness most of us seem to live in, but instead I can imagine her showing us a way of living that enables absoluteness to be ourselves without need.
It is the words – “I can imagine her showing us a way of living that enables absoluteness to be ourselves without need.” that captures the potential within us all.
‘I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.’
I could read this quote again and again and again and can feel as I do, foundation stones laying down before me. What a beautiful inspiration to place my footsteps on today. Thank you, Bernadette.
What a beautiful article about the Mona Lisa – you grace her with your insights and expression just as much as she graces us with her presence.
You’ve expressed my sentiments so beautifully, Gabriele!
I love the painting Mona Lisa and your blog made me understand more of why I love it so much. It is the beauty of being a woman reflected back, with a huge allowing to be tender, still, delicate and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
A great article on the power of the Mona Lisa.
You say the Mona Lisa’s beauty lies in her mystery. A question though, is what Mona Lisa has really a mystery OR is it exposing the degree of disconnection and devastation we live in daily that sees what this painting emanates as mysterious.
Definitely in modern times, Mona Lisa looks plain compared to what we see on billboards, but then again a woman putting out a sexy energy on a billboard to sell a product – does this hold any such quality that draws so many people daily to view? This painting, not only does it draw so many viewers but to stay so long in front of this painted image and to return again and again? Most definitely not. The images we see on billboards and in magazines where the ‘sex sells’ culture is everything have no lasting quality.
What Mona Lisa has is a power that many wish they could conjure but it is true power that comes from within, without trying, faking or putting on. It’s simple, it’s clean and it’s healing you.
I agree with your comment about the images on billboards having no lasting quality Shannon, and here we have a small painting that continues to attract millions of people world-wide, hundreds of years after it was painted – truly lasting quality. By unravelling the mystery that has surrounded this painting the truth of her beauty can be felt.
Just lovely Bernadette how you expressed this:” By unravelling the mystery that has surrounded this painting the truth of her beauty can be felt.”
By unravelling the mystery of the Mona Lisa, we discover that there is no mystery – but the truth for all to see, but maybe don’t want to see this truth or see how simple it is.
So true Shannon, Women portrayed on billboard advertising often go against her true deeper qualities of stillness and grace. How timeless is the Mona Lisa in comparison?
Her power is her inner beauty that she is very aware of, and she does not need any adoration because she is detached to it. She does not impose onto the viewer but allows them to just be and to feel something from deep within.
For 6 years I had a bare wall in my lounge room waiting for the ‘right’ picture to find its way to me. There was nothing set in my mind, I just knew that when I saw it I would know it was the one. One day I was wandering through a country market and there sitting on the ground in front of a second-hand stall was a framed picture of Mona Lisa. It was instant – I knew she was the one. I love the presence Mona Lisa brings to my home, a beautiful gentle unimposing warmth. I feel like I am being held, loved, accepted in all that I am. A Beautiful Blessing that greets me every day.
“I love the presence Mona Lisa brings to my home, a beautiful gentle unimposing warmth. I feel like I am being held, loved, accepted in all that I am.” Absolutely agree ch1956, having this painting in our homes is a blessing, confirming that we innately hold these same qualities. We wouldn’t be able to recognise them in a painting or in another if we didn’t know them in ourselves.
Looking at a painting of the Mona Lisa brings a certain level of stillness and ease in my body,as to me it embodies and confirms that true beauty and power is all on the inner and not the outer aspects of the being. Thank you Bernadette
Thank you Bernadette. The Mona Lisa certainly presents a woman that knows who she is and in that knowing lies her undeniable but also non conventional beauty. This painting has always inspired me to understand true beauty; the true beauty of an inner knowing.
Thank you Bernadette for a fresh and unique ‘critique’ of an amazing painting of a woman who is all knowing of and for herself, a power-full woman who completely trusts who she is. Something must also be said of the artist who must also be all knowing of and for himself, a man who trusts who he is and his ability to portray the ‘Mona Lisa’.
The Mona Lisa has inspired and fascinated people for centuries. Your description of what she represents Bernadette has more truth than any art critic I’ve heard analysing the portrait. She represents woman in all her divinity and glory, and she knows it, and this she reflects to all of us that we are the same.
Beautifully said gillrandall: ‘Your description of what she represents Bernadette has more truth than any art critic I’ve heard analysing the portrait.’ I love the way you expressed as well Bernadette. It makes so much sense in its simplicity.
Gill, I agree. Bernadette’s representation of the Mona Lisa feels so loving, practical and affirming for women. I never really understood the gifts that Leonardo da Vinci was offering us through the Mona Lisa but I can truly feel them now. Thank you.
What Bernadette writes cuts through a lot of garbage and hype about the Mona Lisa and allows us to connect with the essence of the divine portrait.
Spot on gillrandall. Bernadette is not a professional art critic, but she knows the picture inside out just by connecting to the essence of the painting. If we did this wouldn’t that revolutionise the way we critic things in life?
“I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am then able to bring my qualities – delicateness, fragility, tenderness – to others in my daily life. ” Absolutely Bernadette, we don’t have to do anything, just be our amazing gentle, beautiful, graceful self. And that is what makes a difference.
Thank you Denise, I agree, we don’t have to do anything, just be ourselves and this takes away all the pressure to try and be something we think others might approve of. This is the message I receive from looking at Mona Lisa.
Yes Bernadette, what a gorgeous reminder we are offered each time we glance upon this outstanding beauty.
It is interesting talking about just being myself, as on reflection years ago I would have said I was being myself but actually I could not have been further from the truth. I was not myself at all. However the Esoteric Womens Health modalities have been a huge support in helping me re-connect to the stillness and innate quality I have not been allowing myself (all my life!) to feel. It reflects this absolute knowing, depth and beauty that is there within every woman and girl just like the Mona Lisa.
It is without question huge that Mona Lisa be presented in this way, given that we live in a world that sees beauty as purely a physical thing, it is very important then to have true reflection of what beauty really is. Many would not agree with this being a truth but that does not mean that this is not true.
Yesterday in conversation I got quite a bit enthusiastic in my communication with another and in which the other person shared they got a little lost which helped me to see that in my over enthusiasm I had lost connection to myself and of course the other. So I opened this blog today and these words jump out at me: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Mmm yes, over enthusiasm takes me out of my stillness… and a very old habit of mine got exposed!
jacqmcfadden04 your awareness is so great to see how we can lose connection to our stillness, there are so many ways and I hadn’t really looked at enthusiasm as a way to get a bit lost, but it makes sense, because then we don’t see things so objectively. Thank you for sharing, and lovely that you found the words to reconnect back to you!
The mystery of the Mona Lisa is felt by all over time and with all ages and i love your article Bernadette and its clear real understanding of what we are all drawn to. The stillness and love and delicateness emanating form her in every single painting and copy so we can all feel it is simply exquisite inspiring and real ,it is something that allows us to feel and connect to inside us all that is in every women and is a true gift to humanity.
Yes Tricia, Leonardo Da Vinci left us an amazing reflection when he painted the Mona Lisa, like all his paintings the quality is superb, The sacredness and divinity in all his paintings is tangible to all.
Mona Lisa is a true gift to humanity, thank you Tricia and Bernadette. I have a large print of her in my lounge room that I often sit in front of and look at her. Every time I look into her eyes I am deeply touched by her ease and acceptance of her sacredness and delicate power. It seems all the more real and true in a woman who is not a classic beauty but is obviously knowing and accepting of her inner beauty.
I absolutely love this picture you have expressed about the Mona Lisa printed on a tea towel and your grandmother Merrilee. I also knew this painting as a child, and my grandmother held the qualities of the Mona Lisa, she was graceful, complete, she loved everyone, I loved being near her and I wanted to be like her when I grew up!
Wow what a gorgeous inspiration your grandmother was to you Bernadette. It’s lovely to read this. I felt similarly about my granny, she was so warm and had a lovely gentleness about her that I didn’t particularly experience growing up in my immediate family. As my mother’s mother she was around a lot and it was always a joy to be in her company. She inspired me on many levels.
That’s so interesting Bernadette and Candida. I felt the same way about my Nanna too – also my mother’s mother – and I know many women do too. There was something about their era that seems different, gentler, more honouring of women overall. I can feel also that the relationship between my mother and I feels different to that which I had with my grandmother. Perhaps the generation gap, and the fact we didn’t live together made a difference. Whatever it was, it was a relationship in which I felt totally and unconditionally loved – I didn’t have to change anything or do anything but be me. What a beautiful gift, one I appreciate deeply.
I love looking at this picture too. It’s as though we all grow up with her in our lives somehow. It is as though we are all familiar with her – when in fact it is our own Divine essence that we are feeling. It’s lovely to have a picture to support us to come back to that within ourselves.
That’s a great observation – we all know her and in truth we all are her. I love seeing the Mona Lisa in my home and it does support me. Just yesterday I glanced at her after having submitted a piece of work I had been struggling with. I was feeling at ease with where the work had come to, and when I glanced at her I felt a strong pulse of confirmation. All was well, all was on track and for now, all was complete.
Yes, I love having and seeing the Mona Lisa in my home, it feels like she can communicate at some level with me.
I grew up knowing the Mona Lisa, my grandmother had a tea towel framed and it hung behind where she sat in the kitchen. Ironic now that I look at that memory I see my own Grandmother and can feel her absolute Love an stillness. My Grandma was a woman of few words but like Mona she had a presence way beyond he tiny size and I always felt held and seen even amongst the other nine grandchildren. That image obviously spoke to my grandma also!
‘I grew up knowing the Mona Lisa’. I totally love this as an opening line! It reminds me of what my son said once at a confirmation service of a friend, when the vicar said that the people getting confirmed would come to know Jesus and he turned to me and said ‘ But I already know him’. Thank you, merrileepettinato, for such a super sweet super powerful confirmation.
Thank you merrileepettinato for sharing that it doesn’t matter what we look like or what we say, or if we don’t say much, as our presence is felt way beyond words. What a gorgeous image to imagine.
I agree and maybe this is something we don’t allow ourselves to feel so much, in ourselves and others.
Merrilee I enjoyed this comment and how the ‘presence’ is relatable from Mona Lisa as a living quality within others such as your Grandmother.
My grandmother didn’t have a Mona Lisa print but she did have those same qualities of love and stillness you describe, and self-nurturing. I remember her routine each morning was a cup of tea in bed, propped up and cosy with a special pink woolen shawl; a warm bath and then time seated in front of her dressing table mirror to do her hair and makeup. My grandfather would make the tea and draw the bath, then prepare a simple breakfast for them both. Very tender, very Mona Lisa, very inspiring.
Merrilee this is gorgeous and is a beautiful way to confirm that it is in our way of being that love is truly felt.
What a beautiful introduction to the Mona Lisa; I totally adore this painting and the fact that the eyes follow you wherever you go. This painting, when looking at it, just lets me be.
We have a picture of the Mona Lisa at work, it feels deeply confirming of the sacred power of being a woman. As you say “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time” I have these moments when I look at it and into her eyes, where I feel there is a conversation had “you know, I know….I know, you know” as in, we naturally know what it is all about, life, infinite wisdom and love is available to all if we honour what we feel, don’t fool yourself and try and live small, live in full”. It is empowering and deeply supportive.
The sentence: ‘This woman knows that she is loved’ opened my eyes how crucial it is to love oneself in order to emmanate the love I am to the world. Sometimes this is difficult in a world which is loveless. The painting of Mona Lisa is an inspiration to trust in my own love and expression as a woman again.
Thank you Bernadette- the curtains have cleared and the light shines through. What is amazing is that a woman who reflects what it is “to be that grace and presence ourselves – our own Renaissance” is the most loved painting in the world – there is no coincidence here. That love is actually a non-trying – yet the greatest inspiration.
2) “The painting in the Louvre is small, and yet she has a huge presence” – no matter the size, shape or external feature – when there is true presence and quality it is deeply felt. And likewise in this world when people are not living truly- that is also felt. And how is it that each true replica of the Mona Lisa holds the same quality? This is incredible – a testament to the living truth of energy and quality…the power of us all.
‘This Woman knows she is love ! And she shines love back, every moment offers us a choice –to be love or not to be love,’ no wonder millions are drawn to this painting as if they are looking for something that was once forgotten, as we see in Mona Lisa a re awakening of a truth that we all know deep within us. There is something that feels different about Leonardo da Vinci’s work with The Mona Lisa that reveals a stillness and timeless inspiration that holds us in love. I never get tired of looking at his paintings, they always bring me a deeper awareness of our true nature.
We can look at the Mona Lisa as if we are looking in a mirror and that is the power and true inner beauty we can hold in our daily lives.
Have you ever seen such inner contentment on the face of any woman let alone in a painting! Mona Lisa has a very plain face yet what oozes from her eyes and her presence is a deep connection and confidence within herself – there is an unshakeable steadiness in who she. This is true beauty.
Absolutely Danielle. The Mona Lisa is a timeless reminder that true beauty is not defined by external features but by a face that is reflective of the deeper beauty, stillness and grace that every woman innately holds within.
Dean, this is true there is such inner contentment on the Mona Lisa’s face; to see the same in women is a rare thing today. There is an unshakeable steadiness in who she is and you are right in claiming this as the meaning of true beauty. Isn’t this what women the world over need to know about being beautiful?
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This is a divine message that emanates from Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of Mona Lisa. It is, as you say, an inspiration to all for a renaissance to the love we truly are.
A couple of years ago I went out with this guy who received a free canvas of Mona Lisa from Readers Digest in the mail. He knew I loved the picture and he said I have a surprise for you and showed it to me. It felt like a lovely confirmation of what I was choosing for myself at that time and reminding me to keep claiming me within it.
I’ve never really paid attention to the Mona Lisa. Now when I connected to her through this blog I see and feel the inner beauty, the strength, the knowingness in her eyes. Also something mysterious. Like she’s looking at me and knowing me without knowing me. Very interesting, as if it’s traveling through time zones.
“Travelling through time zones” – I love what you share here Floris. Love, wisdom and truth are indeed timeless and are more than relevant in the 21st Century as they were in the 15th.
Reblogged this on florisvanderschot's Blog and commented:
The gifts that Mona Lisa brings, still today! Beautiful. Wow Women, you are so Beautiful.
Thank you for reblogging Floris, and thank you for your gift of appreciation for women, your appreciation is what I feel Leonardo expressed in this painting,
This painting is a beautiful reflection of the true essence of women.
Caroline thank you for sharing your Mona Lisa moment! What joy for your boyfriend to come home to!
She knows she is loved. That is indeed what she emanates. Nothing is more powerfull than that. And yes, we have a choice every moment to accept and appreciate ourselves or not. I had my moment of choice yesterday – feeling restless, an overall un-ease mounting up in a doingness. I felt all but loving. Then I decided to stop, sit with me and connect to my body. Then I read a supportive blog on ‘commitment to me and life’ and I shifted to acceptance followed by appreciation. Let’s call it my Mona Lisa moment. The smile returned on my face again, I started cooking with ease in my body and connected to my boyfriend when he came home from that state of inner-love. What a shift by just this choice!
I love that you are naming that moment of surrendering from the unease back toy and your smile as your ‘Mona Lisa’ moment. Beautiful! I would like to call it that too Caroline!
Dear Bernadette what an amazing observation that You express yourself this way about this amazing words. I really can feel that and the truth and joy and deep confirmation in every word You are writing. Funny today as I practiced my lying-down-thing inspired by Chris James…a short meditation where you listen to a song called “Heaven on Earth” feeling your body connecting by humming and then afterwards speaking out loud a choice for the day. To make long story short I chose sacredness and preciousnesd and had to smile when I read Your blog coming across about exactly these two words 🙂 thank You. Love this blog very clear and supportive, confirming and inspiring to go there more and more 🙂 actually a playfullness and wonder…joy of wanting to discover more…about it…and meaning about myself. Thank You. With love Nadine
Hello Nadine, thank you for sharing your “lying-down-thing” inspired by Chris James. It shows me how connected we all are when we allow ourselves to deeply feel our true nature. Enjoy your sacredness and preciousness, and playfulness and wonder!
Bernadette I love your commentary about this painting – I’d never understood the symbolism of the two pathways before, but it makes perfect sense! I love the quality of power, strength and stillness that emanates from this painting, and have done so from childhood. I always related to her in my teenage years, and loved her unconvential beauty. I have a small print of her in my office emanating steadiness and infinite stillness, a great point of reference for me to avoid getting caught up in the busy ness of the day.
So true Bernadette the Mona Lisa is a gift for humanity. Recently my partner and I moved some furniture around and where we used to hang a big mirror we moved a picture of the Mona Lisa, this has been a great reminder as where I used to glance at that particular wall and see myself I now take a second look and see the Mona Lisa which is an awesome reminder that the beauty and divinity I see in her is also in me too.
How beautiful Samantha to recognise and feel your own divinity when you look at this portrait, I feel this is the gift from Leonardo, to remind us that we are divine. And now when you are looking at yourself in a mirror…
How amazingly beautiful what you say: the Mona Lisa is a reminder to see and acknowledge and appreciate the strength, the tenderness, the beauty and the truth that we all are if we allow ourselves to just be ourselves.
I returned to re-read your beautiful blog today Bernadette. The simplicity, stillness, strength, delicateness, true inner beauty and power innate within women is felt in your words and confirmed when seeing these qualities reflected in the painting of Mona Lisa. There is a living quality and legacy within this painting for all to feel and be touched by, and thus no surprise that it still draws millions of people every year to feel the exquisite grace that emanates through the painting.
” “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.”
Your writing inspires me to really look at the Mona Lisa, Bernadette. To take some moments to really feel it and to really feel me. A reminder to connect with my stillness and inner beauty.
‘THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED!
And she shines love back.’
This is a most beautiful quote. Thank you Bernadette for this.
To know that I am loved as a woman is very powerful indeed and it starts with knowing that I am loved by me.
The Monalisa is a powerful educational tool, “It is a painting for women, to empower them. Equally it is a painting for men, to feel their tenderness, and for both men and women to honour the sacredness and preciousness of women when they are absolute and complete.” What more could men and women want for than to be reflected this lesson in how to be with and treasure each other?
Bernadette, I love your words and description of the Mona Lisa. I never looked at it in that detail and can feel and appreciate it even more now.
‘Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world’ – what a glorious affirmation of what every woman who has, is or will be walking this earth can be. Just to connect to the absolute love and adoration for women that Leonardo da Vinci would have felt to paint such a picture, is divine.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This is what each of us has the potential to reflect to each other every day . Building a network of strength, power and beauty.
The stillness and tenderness I feel is profound when I connect with the eyes of the Mona Lisa. There is a deep message that is telling me we are from the same place. I can connect deeply to myself as I look at her. This is how she continues to fascinate people for centuries, she reflects to us our same connection.
I feel this too about connection gillrandall, and as well as the connection to a still sacred place inside myself, there is also the connection we all feel to each other – millions of people feeling this connection every year when they look at this painting is really to be celebrated!.
Thank you Bernadette to bring in the connection to all. The Mona Lisa representing and connecting all of us as women. And in the stillness the connection to all.
What a wonderfully clear expression Bernadette:
“‘Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.’
When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.”
I can so fully relate to what you have stated here, and the more I become aware of this the quicker I can feel the difference in how it feels in my body and the faster I can get back on track with connecting to the love that I am within,
On feeling into my picture of the Mona Lisa I can confirm all that you say Bernadette A feeling of tenderness, stillness, grace, love and beauty is felt by her presence and the simplicity of being herself. A true gift to woman and men alike.
Yes Julie there is an absolute grace and stillness that reminds you of who you are as a women. Full and wholesome, with infinite beauty.
When I look at Mona Lisa I feel she reflects back to me how I am actually feeling in her facial expressions. The Mona Lisa is a truly powerful, tender, delicate portrait for both women and men to feel. Leonardo De Vinci himself must have been living in stillness and tenderness to feel and express Mona this way in his painting.
Your comment lyndellparlour that “Leonardo da Vinci himself must have been living in stillness and tenderness to feel and express Mona this way” is poignant. With the painting we do get a sense of the qualities of the painter, who could paint this deep beautiful message because of the way he lived his life, aware of and connected to his own divinity. Here he is confirming that we are that too, innately, men and women from all corners of the globe.
This is why so many people view the Mona Lisa every year. We all hold the same divinity within ourselves and we feel our essense when we stand before her.
Just beautifully expressed and shared here Lindell and Bernadette – I so feel the truth of this.
Julie your comment that the grace and stillness of the Mona Lisa holds us so tenderly to remind us of who we truly are is beautiful. As modern women it seems to me that we have gotten quite lost about who we are, and that we have been looking in all the wrong places for answers. Leonardo is here confirming that we only need to look within.
Yes Bernadette, it is amazing how truth is there all the time – it just waits, pulling us back to our original being, always there for the moment we will acknowledge and choose it. So Leonardo’s message pulsing through the Mona Lisa is there, waiting for us to return.
The inner beauty of Mona Lisa is very inspiring as she is reflecting to me the stillness and firmness, which are qualities as a woman I am in train to deepen in my life.
Thank you Bernadette for this great insight into such a famous painting and iconic image that many have stared at and want to be around and must be one of the most printed images ever. I have never seen the original but I am told it is rather small and there is always a queue to take a look. So for me looking at a print of Mona Lisa is a fascinating experience that there is more than meets the eye, there is a feeling that her presence is emanating from the painting and that presence cant be tainted and in fact holds a sacred purity no matter where she is, and it is that sacredness that she presents, is the truth that this is a woman and this is what women are here to bring.
The inner beauty that Mona Lisa reflects is timeless ,and for me, I feel every woman on the planet within her image. There is a feeling of absolute grace and stillness, that holds you so tenderly, and gently reminds you, of who you truly are. Thank-you for sharing with us Bernadette, very lovely.
The Mona Lisa has always held a peculiar fascination for me. I was very into art in school so over the years during classes, the Mona Lisa was brought to our attention many times over. I used to love looking at her, that smile, the landscape and wonder what she was thinking. I then got to visit her in my twenties at the Louvre, it was so amazing to actually see her in the flesh, having studied and thought about her so often. What I always could feel about her was a quiet confidence and something that felt ageless, a wisdom almost. So have loved what you have shared here Bernadette, just adding more detail and love to an already existing love affair I had with this wonderful lady.
Mona Lisa always invites me to deepen my reflection, she takes me inward and there is a settled space there for me to surrender to. Thank you Bernadette for bringing her in to connect with again – to deepen my connection.
Wow, Bernadette, this was a fascinating read. I loved every part of it and I now have a much deeper understanding of this amazing and powerful painting. Thank you.
It is fascinating to consider exactly what it is about this painting that so intrigues us. As you have pointed out, she is hardly classically beautiful in the physical sense, and yet one cannot help but feel drawn in by her self assured gaze. There is something about this painting that makes me very still when I gaze at it, and I have noticed this with other paintings by Leonardo da Vinci as well. There is a certain aura that has less to do with what is painted or depicted, and more to do with how these paintings makes one feel when they look at them.
I agree Adam, I have always been drawn to the picture of Mona Lisa- not truly knowing why. When I gaze at her I feel met, or confirmed that I too am beautiful within as a woman just the way I am- without the need to conform to a certain look, or need to have cosmetic surgery- to remove a few wrinkles or enlarge the breasts.
Your awareness about how we feel when we look at a painting is something that I feel we can override when looking at art Adam – we can be dazzled by size or new techniques and styles, or a sensational depiction of subject matter, but what Leonardo offers is the stillness that you mentioned, that holds us in love. I never tire of looking at his paintings, they always bring me to a deeper awareness of our true nature.
That’s a great point Adam, true validation of the importance for us all to live life in the fullness of who we are. This will be felt first by others, then they will have what they have felt confirmed by the beauty of what they see with their eyes. The beauty of someone living from their inner heart, being all that they are here to be.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
I could read this again and again and again as a foundation stone and inspiration for my every day and all my relationships with women. Thank you, Bernadette.
Absolutely Matilda. “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” These words hold such a powerful essence and reminder to all about the true essence of women.
Bernadette i love your ponderings on the Mona Lisa and it is no wonder it has an extraordinary amount of people every year to go see this. I love and totally agree with every word that you shared. What I love is how you have explored the deep dedication that Leonardo applied to the mastery of the painting and that in every stroke that lays there is holding such an exquisite quality. The honouring and respect of Women is beautiful and as you say not just a reflection for Woman but for all. The power and sacredness that we all hold equally just like Mona Lisa. We can apply the quality Leonardo used for ourselves in everything that we do, then the world would be one massive canvas reflecting who we are naturally designed to be – Powerful and Sacred.
Natalie what you share is so true about the honouring of women through Leonardo’s work, not just from the Mona Lisa, but from every drawing and painting he ever made. There is such a beautiful honouring of women in their essence. He captures the stillness and exquisite tenderness like no other artist. Women are powerful and sacred we just have forgotten to connect to it. Leonardo’s work is a content marker and reminder for us to come back to; like a sign post leading the way back to our own hearts and divine expression.
I love what you have written about the quality of Leonardo Natalie, and I agree – how the painting holds his divine quality. Your analogy of the world as “one massive canvas reflecting who we are naturally designed to be – Powerful and Sacred” can be when we are conscious of how we are doing what we do each day, each painting our own piece of the canvas for humanity.
I agree Natalie; ‘that in every stroke that lays there is holding such an exquisite quality’. It is this quality that attracts us so, because we all feel, know and remember it, and desire this quality more than anything esle,: this quality that radiates and reflects from the Mona Lisa is the remembrance of how it feels when we have connection with our Soul, which is sacred and so powerful.
“canvas reflecting who we are naturally designed to be – Powerful and Sacred.” I love this. The attention Leonardo gives to his painting to create the master peice he makes is amazing, as this relflects with ourselves by the fact that we must to pay time into the fine details of our life, whilst still looking at the big picture, soon creating our own master peice of ourselves.
I have a painting of Mona Lisa at the end of the hallway in my home and every time I walk past her, I look into her eyes and I feel absolutely blessed with the love that emanates from her. I had never really noticed the background of the painting and now that you have shared that there are two winding paths behind her on both sides, one is smooth and leading to flowing water and the other path is rough and overgrown I can feel the power of the symbolism Leonardo da Vinci has used. Bernadette you have asked the question: Could the paths be symbols of the paths we can choose to tread in life? – I do feel this is the meaning of the symbolism of the two paths, one smooth and one rough and if we change the word paths to love then: Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.
Hi Ruth, I agree, I love this painting so much. The love and strength that the Mona Lisa expresses with her presence is absolutely special to me. She is a mirror and a reminder to all of us women, showing us the beauty we are inside first, we just need to re-connect to that knowing. Our external features are secondary to that what we can emanate from within, once we choose to re-connect to our quality in our inner heart. All girls need to be taught that, or more precisely need to be reminded of that; this would help with so many issues arising from girls feeling ‘not good enough’ because the don’t look like a star or what the temporal world has decided ‘Beauty’ to be at this time.
I have listened to a few art ‘experts’ on TV and in museums and sometimes felt they are making it up, how do they know what the artist was thinking? But what you write about the Mona Lisa feels so true as I look at her, she is portrayed to exude a feeling of self knowing, power and grace. She’s saying to me that I am the same inside me as she is, that’s what fascinates everyone about her. It stirs the deep feeling inside us all that we know this innately.
I never enjoyed art appreciation classes at school, it felt so contrived as we tried ever so hard to see into a painting and try and work out what the artist was trying to convey. But reading your blog here about the Mona Lisa, I feel something very different. I feel like everything you write about it is spot on and I feel no trying, no fluff, nothing made up. I see and feel everything you have written in the painting too, it’s quite amazing.
There is something so so beautiful about a person, man or woman, who knows deeply who they are and isn’t afraid to be that. The sense that that person is so at ease with themselves is so attractive, their physical appearance pales in insignificance. There are others in my real life who I feel exude the same depth of self love you could call it, to name a few, Serge Benhayon, Michael Benhayon and Natalie Benhayon. There is a coolness, a comfortableness that I can see these people feel with themselves, and they are asking me to be no-one other than myself when I am with them. It is refreshing and honest.
“There is something so so beautiful about a person, man or woman, who knows deeply who they are and isn’t afraid to be that.” I feel that this is something we all recognise Suzanne, and with the recognition we are inspired to develop a deeper level of self love within ourselves, and equally love for all.
Suzanne, I love how you have expressed the power behind just being ourselves and how this transcends how we look. “The sense that that person is so at ease with themselves is so attractive, their physical appearance pales in insignificance.” This says to me that our essence is Universal.
Beautifully expressed Suzanne. There is something so sexy, gorgeous and flowing about a man or a woman who stands in their own strength and who so clearly needs nothing from the outside when they truly and deeply love and appreciate themselves.
..and so ridiculous that it’s a fear of being ourselves, of being seen, that can keep us hiding ourselves away. The world sees us anyway, either standing up tall and claiming who we are, or shrinking and hiding away and pretending to be invisible.
The Mona Lisa painting is beautiful in how it is not done to make Mona look glamorous or over sexulised like many paintings today, it’s beauty eminates in how she knows that she is complete and is ready to share its love with every one.
Ben your comment about how women are depicted in much art today shows how far we have strayed from our true beauty – the love within us. If men and women don’t feel this from us and within themselves they will paint from an empty place.
I like this Ben: ‘She knows that she is complete and is ready to share her love with everyone’. When we are complete and full of ourselves, there is nothing we need from the outside, nothing – thus all that remains is to share the love that we have claimed as rightfully ours.
On re-reading this blog what stood out for me is “THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED!” It is so inspiring to be around a woman that knows that she is loved and that she is love. There is a fullness that she radiates because she has no need only the confirmation of who she is and what she is held in ~ absolute love.
I agree Bernadette, the Monalisa is a beautiful gift to humanity. There are so few paintings where we feel the grace that this painting emanates, and it calls to us all to recognise those qualities within ourselves that you so beautifully wrote here: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time.” She is, every woman.
Agree Rosanna, just heavenly words expressed, i just have to include them again here: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time” – the completion of a woman imbued in the painting for us all to feel… the divineness of her absolute stillness speaking in silent loud volume for those who hear the call – back to love. What divine majesty.
I love what you say here Bernadette and it has just made me stop and really Appreciate having my Mona on mount here in my office. I also feel when I move her eyes move with me. She does command a presence and it has a quality of stillness that is hard to put into words. What I find really interesting is that my mother has Mona in her lounge, bedroom and above her altar. Is it any wonder that this is the most famous painting in the world and has stood the test of time.
It is no wonder Bina – the grace of Mona is universal.
Yes I agree Lucindag, and she is also timeless.
Mona’s eyes just say to me I know who I am, there is no pushing, no striving, no trying to capture us, she just is who she is. That beauty, grace and power is inside of all of us, just as mona is reflecting, every woman can know exactly who she is. We live in a time when perfection, drive, trying to be something and live up to impossible standards of ‘beauty’ are rife amongst women. Coming back to a painting like this just makes me relax into my body and realise that beauty is inside, our power as women comes from inside of us.. that cheeky knowing Mona has, beauty is nothing to do with a look.
Love your comment Kate. Mona Lisa reflects inner beauty while exposing the trappings of outer beauty. It is very confirming to me as a man, having felt women caught in the trap and the emptiness that comes with it.
What is very beautiful to feel is the unified power of women from all different places, all walks of life, living from this place of love and connection and stillness and divine presence.
This is so true Bernadette. I have returned to your blog today to feel the absolute stillness in the words. There is something so affirming about Mona Lisa. I feel a ripple of love, warmth and release run through me when I read the words – ‘I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Healing is as simple as this. Thank you.
I have always been drawn or had a particular love for the painting of the Mona Lisa but have never gazed upon the actual original, although have had the absolute privilege of seeing many of Leonardo’s originals at an exhibition once in London. There is something very special and divine about all his paintings.
I agree about Leonardo Da Vinci, Kevin. I went to an exhibition of his works from the royal collection in Birmingham. It was someway into the gallery, and the friends I was with both had an artistic background, so we stopped to look at the other exhibits. In one room i was so overcome by the amount of pain and distress emanating from the (quite ordinary) paintings i became distressed myself, and had to leave. Ignoring everything else i headed straight for Leonardo’s exhibition. Equilibrium was restored to me in the presence of his divine work. I haven’t visited an art gallery since.
I have noticed this too Catherine. Walking through art galleries I am aware of feeling disturbed by many of the works of art. However when I am in front of a Da Vinci painting I feel calm and do not feel imposed upon in any way. I often feel refreshed and revitalised after visiting a Da Vinci painting.
I always loved Mona Lisa. And specially because she is not particularly “beautiful to standards”, I always felt so at easy and loved by her in my own self-doubt regarding my looks and women-hood. Like, if she can be so full of love and beauty, and so content, then I can be that, too, as if she actually tells me that through her eyes.
I love to look at her, it makes me sparkle inside.
Thank you Bernadette. How you have described The Mona Lisa is beautiful. Her image offers a great reminder to all women of the inner stillness and love that is within them, and the presence, quality and knowing they bring wherever they go.
Yes I agree Leonardo says through the painting, “Women, this painting is of you, you are the Mona Lisa, so still, with exquisite beauty, and deeply sacred”. It is said so simply in the portrait that many women for sure miss this in reading the painting as well as knowing this in ourselves. I know I have. But I’m starting to feel the true Mona Lisa in me every day now and that’s a joy. A deep heartfelt thank you to Serge Benhayon, Universal Medicine and many of the women I have come to know through workshops and presentations who now walk the ‘Mona Lisa’ everyday.
“But I’m starting to feel the true Mona Lisa in me every day now and that’s a joy.” How gorgeous to feel this Elizabeth, as I feel this is the message in the painting for us to reconnect to.
“We can feel the dedication of the artist as he works the paint so delicately over her face and hands.” I loved reading this line as I could really feel the dedication and delicateness you describe. The quality of energy that the artist chose to paint with can be felt, even when viewing this painting on a computer screen. I find this quite awe-inspiring.
Leonne, I actually felt to touch her skin by gently running my fingertip over her face and hands on my computer screen. She felt exquisitely beautiful and eternal. Or perhaps I was feeling me through my fingertip : )
Thank you dearly Bernadette, your expression is superb. I love the steadiness that I feel when I look at the Mona Lisa, she emanates true beauty and as you say the Mona Lisa is a true gift to humanity.
The Mona Lisa always reminds me that there is a greater beauty than the one you can see on my face or in my clothes, the things I own or the way I wear my hair. The Mona Lisa gives me a reflection that there is greater awareness about what it means to be a woman and that this is timeless. She reflects back to me that I can sit in the knowing and the pure contented feeling that I am already all that I am and this is enough. With no need to impress or to out do another, my will is to be strong in who I am and not by the eyes of another do I have to please or pander. Life as a woman is glorious, precious and deep. I can live this with grace and dignity.
“Life as a woman is glorious, precious and deep. I can live this with grace and dignity.” Yes Shami, living with this deep knowing and acceptance of ourselves, without trying to be perfect, brings healing to all the old lack of self worth and comparison with other women.
Mona Lisa is a great inspiration to all women, I love her painting. Every time I pass a print of her painting, I feel the instance charge within my body, a beautiful reminder that I hold the same level of stillness and beauty within me. It brings me back to myself and allows me to reflect on how I have been living and each time I am able to go deeper in my connection. There is so much grace in what she reflects, if we are able to feel and connect to this, it is life transforming, as it makes us really look at how have we been living, in this harden, driven world.
“I feel the instant charge” also Amita. Its feels like a ‘stop and connect’ reminder for me. Perhaps I will carry a pocket size of the Mona Lisa on me from now on.
““I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This could take pride of place on every bathroom mirror!
Funnily enough I have a small print of the Mona Lisa in my bathroom and have always felt this is where she needs to take pride of place in my home (although I have one in my dining room as well but don’t notice her as I do in my bathroom). I look at her so often in my naked state but haven’t been connecting with her intimately enough to feel all of what she is saying to me. ‘Butt’ (pun intended) I feel she has a lot to say. (I’ve even matched the colour of my towels to the colours in the print).
That’s it – she’s going up on my mirror, plus that beautiful quote by Bernadette!
It is almost impossible to walk past the Mona Lisa and not stop and feel something, there is a power that Leonardo Da Vinci has captured in this exquisite painting. Having read your blog Bernadette I am reminded of what it is to be a woman, “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
I had never noticed the two winding paths in the back drop of the Mona Lisa and as you wrote on closer inspection the winding path lead to water that looked still and the disjointed path with bridges to cross led to tumultuous waters – amazing I would never have picked it or understood it unless it was pointed out as you did here Bernadette. This is not an unknown metaphor unto itself but in the context of this sublime woman and all of the qualities emanating from her it is like we are being shown ‘in my reflection is the way……..now you choose.’ The beauty of this painting just got deeper (for me) – Thank you.
I have always been so drawn to the Mona Lisa, her presence, her smile, so much so that I had never really noticed the background until your observation of it. For me it is the power of her presence that I have strongly felt and how that power comes from none of what the world now or then has ever seen as power – that is the stillness and sacredness you speak of.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” This so reflects how I feel about this glorious painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Although Mona Lisa is not beautiful in the way that beauty is portrayed today, to me she is absolutely beautiful and I have always felt that. I sense that I always felt, since I first saw this picture, the enormous love that is held in her hands, face and especially across her chest, there is a beautiful fullsomeness there that exudes such love and stillness. Her eyes gaze steadily and lovingly at me wherever I am in the room. When I feel into those lips and the little turn-up in the corners, I find my own lips automatically forming that same smile. It is a smile for all women in humanity – ‘you also can be like me ‘ – such humility and tenderness personified.
I find this painting such a wonderful daily support for me.
Beverley I love that you can feel the enormous love that Leonardo has captured in the Mona Lisa’s hands and chest as well as her face and eyes and smile. It seems that every part of her body emanates a loving inclusive energy. It is beautiful to have it as a “wonderful daily support”.
Since reading this blog I’ve been more alert to pay attention to other paintings and photos of women, especially the eyes – mostly the eyes. You can see how the emphasis of the artwork is on curves, posture and how inviting the body is. There can be an appearance of beauty. But when you look in the eyes – there is hardness to cope with being used as a ‘body beautiful’, sadness from the awareness that the real woman is not being seen, as the real little girl was never seen. A life of trained ‘imprisonment without bars’. I would love to see a Mona Lisa in the dressing rooms of every kitchen, fashion modelling house, women’s (and men’s!) sports change room, company board room, etc. Let the real woman be inspired to shine!
40 people taking a year to distort and manipulate a masterpiece to make a cartoon?! Better to spend 5 minutes feeling the power and presence of the painting, and then feeling that energy ourselves?
Oh how I agree Bernadette. What a massive diversion and distraction and simply a capitalisation on Leonardo’s divine work. It somehow reminded me of something I once heard someone say in answer to the question ‘Who do sharks attack people when they do not need them for food?’ and the answer was ‘Because they can!’ If you were to ask why these people were making an animated cartoon I would answer the same, ‘Because they can’.
This is the same confirmation that I receive when I look deeply into the mirror each day, I have a resounding sense that I know exactly who I am and this allows me to walk more tall in my confidence and presence and just be myself when I am with others too.
A real live walking talking Mona Lisa! Wow! you didn’t need a team of 40 people to reconfigure you cheriseholt, keep walking tall in your confidence and presence, and being yourself!
When a woman sits in the knowing she is grace, connecting to the power of her stillness, to judge or compare is left well ‘out of the picture’. Mona Lisa is a true reflection of this, captivating her audiences centuries on.
Thanks for pointing out the two paths on either side of her. I do feel she is presenting we do indeed have that choice in every moment, to choose to be love or not. But the whole time, whatever our choice, I feel she is reminding us that whatever we choose to express we are love.
When I look at the Mona Lisa I can see that there is no comparison or jealousy. The absolute stillness of a woman so knowing of her own self. A woman full from her own self appreciation and worth. Others perception of her does not concern her.
The Mona Lisa is indeed an inspiration for the modern woman, poised, self empowered and strong, yet gentle and fragile. Her essence obviously emanates beyond time.
I love this blog too Rachel, and all I know is that the more I look at the face of the Mona Lisa the more still I become and I find myself quietly smiling to myself, and I feel deep within myself a feeling of contentment, what’s why I have a Mona Lisa strategically placed all around my home, it reminds me of who I am and where I come from.
Suzanne, she also looked quite masculine to me too,but I did not realise that was a reflection of the hardness and protection I was carrying in my body. And yes, my feeling too is that there is more to appreicate and to open to.
The Mona Lisa is the true inspiration for all women of their beauty and love within emanating to the world. It has captured people through time and is ever deepening in love and expansion and all you share Bernadette is so true thank you for this beautiful article and sharing.The Mona Lisa brings an amazing stillness to this world of who we all are and offers everyone looking at her the opportunity of this connection for ourself.It is a real gift to be treasured as we are ourselves also.
It has been lovely seeing the picture of the Mona Lisa in your article Bernadette and really feeling the qualities of this woman and all women, seeing her this time I can feel the exquisiteness and tenderness of how her hand rests on her arm, it feels divine and i know how this feeling when I am connected to my preciousness and tenderness.
You have described so well Bernadette how I feel every time I look at this amazing picture of Mona Lisa. Standing in my stillness observing her – ‘ and she shines love back’ – ’emanating a quality of energy to inspire us’. Beautiful.
When I reflect on my seeing Mona Lisa for the first time in the Louvre I recall wondering what the big deal was. She was surrounded my high security. Why the fuss? She actually looked quite masculine to me and where was the so-called smile, I couldn’t see it. What I realise is this painting offered me a reflection of how I felt about myself at the time. This truly is an amazing painting that I am yet to fully appreciate … Again a loving reflection back to me about where I am at in my unfoldment back to the natural beauty I am.
Thus is such a discerning observation Suzanne, that the Mona Lisa reflects back to us how we are feeling about ourselves. I would love to know what she is reflecting back to you now?!
Suzanne, I also thought she looked quite masculine, but did not realise that was a reflection of myself with the hardness and protection I was carrying in my body. And yes, there is more to fully appreciate in this painting.
When I reflect on my viewing of her I recall being rushed by our tour company, basically to run through the Louvre and tick the box that I had seen the picture. When I entered the room there were so many people and I just wanted to stand still and really feel what I was feeling, it was no coincidence that there was an external imposition of rushing energy that day when I knew that I too held equal stillness and power to that of Mona Lisa herself.
The reflection of stillness in the Mona Lisa is remarkable to see and feel. Here, this painting is showing us a visual example of the absoluteness of how we can all be when we claim our own stillness.
The Mona Lisa has always intrigued me. This article beautifully develops my understanding and admiration for this work that goes on touching so many lives. Thank you.
Absolutely agree, Elizabeth, I don’t think it is necessary to create an interactive version to make her come alive. When I look at this wonderful painting, Mona Lisa is as you say “very much alive in her stillness”. As Bernadette has shared, Mona Lisa portrays stillness, power, grace and beauty and so much more according to what speaks to us as individuals. What more do we want? And what energy will then be in this interactive version. If people are drawn to this new version, rather than the original, then they will be drawn away from the true energy that the original painting holds. I find the idea quite repulsive.
I love reading you have written here, ‘“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Wow! this feels absolutely true, i can feel how I am this – these are very powerful words. It is so confirming to read what you have written here about women, it is such a contrast to everything we are told women are by society.
I agree rebeccawingrave, the truth in this painting is such a contrast to everything we are told to be today, but we know when something feels true and it doesn’t matter what period it comes from, women are women.
Yes Rebecca, what is written here is such a contrast to everything we are told women are by society. How we live as women today is anything but still..most of the time we run around life to fit in work, childcare, running a home and everything else besides. The Mona Lisa presents us with a stop doesn’t she?
Yes she does present us with a stop Rachel, and is it possible that we can do all the busy things in a way that doesn’t tire us so much?
As you have written Bernadette, could it be there is so much more to Leonardo de Vinci’s paintings than what we are fully aware of; that there are in fact great teachings within his paintings and lessons for us all. I have posters of his paintings and looking at them now I can just feel this beautiful stillness within me. His paintings do not ask anything of you, do not excite or distract you, do not shout ‘look at me’ but simply allow you to be.
I agree Vicky, there is so much more to Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings than what we are aware of, and that there are great teachings within all his paintings for all of us. One new discovery that I have made when I have sat in the pose of the Mona Lisa and placed my right palm over my left wrist when sitting at the computer desk or on a chair, was to feel the action (maleness) of my right side being stilled by feeling the delicateness of my left wrist (femaleness) – how our body talks to us.
I love your new discovery, Bernadette, I see exactly what you mean. I just tried this out at my desk and could feel the amazing stillness that came into first my right arm, then the whole of my body. Another great way for me to bring myself back to ME when I am going too much into the doing. What a wonderful reminder, and another testament to the great power in this painting.
I absolutely love the few words you used at the beginning to described what the Mona Lisa would be saying to you if she could talk… that makes absolute sense to me and I agree I have felt in her the exact thing: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
So inspiring for me when I see a woman that is complete within herself.
Yes I agree, Ariel. With this powerful statement what feels important is the absolute acceptance of self/the woman as a divine being, who feels her true worth and shares it with the world simply by being.
In your words here Bernadette, “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” I can feel more deeply into stillness and grace and the power of those two words. They are not asking anything of me, and I am totally supported in their energy, where great wisdom can flow from that place. The power of stillness can move mountains or reflect the smallest hint of a sparkle in another, either way, you are changed forever in its presence.
The true essence and beauty of a woman is felt by her presence. Looks are secondary when a woman is connected to herself. Just her movement can be captivating for all around her. The Mona Lisa captures the essence of a woman beautifully, thus the attention she receives. What a blessing for the world to have an example of a complete woman.
Gail, every sentence you write here rings true and inspires. In particular the simplicity and power of ‘The true essence and beauty of a woman is felt by her presence.’
The Scream, by Edvard Munch and Van Goghs ear also express how art expresses how their life was lived. But there is no stillness in there paintings. Leonardo da Vinci painted not for or about himself but a reflection for all to examine how we live our life’s by showing the stillness he lived his.
sjmatsonuk you have made it so clear – how are we living our lives? is it all about us or are we, like Leonardo, making our lives about people, and love?
It is interesting that there really isn’t a wow factor when looking at the Mona Lisa, instead we are brought to stillness and a feeling that we are enough. Divinity does not need any wow in it.
Bernadette, what you said feels so true. Divinity does not need any wow in it because it feels normal.
Absolutely agree, Bernadette. Divinity just IS, it needs no wow.
In the visual arts industry where I work in, we are always looking to express the wow factor. The truth is nothing wows anything if it does not come from us living it. And the wow that has been lived does not need to wow anyone in truth. For what we call wow, is only a wow when we know it but have not lived it consistently.
Yes, the Mona Lisa cuts through all our ideals and beliefs about the purpose of art, and simply represents a living stillness that is there for us to connect in ourselves.
Absolutely Janet! the true purpose of art is to express the divinity of who we really are and be able to encode it in such a way that the angles and geometry speaks to the hearts of all.
I looked at a picture of tourists crowding around the Mona Lisa painting and taking photos of it in the Lourve recently from a friend who was travelling. I understand why Leonardo da Vinci kept the Mona Lisa unpublished for many years. How many of us go and queue up and crowd around the Mona Lisa because we are told this is a famous painting? How many of us go because of the hype or the recognition that we have hold onto having been there and done that? How often has art been made into something it is not truly or vice versa? What makes art truly powerful?
Art when expressed from the Soul has no destination, neither is producing or publishing the art piece the destination, nor the action of viewing it, from both the painter and the receiver’s perspective. Art is our livingness that simply has to be expressed, and that is already the power.
The Mona Lisa is powerful not because of how many people turn up to see it. It is already powerful whether 6 million people or nobody sees it. It is simply powerful because it is a livingness of Leonardo da Vinci.
You have raised some very pertinent points 1heart1love1earth – your words “Art when expressed from the soul has no destination” and “art is our livingness that simply has to be expressed” – point the way to the new Renaissance.
How wonderful it is that we are coming back to honour the sacredness of the Mona Lisa and what she represents to the world.
I saw a beautiful young woman today out with her friends in town. She appeared to be confident, and to know what she wanted, and yet there was a definite air of sexual availability about the way she dressed and in the manner she walked. It occurred to me that this person was only following what she saw was correct and true for all young women. But I did wonder if she had seen all the choices available to her, if she knew of the other role models out there in the world – women who do not need affection to feel beautiful.
I feel that as you walked past her she would be shown another way to be beautiful Shami, and it is her choice from there.
Yes, Shami. If we had more role models of women living in the power of their essence, society would look, feel and even dress very differently. This is a great responsibility for us all to consider.
One man, Leonardo da Vinci with his ability to portray the depth of what he truly saw and felt in the Mona Lisa, as you said Elizabeth “the lived experience of sacredness.” has touched how many millions of people over the years? The obvious fascination of so many can only indicate this quality is something we all register deeply within ourselves (if dormant) and crave to re kindle. An incredible legacy to the world. A gift that truly keeps on giving.
This is a beautiful blog Bernardette; I too have always loved the Mona Lisa as she emanates a calming fullness that I now know as stillness. Her beauty is far deeper than the physical and I agree with Elizabeth that ‘she emanates the lived experience of sacredness’.
I would also describe her as Sacred… I can only imagine what the world would be like if every woman walked this power, grace, and sacredness. wow wouldn’t that be something! This way of living was lived in the past so as we practise this way of living, or in other words the Way of the Livingness we’re only returning to what was already lived in the past.
Thanks Bernadette, I have always been mesmerised by Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile. your blog says it all with “Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.
When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.”
Leonardo’s Mona Lisa says all this and more to me without uttering a single word.
As Serge Benhayon once said, ‘When you connect to your innermost heart you wear the Mona Lisa smile’. The choice of whether we connect or not is in our hands all the time – the rest is taken care of.
How beautiful Matilda, thank you for adding that quote because it makes it so simple, and brings it back to a choice we can make in any moment. Let’s wear our Mona Lisa smiles to light up our world!
Thank you Matilda, yes it is that simple to embody that level of beauty it just comes down to a choice, to reconnect the fullness within ourselves.
When I was at school, we were taught that there were choices to be made in life. There was the hard road, narrow and covered in thorns, that led to heaven, and the smooth, easy road that led to hell. I took this on as an 8 or 9 year old and somehow this affected many of my choices as I rejected love and many times made things hard for myself believing hard was better. When I read your blog Bernadette, this is what stood out for me, how I was sabotaged by this idea that I chose to accept. I kept myself small and was frightened of my own greatness treating it as a foreign thing, not part of me. When I read what you wrote about the paths in the painting, I realised that I did not choose love. How beautiful to now stand in front of my copy of this painting and know that I now choose love and that this eternal and constant love has always been inside of me as it is in every woman and man.
Amanda thank you for sharing the false beliefs about heaven and hell that you were taught. It is beautiful to feel how you have returned to the “eternal and constant love”, our divinity.
Gosh Amanda, was this a catholic school by any chance? Although I wasn’t taught this concept in this particular way I did invest in the idea that life had to be a struggle and that ‘sacrificing’ oneself proved a sense of piety. How tarnished and twisted is this belief from the truth of what the Mona Lisa is showing? Our divinity, grace, stillness, strength and wisdom comes from the connection within and it is all we need. Choose this and we walk the easy path – heaven is with us.
I loved reading your transformation from ‘hard is better’ ( knew that well myself) to now choosing love and the constant flow of that, in these words Amanda. Celebrate!
Thank you Bernadette for this gorgeous sharing. The Mona Lisa hangs in my home and she is a constant reminder of my choice to be in my grace and stillness or not for those are the qualities of my true essence.
Today we are in the middle of a new Renaissance where women are coming to know that it is not about trying to “out-do” the men but that it is about living true to the absolute sacredness that we inherently know as women. The Mona Lisa emanates the lived experience of sacredness.
That’s powerful in its truth Elizabeth. I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but yes we are in the ‘middle of a new Renaissance where women are coming to know that it is not about trying to “out-do” the men but that it is about living true to the absolute sacredness that we inherently know as women.” This shift in the way we connect to back to ourselves as women is gigantic. This sacredness has always been there, but left forgotten and the Mona Lisa acts as a gentle reminder of truth of who we are in our expression as women.
The New Renaissance of Sacredness, Elizabeth: exquisite- count me in, please.
Yes Elizabeth. The Mona Lisa reflects our divine sacredness, endless wisdom and deep knowing and in her grandness and stillness there is much being said. The Mona Lisa sits humbly at the Louvre, a keen observer of life.
Yes she does. So beautifully said Elizabeth. Thank you
Yes, the Mona Lisa is the most watched woman in a painting and she is not physically stunning. Clearly there is more to a woman’s beauty than her physical experience and equally clearly millions of people, through their actions by admiring the painting, agree.
This is true Christophe, there is a deep wonder in the Mona Lisa, a quality that transcends our need for physical beauty to be linear or one dimensional, as the Mona Lisa has a depth to it that few paintings can match. It is great proof that physical appearance is not the true marker of beauty but something much greater, a divine like quality that emanates.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
6 million viewers a year plus ALL the images around the world of this extraordinary painting. And just when we thought there was not much love on the planet….
The whole time it have been staring at us in the face. 🙂
Indeed Kathrynfortuna, the answer is on the wall staring back at you, humanity sees something familiar – a brotherhood, a pure equality that transcends this earthly plane.
“I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am then able to bring my qualities – delicateness, fragility, tenderness – to others in my daily life”. What a great inspiration the Mona Lisa is to bring this realisation to you Bernadette and I am certain that this is also true for many other women. I for one, feel inspired every time I walk passed the Mona Lisa in our home. As you say, her presence is a reminder to all who view her to “have a deeper appreciation of the beauty, grace and power in women claiming their true qualities”.
So engrossed in the Mona Lisa herself I never realised there was a landscape behind her until I read this article.
Each time I look at this image I feel a deeper quality of love and tenderness. It’s struck me today the absolute delicateness and tenderness of her hands, how they’re placed (my gosh, are they resting a chair)!
Thanks Bernadette, I love that your writing and the showing of Leonardo’s gift to humanity, I’ve come with fresh eyes allowing me to see even more beauty in the detail.
I agree Julie, after reading this blog I have found a whole new relationship with this painting and all the details encapsulated within it. What an incredible man Leonardo Da Vinci was to have given the world such a gift.
Me too Julie, perhaps because Mona Lisa in so strongly stating something for all women here in her presence that we have missed what is being said behind her. Perhaps Leonardo draws us to focus on the fullness of her presence from where a deeper contemplation brings further understanding and awareness of our choices can be felt.
I sat with the Mona Lisa just now, got quiet to listen to what I felt. This is what came up; She knows who she is, she is God, she knows who you are, you are God too. I noticed her right arm placed gently over the left,, the left arm gently reminding the right arm, (or the feminine side reminding the male side) there is no doing or trying when the new dawn breaks the mystery of the night – in my stillness I am everything.
A powerful message to all women and men; all we have to do is express from stillness.
Wow my appreciation of Mona Lisa has gone even higher now with noticing how the arms are placed. The left arm gently reminding the right arm that rests on it – which as you say correspond to the feminine side reminding the male side – that “there is no doing or trying when the new dawn breaks the mystery of the night – in my stillness I am everything”. This is gorgeous.
It is amazing too Golnaz how Leonardo has conveyed the delicateness of Mona Lisa’s fingertips, which is another way to remind us to be aware that how we touch everything can be done gently, or hard or rushed or anxious.
Beautiful, Jacqui – I got the same message from the painting, too, although I saw it as more of an offer of healing of the excess motion of the male side by the Stillness of the female side.
Beautiful jacqmcfadden04 “all we have to do is express from stillness”. Letting go of trying and of overriding my body are valuable lessons as I age. Taking moments to come back to stillness during my day makes so much difference to how I feel at the end of the day.
Thank you for sharing that Bernadette, It’s something I would like to come back to more within my day as I can tend to get very busy that my stillness goes out the door.
And enjoying our stillness is a very important part of life as with this firming in place we can easily feel and see through any interactions. Giving us the truth of what is effectively taking place at any one time.
I had not been aware of the two paths either Elizabeth, and now when I look at Mona Lisa I can feel her eyes looking at me with that deep inner knowing asking “which pass will you choose….”, and I know that whichever path I choose she will always love me, and will wait patiently until I re-turn to that point of stillness and nurturing too.
It is indeed a blessing to have such an amazing reflection of true beauty, power and strength as Mona Lisa simply portrays with her grace and stillness. Leonardo Da Vinci was clearly very much aware of these truths and knew that humanity needed to see this in a painting in order for us to have a reference of true women. Today’s society have shown us how lost we are with what true power and beauty is as we make it about the physical body rather then the presence that is in the physical body.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman”.
What an absolutely stunning gift to humanity.
I loved reading your blog Bernadette; so informative and truly inspirational.
Whenever I walk past Mona Lisa in our home I will do so with adoring eyes and openness.
I am struck by your observation Bernadette that the image of the Mona Lisa reflects that “I am loved” . Indeed when we can connect to that inner stillness as a woman, we can feel that we are love and loved.
I am loving that part as well. It’s clear she knows she is loved… It inspires me to work towards living that stillness and grace and to know that in living that I am truly loved because I am offering that reflection. A reflection of pure beauty.
Jenny, I agree, feeling that ” I am loved ” for all humanity to feel as it is there as a reflection for mankind.
I agree Shirl, this article has truly added to my ever deepening relationship with the Mona Lisa and all she represents. Beautiful.
The amazing thing about Leonardo as an artist is that there is not one drop of personal identity with being seen as a great artist or in making this particular historical woman famous. He was painting to serve the world, not to attract acclamation . . . he was painting to bring, for all to remember, the truth of deep repose, beauty and divinity that is every woman’s being. Here is a woman who is fully emanating herself and is not distorted by having to protect herself from the harshness of the world – not squashed or servile, nor domineering or manipulative – simply and surely herself, from Heaven.
Yes indeed, Lyndy. The majority of artists have at least some motivation with their work to showing off their talent and gaining recognition, whereas Leonardo offered this piece to serve in a very specific way, knowing the timeless inspiration of the Mona Lisa as a representation of the divine woman, a blessing for us all to return to.
Well said Janet. I have always felt something different about Leonardo’s Da Vinci’s work. It seems that he didn’t need to try to have the most exciting or fascinating art being overly creative but in a way, the depth I feel in his paintings makes them the most fascinating to me.
Totally Ariel, it is the depth of resonance and being in Leonardo’s work that is the essential ingredient which brings the truth of our life, the fact of our divinity, and the sacredness of woman for our eyes to see and our bodies to feel. He is not concerned with showing off his artistic skills or ‘creating’ something ‘different’ as a distraction for the human mind.
Yes, Lyndy that’s such an important difference isn’t it. “The amazing thing about Leonardo as an artist is that there is not one drop of personal identity with being seen as a great artist or in making this particular historical woman famous.” He went completely against the grain by not seeking recognition for what he did. Lets be honest the Art world exists completely on becoming successful this way. His intention to purely serve others is through his art is one of a kind. We can learn so much from that.
Yes Rachel, and it is so interesting that this stand-out figure in the history of Art who was truly serving has actually produced the most famous and popular painting in the history of the world. It shows that human beings KNOW what is true.
‘The human beings know what is true’ – yes indeed they do. Everybody I know, and I know a quite a few people from all over the world and from a lot of cultures – everybody knows ‘Mona Lisa’. May be a few not, but most of them do. So how does this come she is so famous and the most viewed picture in the Louvre? Leonardo, you did it well! And Bernadette, you did too!
“He was painting to serve the world”. Wowser. Not many artists I know could truly make that claim without the wanting to attract some form of acclamation. I loved finding out more about this painting though your experience of it. Thank you.
What a superb sharing Sandra. Love the sensitivity and universal wisdom of the detail you have expressed here.
Thank you Bernadette for bringing my attention to the Mona Lisa once again and what she is emanating for all women and men. This painting is so powerful yet so simple in what is presented for all to feel. One thing I have also noticed in the painting is she has her back to the hard, uncared for road and is facing the smooth winding pathway. This seems symbolic of which road she has taken and the road we all could be on if we so choose.
I love Leonardo’s use of light and shade in this painting. I am always drawn to the glow of her chest and it feels to me as if love is constantly emanating from her heart – I am reminded that I am love. She has a broad open forehead but it does not dominate the heart which symbolizes to me that she has great clarity and is not governed by the thinking mind – I am reminded not to judge myself or others. The light on her right wrist gives me a strong energetic feeling but I can’t express exactly what it is except I feel a sense of strength in divinity. Leonardo’s skillful use of shading around the face makes me feel as if Mona LIsa is in touch with the deep stillness of the night even while she is in the light of the day.
Sandra your comment that Mona Lisa “is not governed by the thinking mind – I am reminded not to judge myself or others” shows how much Leonardo understood about how we diminish ourselves when we are judgemental of ourselves, our partners, kids, friends, politicians, and everyone on the planet! There is no judgement in her body language or in her mouth, or in her eyes which look upon us lovingly.
Your expression of the Mona Lisa is simply gorgeous Sandra and what captures me the most is your last line: ‘ makes me feel as if Mona LIsa is in touch with the deep stillness of the night even while she is in the light of the day. These few words resonate deeply and speak volumes to me that could fill a whole library!
Absolutely Jacqmcfaddenno4. What Sandra has written about the Mona Lisa is pure poetry – something rare in this world. It brings to us, in a few potent and inspiring words, what it normally takes a whole lecture to do. The words of Sandra’s that you picked out also blew me away: ‘ makes me feel as if Mona Lisa is in touch with the deep stillness of the night even while she is in the light of the day’. It gives us all that we have heard presented about the beauty of setting up a consistent daily rhythm that leads from night to day and from day to night – always in the divine pulsation and connection .
This painting completely redefines beauty and what it truly means to be expressing our beauty in-truth. It is definitely not just about the outer but most of all what is felt and lived and then claimed deep within us.
I sat here with her picture on my screen and paused for a moment. There was a feeling and a sense that I did not need to be anyone or do anything spectacular in order to feel a warmth and solidness in my body. This is a very stark contrast to how I felt even just an hour ago thinking and believing that I had to do something for another – this came with a feeling of icy cold hands and my body feeling denser on one side. The Mona Lisa does not appear one sided but very steady and balanced in herself, you don’t get the sense that she is putting on an act, simply being herself and just by her picture I can feel this. If I can get a sense of this steadiness within me now, what is felt by all others who may not see that picture but see me choosing to live in that steadiness? How powerful are the modern day Mona’s that we can all be? This is what I feel inspired to feel more, thank you Bernadette.
I love what you have sensed Leigh ” that I did not need to be anyone or do anything spectacular in order to feel a warmth and solidness in my body”. I agree that we can all be modern day Mona Lisa’s, equal to her, living in that steadiness. How this will support young women to embrace their true loveliness.
Rachel I also am realising the exquisite depth available to us as we share our connection to the painting and what it holds, and our connection to each other is confirmed here also.
That’s true Bernadette, our connection to each other is confirmed here also and, may I add, in the same quality and beauty that the Mona Lisa exudes. How exquisite is that!
Gorgeous Dean!
I can feel from reading this beautiful blog Bernadette, the amazing gift to humanity that women are. The true quality that can emanate through the woman’s body is confirming of the divinity within us all.
How beautiful to read your comment Lisa – it is truly beautiful to acknowledge the gift to humanity that women are and to have this reflected out to us by the Mona Lisa painting. When we do emanate this divine quality out into the world we are claiming the way that we can all unite and become equal in all that we are. The full beauty of humanity working together in harmony and love.
Six million viewers! Awesome, Bernadette…. what you have shared makes it clear why it is such a popular painting – it is calling to that which is true within us all. Do we really have to wait until 6 billion people have seen the painting before the women of the world will wake up and claim their true nature, and men wake up and not only see that in women but also in themselves? I’m all for the inspiration of the Mona Lisa spreading from person to person, with or without Louvre visit, by each of us waking up to who we truly are, as I’m sure Leonardo would have been aware was possible, and even intended!
Beautiful Dianne, and as each woman wakes up and claims her true nature, a ripple effect flows out to many others in her circles. Leonardo also observed this ripple and flow of energy in water. Leonardo had a grand understanding of energy, and I feel that in the painting of the Mona Lisa he has conveyed the qualities for women to claim and nurture in order to restore them to their divine essence once again. These qualities are much needed in our world.
Yes it’s all about energy, and even the people who ‘don’t get that’, who focus on the physical, get wrapped up in the Mona Lisa. I first heard of this painting when I was in my mid-teens, and people always spoke about her enigmatic smile that appeared to change with the years. That was kind of intriguing but I don’t know if it’s true. Now it seems to me that those people were trying to ‘physicalize’ something that was affecting them energetically, so everyone does in fact ‘get it’!
Thank you Bernadette, I am drawn back to your blog, just like I am always drawn back for another look at the Mona Lisa, she has a way of capturing you in her stillness and at the same time holding you equally in that same stillness.
I think if you could paint the true essence of every woman from the deepest part of her out you would find the Mona Lisa. Not that all women are the same – not at all, but there is a divinity that all women share that is the same and that is why the Mona Lisa smiles.
Beautiful Dean, we look different on the outside and ideals of beauty change every decade, every day now it seems, for men and women there is always the latest and the newest actor in a movie or the most out there pop star. How lost have we become?! As you felt to write, we all share a divinity, as equals, and hence the smile. She is communicating her eternal patience knowing we will wake up one day!
Dean – I love this. “That is why the Mona Lisa smiles” she has a deep, clear inner knowing of where she is from and what her true purpose is and that it is shared by everyone on the planet should they choose to connect to it too!
Dean, I love this!…that is why the Mona Lisa smiles. It brings a smile to me inside and out. One of the most asked questions answered so simply. There is divinity within us all and when we open our eyes and our hearts to see and feel this all we cannot help but smile. It is absolutely gorgeous.
So beautiful to read Bernadette and share the all you feel so knowingly and simply from the Mona Lisa I love it and the appreciation this is bringing thank you.I am overjoyed by all that this painting brings to all women to appreciate who we truly are by this reflection that we all as humanity clearly feel and know inside.It is love that descends to all from this painting how very deeply healing it is for humanity and it shows how all Art could be and the true healing power from that lived place inside us all.
“How very deeply healing it is for humanity” – thank you for feeling the healing that we all receive from this painting Tricia – so true.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” These words are so full of power and feel so very sacred. What an amazing representation of women the Mona Lisa is.
What an exquisite treat is was to read your article Bernadette this morning as I sit at my chosen cafe before I head into my day of work. I loved every word and I was eager to reach the end to see who wrote this divine piece. This article is such a gift to humanity as it is an extension of the great work of Leonardo da Vinci. So very beautiful,powerful and confirming and of the power we have inside. Thank you.
These are questions I have often pondered. Thanks Bernadette for allowing me to stop and truly appreciate this masterpiece, including its form and subject. I love your analogy about the winding paths, i.e. which path do we choose? ‘Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.’
You offer a very refreshing critique, allowing us to not only stop and see, but feel the essence of this remarkable painting.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
Beautiful, what can is say, except that I have four gorgeous Mona Lisa’s in my house so her eyes are always on me wherever I am, except in the bathroom…
Bernadette I just read this blog again and felt a whole new level of appreciation for Leonardo Da Vinci and this painting. Years ago found the Mona Lisa quite ugly and stern – she made me feel like I was being told off. I thought the Mona Lisa was just another painting that everyone makes a big fuss about for reasons that I don’t understand (after all there is some very strange art out there that makes big bucks). When I went to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa I was quite arrogant. There were not many people around so I got up close and personal and spent time staring her to understand what the appeal was – I didn’t really get it but I felt it was great to be able to see this painting in person and got the idea there might be something extraordinary about it after all.
A few days after I visited the Louvre I visited Musee D’Orsay and stumbled across some other works by Da Vinci that seemed to change the configuration of my entire body. The feeling was indescribable. I can only say that it felt like what I imagine heaven would be like. I felt the potential of art and it blew my mind. I would love to have the opportunity to see these incredible works of art again with a new level of awareness and appreciation.
I have some Leonardo Da Vinci prints that allow me to feel the absolute richness that this man was. The delicateness and amazing depth and nature of him is so easily felt through his work. He was certainly no ordinary man.
Any woman living true to her own knowing stands out for the power and radiance that she emanates. This is what I see in the Mona Lisa, a woman who knows herself and cannot be rocked by anything. She knows she is Divine yet at the same time she is deeply present in the world and very aware of the ways of the world. This woman cannot be fooled by anyone or anything.
Such a great comment Elizabeth Dolan for you are indeed one of these woman. Living true.
I love what you offer here Elizabeth, it is beautiful, it is profound and powerful. I love feeling in your writing how you have connected to this yourself.
I agree Alexandra. The words of Elizabeth’s about the Mona Lisa that really stand out to me are, ‘She knows she is Divine yet at the same time she is deeply present in the world . . .’ This is the magic energetic formula for us all. We are Divine, let us bring this divinity and live in the deep presence of it in the world, embracing our part to play, bringing our all , knowing that we will all come home together. Inspiring words Elizabeth.
I put a picture of the Mona Lisa up in my classroom at the beginning of the year and have definitely been inspired and held by it being there – a reminder of the still, steady grace that is our natural constant.
And how you have offered your students a true reflection Matilda, for them to feel and enjoy!
Oh Matilda, I love how you have put a picture of the Mona Lisa up in your classroom – the kids will never forget her, or you!
Bernadette I loved to read your take on the Mona Lisa and what is signifies, it feels for sure that Leonardo was painting something beyond the obvious and that there is great depth to what is on offer in the painting.
Bernadette, It is beautiful to feel, in this blog, the depth of your appreciation for Leonardo and the Mona Lisa – surely the most viewed and loved painting of all time. I love how you have said: ‘Throughout the centuries Mona Lisa has remained a constant. She has been continuously emanating a quality of energy to inspire us now as modern women to be that grace and presence ourselves – our own Renaissance.’ Absolutely Bernadette, she has just been there waiting for the women of the world to come back to their stillness and their delicious repose. This is indeed our Renaissance, the Renaissance beginning to re-awaken in our 21st century, thanks to the inspiration and wisdom of Serge Benhayon, without whom we would have slumbered on, never knowing the true power in our hands.
Thank you Lyndy for feeling my appreciation for Leonardo and the Mona Lisa, and like you I also thank Serge Benhayon who has shown us a way to be that reconnects us to our inner heart. I love your phrase in reference to Serge Benhayon “without whom we would have slumbered on, never knowing the true power in our hands”. Once again it is a man showing women the depth of their beauty from within.
Stillness and love personified, reflected in eternal beauty – a deep inspiration for everybody.
The Mona Lisa is pure stillness – her silhouette, her head and two elbows forming a triangle. She is solid and knows who she is. She sits like a queen, the queen of her own body showing all women that knowing and loving oneself is the key to eternal joy and fulfillment. Thank you Bernadette for a super blog about the Queen of the Louvre.
How she brings out the wisdom in us?! The triangle symbolism is great and the stillness of that was felt by me but not yet acknowledged as what the triangle represents. It brings back to life the super solidness of the pyramid I once knew very well. There truly is eternity is this piece.
Simon and marylinecd your comments about the angles and geometry of the pose of Mona Lisa expand our understanding of Leonardo’s universal mind. I would like to draw attention to the scale of her body in relation to the landscape behind, she is painted large and the landscape very small so that much detail can be incorporated into the smaller spaces around her head and shoulders. By painting her so large in scale in relation to the background, she is given her true power.
This woman knows she is loved – what a great line, it helped me to feel how gorgeous it is to be loved by another because you are then made more aware or reminded of the gorgeousness of yourself … so really the line is saying, this woman knows she is gorgeous.
Your comment got me thinking how so often we can assume we are loved, because it’s the norm for people close to us to ‘love us’, family close friends …… however, the way we feel we are loved is through the myriad of little gestures offered throughout each day, the soft touch on your arm, a lingering smile soaking you in, slippers lovingly placed by your bed to greet you in the morning. Feeling the loving tenderness from another is something we all crave and yet, all we need to do is connect back to our gorgeous selves and feel the exquisite love that fills us all, already.
I too have found it a conundrum. On the one hand here is this picture that is not sexy and does not conform to any of our modern associations with pictures of beautiful women…. yet to walk past the picture there is this undeniable emanation. Its alive and in a room full of enormous works of art everyone can feel and is drawn to this tiny but powerful work of art.
I had never felt into this painting to the degree you have Bernadette. I have a copy at home and I have seen the real one and the energy that it emanates is timeless and refuses to wane after 500 years! This is what true love is… timeless and with in us all.
Sjmatsonuk the reconnection back to true love is just waiting for us all to make the choice.
“Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love”, this is something that stood out for me. I have heard it a lot over the years, so can feel how we can gloss over such things as, ‘oh, I’ve heard that before’, so not to allow ourselves to go to a deeper level. I can feel for me just recently the call to go deep with my awareness around details, being consciously present with people, with myself. Bringing focus and a dedication the where i place my energy. Which is deeply loving for me and for others, I will continue to do this in each moment, to the best of my ability and with love.
It’s so confirming to read and feel the innate qualities I have as a women; the tenderness of men and the appreciation of what women and men bring each other. I really appreciate reading all of this after a days training around domestic violence and abuse, honour based killings and serial killers. It’s wonderful to come back to the truth of who we are.
Bernadette you have opened me up to seeing and feeling, much more of what the Mona Lisa portrays. Even to the point of what Leonardo Da Vinci would have been feeling while painting the portage. It’s an energetic imprint of love, it’s no wonder everyone can’t take his or her eyes of her. It’s hard to stop looking at something that holds you in love and strength. It’s also no wonder she can’t take her eyes of every other person, just the way love never can.
Thank you for sharing this experience with the group Bernadette. Yes we can focus on our imperfections, comparing ourselves to others, thinking we are not enough, and I feel blessed to have been shown a way to change old patterns and learn to love and honour myself, and everyone, as equals.
Accepting myself as an equal to everyone has taken a little time to correct. The comparison had tangled me up very tight, but it is clearing and I am learning to use it as a tool to see where there are loving choices that I have not been making and of which I can then choose for myself.
A great comment Kim, about Leonardo’s imprint of love in the painting. I feel that that is how and why the painting is for men and women equally, as it was a man who knew this loving energy, and he was showing us what is possible – our true nature.
Beautiful Bernadette, just as the Mona Lisa captures the essence of women, so did you in that blog. It was gorgeous to read and feel my fragility, delicateness and tenderness. Thank you.
Thank you so much Bernadette for this awesome blog. I have wished for a while to contemplate more about this painting and the lady in the painting and you have gifted this and so much more. “I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman.” Understanding the full power and innate beauty emanating from the Mona Lisa has supported me in my journey to be fully aware of and responsibility to express who I truly am as a woman.
It is a statement not only to empower and confirm women to claim all the qualities being expressed by their female energy, but also a statement that women (femaleness) will restore the balance we are missing in the world. Men living their tenderness and presence of stillness as well contribute to the balance as impressed by the Mona Lisa.
“Men living their tenderness and presence of stillness as well contribute to the balance” – beautifully expressed Alex, as I feel that we are out of balance at present, with women thinking they have to be like men, or sex bombs or nice, and men confused about all the pressures and expectations placed on them.
Reading this article will change my appreciation of the Mona Lisa. I have always felt a stillness and innate strength in this painting, but never really looked into this with the understanding and clarity that you bring through here Bernadette. Thank you.
Like you Paul, Bernadette’s article has expanded my understanding, as well bringing my attention back to this inspirational example of something so tender and so embodied (full of herself) that it reminds me of everything I can be.
Thanks Bernadette, I have to admit I have owned a print of the Mona Lisa for many years and look at it almost everyday as I leave the house but I have never looked into its meaning quite like you have. You have really opened my eyes, not only to the Mona Lisa but everything else I take a little too much for granted.
So each observation is a scratch on the surface of what we can see next if we choose. I find this really inspiring as a confirmation of the forever learning that is on offer and the huge depth to which our relationship with life can go.
The Mona Lisa is a tribute to all women and thank you Bernadette for sharing this so beautifully. She is an inspiration and ‘Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman’ speaks so much.I love how you write and she is a living example of pure love emanating to the world . Deeply touching and her Divine expression is for us all men and women alike to be the love we are.No wonder this painting is so special and it is felt by everyone throughout time.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing your beautiful appreciation of Mona Lisa. I remember standing in front of her painting 15 years ago at the Louvre and palpably feeling a difference in me of wanting to just be still, compared to the busy rushing around from being on a bus tour. Over the years I have admired and felt more of what Mona Lisa shows me… like you, I feel a woman who knows herself, is powerful in her connection to herself as a woman and showing that equally to others, her grace and steadiness is her true beauty.
Yes Elizabeth, I feel that the paths represent that in every moment and in every situation we are at a fork in the road, choosing smooth (love, gentleness,harmony….) or rough ( self doubt, anger, comparison, jealousy…)
I feel like there is an unapologetic stillness to the Mona Lisa and I first felt this for myself whilst having an Esoteric Healing Session. Knowing that I have this living stillness in me and it is choice whether or not I remain connected to this has changed my life.
I feel the truth of this Bernadette. Every moment we do have a choice either between reaction/emotion to love, gentleness and harmony. I watch myself, at times in reaction and emotion and have a choice to stay in it and indulge, or choose to come back to love.
Beautiful analogy to always hold close, that we have always two options, one light and clear, the other rocky and hard. Thank you Bernadette, you have brought us a much need reminder that life is always full of choices in every moment, it is simply up to us what road we wish to tread. It is so extraordinary how much this one painting can inspire us to return to what is innately within, a tender, confident love that shows us the real way home.
The Mona Lisa constantly inspires me to look behind what I see with my eyes. Her popularity does not make any sense if you just ‘see’ the picture. Many people try to explain it with their heads, being scholarly about it, but for me it is simply that there is a quality beyond the visual that touches a knowing in me that there is so much more to life that we can see with our eyes.
So true Matilda, in this day and age Mona Lisa popularity makes no sense at all. Like us all though, our experiences also tell us that it is not our exterior that measures our worth but the quality of our being that is felt as truth or not. Mona Lisa expresses truth.
I feel that Mona Lisa is not only saying that we all have those Divine qualities of Power, Stillness, Beauty and Grace; I feel she is saying she IS all of us.
Yes Coleen, do you feel this is why she is smiling?!
A beautiful sharing Bernadette and I could feel in every word, your love and appreciation of this painting and the inspiration the Mona Lisa has been for you. Your expression was a painting in itself, and a confirmation for me and all women. Thank you!
“This woman knows she is loved ….and shines love back”. So true Bernadette. The mystery and grace that emanates out from the picture is palpable. Despite being such a small picture in real life ( which surprised me when I saw it in Paris for the first time) there is so much on offer for everyone who looks at her, be it in a reproduction it or the original picture.
The Mona Lisa is stillness personified. What a great reminder for all of us. Thank you Bernadette.
It strikes me that it is actually a wonderful gift that Leonardo da Vinci gave to women when he painted the Mona Lisa with her imperfections because you get to see and feel her in all her splendor and sacredness while at the same time not being perfect. This is a huge lesson for women.
As you say, a huge lesson Elizabeth, has the ideal of perfection been a big trick to keep us feeling that we never measure up? It’s time to appreciate ourselves and each other and to treasure our beauty from within.
The ideal of perfection ! It is what keeps women small and hidden. Why should we conform to an ideal of beauty. ALL women are beautiful. The Mona Lisa doesn’t melt in the back ground – oh no, she shines all that she is unashamedly.
Over 500 years ago Leonardo da Vinci was predicting the place we would get to when women were identified, and identified themselves, so completely by their outer appearance. What he left for us in this painting is the constant reminder that we are not our bodies but a quality that emanates from within.
yes this is absolutely spot on- she is not perfect, nor doe she have unattainable beauty that would alienate other women or make them feel uncomfortable in themselves somehow. this is part of leonardo’s genius, that women are portrayed as worthy of a portrait because of something far greater to communicate-the power of presence and sacredness- its timeless and something humanity senses is exquisitely beautiful, hence the painting has remained famous for centuries.
Yes Elizabeth and Felicity – something absolutely vital I have learnt from Serge Benhayon, and have seen and felt it with my own eyes and senses, is that there is no such thing as a plain woman if she is connected to her innermost heart. The ambient radiance, deliciousness and beauty shines through and is irresistible . . . .as the Mona Lisa shows us.
I agree, it’s huge for women, including myself, to accept that we are not perfect but that in no way diminishes our grandness or our sacredness. It’s amazing to feel these qualities can be there without the trappings of what we think we should or could be as women.
This is huge lesson indeed Elizabeth for women, especially when considering how women beauty is portrayed in our society, the media, magazines etc – and from there all the false ideals of beauty we try to match or adhere to. Our true beauty has got nothing to do with our external physical features, our clothes, our make up or hair etc. True beauty is an emanation that comes from within us/ what we live. The further we go in our own healing and in building up self-love, the more naturally this amazingly powerful true beauty shines out for all to see and be inspired by. We have a responsibility of living in our fullness.
‘This woman knows that she is loved’ spoke to me deeply as I detected myself judging me of not being perfect. True this woman shows and emanates the feeling of being loved by herself and others consistently and steadily.
For me too Kerstin, to know that we are loved and we are love is the ultimate place to be with ourselves.
There is a knowingness with the Mona Lisa of who she is as a woman and the power she holds in her presence and stillness.
This is exactly it Marcia. What you write is huge, and we can all make the choice to live this for ourselves and very much so everyone else too.
Yes Alexandra and how simple and natural that is – because that is who we are.
Thank you Bernadette for your blog about Mona Lisa – as you have said I too can feel that connection and feel that she is saying ‘I know you, I can see into your soul’. When I speak to the copy that I have in my sitting room it’s as though I am having a dialogue with a live person – as thought the painting captures her essence and through the painting that essence is still alive. It feels so confirming to connect to the grace and beauty of a woman who truly embraced her life.
I am often blown away by the paintings by Da Vinci, it seems he was wise beyond words. There is such a depth in his paintings and a quality of energy that is totally divine and eternal. The Mona Lisa as your say Bernadette is a reminder to every woman of the divinity and true beauty that she holds inside.
“a woman who knows exactly who she is.” This is very much needed in a world where we have forgotten our Truth.
The Mona Lisa feels like a constant to me, something that we can all come back to as a reference point of what is true. She has withstood the tests of time and is loved as much today as ever before, because humanity needs a strong reminder of where we come from and the divine qualities we all have within us.
Yes Janet I agree and reassuring to know that the constant Mona Lisa offer us is there within us too.
There is something I find very reassuring about the Mona Lisa’s constancy and it could well be because of what you share Janet. That she is a ‘strong reminder of where we come from and the divine qualities we all have within us.’ That no matter how far I have strayed from this truth I can rejoin the smooth path back and come off the bumpy and uneven road.
I love what you are saying here Janet, Mona Lisa being a constant we can come back to, we can trust, something that is just there that is not being altered by time, ageless and ancient.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” What a gift the Mona Lisa offers us all.
How powerful is the possibility and the truth that we are already ‘complete’? I feel the power of that absolute truth is like a fire inside me that expands and burns off the last ounce of my self doubt.
Thank you for your focus on the word ‘complete’ Bernadette. Often I have felt that other women are, but that I need to keep trying to be that. When I allow and accept my imperfections, and appreciate that I am already complete, I am already enough, then I can feel how we are all divine, we are all one soul, men and women.
I was working with a group of women to day Bernadette and this topic came up – about being complete or enough to begin with. One woman said she felt her whole body ‘release’ at the possibility. It was a joy to feel people connect with this truth, like it was news rather than something ‘natural’. It made me appreciate that like you the imperfections can loom large, however through the presentations of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, we are offered a way back to being naturally who are – Mona Lisa!
I love this line Bernadette, ‘Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman.’ …This deep confirmation of our beauty is equally possible through our reflection to each other as women.
This is so true Kylie, I feel that all women are beautiful, and that we do confirm it with each other when there is no competition or jealousy.
This is true Kylie, your comment makes me aware of how powerful our reflection can be to each other, that if we are living our natural stillness and beauty then wow what a gift to the world that is.
Kylie that is just beautiful! To feel women in this way, with such equality is where we are going. Not only are we heading that way but we can also have it now with each other in full.
I was drawn to re visit your blog Benardette and upon doing so, just looking at the picture of the Mona Lisa brought a deeper awareness of stillness as I looked at the image. Thank you for this delightful article – I enjoyed reading it again.
“I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” – very powerful expression Bernadette. Thank you for this sharing your wisdom and reflection on this timeless piece of inspirational art. The gift that the Mona Lisa offers is so needed today. As when we do connect to and honor who we truly are as divine, sacred eternally beautiful women we can only inspire and appreciate the same in all others. And I am discovering how this is a far more harmonious path to walk and way to live.
As you say Carola, honouring ourselves in everything we do is far more harmonious, from every waking thought, to how we put ourselves to sleep at night and everything in between, accepting our imperfections and celebrating our unfolding re-awakening to love as our true foundation to life.
I am so enjoying this sharing about the Mona Lisa, Bernadette. I am really appreciating the support I feel when I look at and read about this beautiful woman- Mona Lisa. Thank you Leonardo da Vinci- this painting is a universal gift to all women when we are ready to truly feel and appreciate our own inner beauty.
I love your presentation of the Mona Lisa Bernadette, thank you. There is so much here to feel and appreciate. For many years I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about but for the last few years the Mona Lisa has been a steady, unwavering support in my life, offering me the reflection of stillness and love. As others have commented, the qualities we feel in her are not common in modern society and yet it is what we are all, deep inside us craving. To be full of ourselves in the knowing that who we are is enough, that to love ourselves completely is enough, that we don’t need to do anything is enough. This is a powerful reflection. We have the choice in every moment to connect to this within ourselves, or not – the smooth and gentle path or the wild, overgrown one. The Mona Lisa is a divinely, beautiful woman – a gift to the world, a mirror to reflect our divineness back to ourselves.
‘Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world. And that is what six million viewers receive as they walk past Mona Lisa at the Louvre. What a gift to humanity!’ I absolutely agree, what a gift to humanity. And what a man Leonardo da Vinci was to not just live for his time but for all times to come.
Agree Esther, this was the line in the blog that also stood out for me. It is rare, even unheard of anywhere else, for a painting to engage so many over so many years. It is timeless in its reflection and inspiration and as you say “confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world”. A gift to not just all women but for the whole of humanity!
Bernadette thank you for highlighting the amazing power in this little painting and the gift it is to us all. As you say she evokes the timeless living stillness and power of true womanhood. “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
I recall years ago going to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa. The rooms and hall ways were filled with amazing works as we walked to the spot where the Mona Lisa was hung. When I reached it I was surprised at the crowd gathered around the picture, It had a security guard behind a velvet rope to keep people away from the painting that was in a glass case to protect it, plus the picture was so small. But the energy of the Mona Lisa could be felt as we walked closer to it. She is so steady and confident in her gaze.So amazing! What an amazing reflection for us all to have.
Thank you Bernadette
To paint something that transcends time and space, that speaks volumes to the masses who flood the Louve day in, day out is really quite astounding. I remember going to the Louve and this was the only painting that I felt, even back then 26 years ago, was worth seeing but it is not until recently and more deeply so from your blog Bernie that I understand why I felt drawn to be in her presence and why she draws such a massive crowd.
Your blog has given me a totally new perspective on this iconic painting. I hadn’t ever considered that even the seemingly faded and insignificant background had a key role to play in the message of the portrait. But why wouldn’t it? Da Vinci wouldn’t waste the opportunity available in all that spare space! So, a true reminder for me to see beyond the obvious and to give more importance to the whole, not just the part; the detail, not just the main attraction.
When I first viewed the Mona Lisa in the Louvre I was incredible surprised at how small it was and felt ‘let down’ and disappointed as I had expected something much bigger. Yet it was the biggest draw in the museum but at that time I did not question the paradox. Since then I have come to realise it is not size or glamour that truly matters but quality and essence. The Mona Lisa, to me, is a living example of this fact.
There does feel a respect for women from Leonardo when he painted the picture, but the energy portrayed is from him seeing and painting a woman who knows she comes from Love. We are all fascinated when we look at the painting at how alive this still is today.
I do have a print of the Mona Lisa at home too which I love looking at or just feel its presence. Reading your blog Bernadette which I find amazing, it opened my awareness to a deeper level of understanding, appreciation and feeling around what this painting is about and reflect. Reading your writing around the fact that her eyes seem to travel with us, and then looking again at the painting I felt that this is basically saying that we CANNOT escape the truth of who we are.
In the past I have heard the theory that the Mona Lisa smiles ever so slightly because it is actually a painting of Leonardo Da Vinci himself – but as I have more and more understood this painting and the energy behind it, I feel her expression is a reflection of her claiming herself as a woman. Still, tender and powerful. An timeless reflection of true beauty. She holds a quality that is felt by everyone who looks at her.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing this beautiful article.
Thank you Bernadette for putting into words the way the Mona Lisa reflects beauty, power and grace to every one of us. I can definitely feel that is not just in what I am seeing but also in the quality, and attention to detail, the portrait is painted in and this is what equally stops many in awe.
“Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.” I think this is very true and important to be remembered as often I feel stuck in my previous choice where I can simply make the decision to change. Great blog
The thing that strikes me about Mona Lisa is her unchangeable quality and her grace. She exudes a steadiness and an inner knowing that we can all feel and is forever there – it remains a constant and is a great reminder that this same quality is in us all also.
You are absolutely right Bernadette what a gift to humanity this picture is, the quality is amazing she has such a strength and divinity about her. I must admit I never really liked the picture until a few years a go and I realise this was because I was lost in a perceived idea of what beauty was. The Mono Lisa is here to show us what true beauty is and the timeless quality in this. In our current times we have definitely lost the plot regarding what beauty is and the Mona Lisa serves as a reminder that true beauty always comes from the inside out not the outside in.
The Mona Lisa sits in a room of her own. The painting is protected in a climate controlled environment and encased in bullet proof glass. The room was built exclusively for the painting and it cost the Louvre museum over seven million dollars. Its unquestionable….this lady has power!
“this lady has power” she sure does Lucinda and keeps drawing people to her, there is definitely a quality about her.
“But does the truth of her fascination lie with the quality and power of the painting itself?” Here I feel you have hit the proverbial nail on the head. As there are many other paintings from the period that are say more artistically or aesthetically pleasing, this is the one the world loves the most. I feel it is most definitely its quality and power are what draws us.
I LOVED reading your article, Bernadette, thank you. What you share felt such a validation for me, as a woman, inspiring and empowering me to be all that I am, as a woman, so I can in turn inspire others around me.
‘I get a feeling of the love and respect that Leonardo felt for women as he painted this portrait. It is a painting for women, to empower them. Equally it is a painting for men, to feel their tenderness, and for both men and women to honour the sacredness and preciousness of women when they are absolute and complete.’
There is such strength and power to your words, Bernadette, expressed with tender simplicity and so much love.
I too have a copy of the Mona Lisa print in my home. Your blog has brought to light many details that I hadn’t noticed before and has given me much to ponder on regarding what she as a woman is sharing in her simplicity and yet as you say, utter knowing of herself.
Wow this is beautiful to read Bernadette, I recall going to the louvre many years ago and standing in front of the Mona Lisa, her reflection was power-full and was calling me to be more. The Mona Lisa reflects a quality and stillness and love that constantly emanates and reminds us who we truly are.
I am very fond of this picture, The Mona Lisa. I especially love her hands, the way they seem to glow from the canvas, in their settled, contented and restful way.
Thank you Bernadette for expanding my awareness of this amazingly powerful painting. I love your observation that ‘Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world’ which reminds me of how I have a responsibility for how I am in the world at all times . With the inspiration of the Mona Lisa this does not feel like a burden but an opportunity to shine forth these qualities and share them with humanity.
Helen your words about responsibility as an opportunity “to shine forth these qualities and share them with humanity” feel joyful and light – a new way to love responsibility?
The saying “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” comes to mind when considering the Mona Lisa. It is her energy that is captivating and powerful. Her hands, her face, the way she looks can so easily be judged or criticised as not being so called ‘beautiful’, but to stop and feel her emanation, well that is something else. This picture is proof in the pudding that energy comes first and what attracts millions of visitors a year is not what you see, but what is felt.
I agree – somethings in life cannot be seen by the eyes, but must be felt by the heart – and in this case it is very true. the skill of Leonardo is amazing, but the subject herself is not remarkable and the scenery not spectacular – and yet no one could deny it is a masterpiece.
Donna, I love what you say here. The Mona Lisa is not at all classically beautiful but she has captivated the world. Is it possible that Da Vinci was deliberate in his choices? Is it possible he knew that when every woman who looked at this painting their automatic response would be to go into comparison? Is it possible that in not making her beautiful he would negate the comparison and simply leave the viewer feeling the power and emanation of stillness, an encouragement to all to find this within themselves?
Yes, I feel this to be possible Michelle, ‘ that in not making her beautiful he would negate the comparison and simply leave the viewer feeling the power and emanation of stillness, an encouragement to all to find this within themselves?’ Her energy is powerful.
Da Vinci seemingly was a very wise man, painting a picture that offers a true blessing for all for the many years and centuries to follow.
Whenever I see the Mona Lisa I see a woman who is as solid as a rock within herself, at the same time emanating absolute love and a sense of loveliness.
Mona Lisa is in my hallway for all to see and feel – I look at her everyday and she returns my gaze with a gentleness and a knowingness. For in return I can feel a stillness and a gentleness in me and just as you share ‘she shines love back’. All this in a picture how amazing is that. A beautiful sharing with us all Bernadette.
Its incredible that one painting can have such an impact on us all… continuing to inspire a change in the way we feel and how we are 600 years later. That in itself blows me away, but consider that we all have the opportunity to inspire others with what we produce out there in the world – the painting is the living proof of that.
Simon does this not prove that we can all feel energy, and that therefore everything that we do or say or make comes with the quality of our choice of energy? This painting certainly emanates a powerful energy from Leonardo, love and stillness which are very beautiful to feel, and which have lasted for centuries and will endure into the future.
Thank you Bernadette for lifting the veil on the painting of Mona Lisa with such profound words. Yes, there is so much beauty in the stillness and presence of this lady who is the epitome of the grace in us all when we connect to our inner essence.
I would also add that the Mona Lisa reflectes the absolute sacredness that we all have as women.
Thank you for adding sacredness Elizabeth, as when we hold ourselves as sacred we would never override or abuse our bodies, we would look after ourselves so respectfully and lovingly.
Beautiful Elizabeth, sacred-stillness. The fact that no-one knows who she was is so fitting and no mistake because she is all of us in her fullness and for every woman and man no matter which era, race or country she holds and reflects God within us all from that fullness in deep sacred stillness. One of Leonardo’s many gifts to humanity.
What a fabulous inspirational blog Bernadette! Reading it this morning, I felt a deeper connection to my innate stillness and reminder of my grace, power and love as a Woman, at a time when I have been challenged to hold this in the face of being attacked by a man. Thank you.
Thank you Emma, it was beautiful to read about your deeper connection to your innate stillness, your grace power and love, and how this supported you in a difficult situation.
The wonder of Mona Lisa is her timelessness: unchanging, still, gracious regardless of who stands by or walks before her. Something we can all aspire to be. No more chasing rainbows, wanting to be like everyone else, or trying to fit in, but being content with who we are, where-ever we are and whoever we’re with.
Wow – and just wow again. Bernadette, this is absolute gold. Your writing and desciption of Mona Lisa is bringing even more gold to it. What those 6 mil viewers see each year , is that which you are describing in this piece and this is also what everyone who read this piece will receive – without even visitiiting the Louvre – wow wait – that is powerfull. Thank you Bernadette, for taking this time to acknowlegde the truth and true wisdom of the work of Leonardo Da Vinci.
Absolutely Danna – what those 6 million viewers see each year is super powerful… And that’s just a painting! Imagine how incredible it could be if women started living in their power and began dressing, expressing and celebrating all that they are. Now that would be something else!
I love the point you have raised Susie, if we all, men and women, took exquisite care of the way we dress, express and celebrate ourselves as all that we are – divine souls, how would that feel for us and for everyone we interact with throughout our day?
This is another amazing observation that you have made about this artwork Nicole, how it emanates the same qualities of stillness and presence as a reproduction as does the original.
‘This woman knows she is loved!’ Wow that really does make all the difference. I can live in denial that I am loved or I can live in the joy of feeling I am loved. My life would be totally different. And there’s nothing to stop me because I can love myself 100% and I can feel loved.
Very beautifully written Bernadette. I remember years ago standing in front of the painting in Paris and being intrigued. And now you have brought my attention to the painting again and in looking at it I see the purity and wisdom that to me this painting holds. Again, thank you for writing such a lovely post for us all to read.
When I look at the Mona Lisa, I find it very powerful. She always reflects to me where I am at.
The Mona Lisa is true gift to all of us. It is the reflection of the power within us all and that is of True Love, knowing and holding everyone in unity by choosing to be Love.
Bernadette thank you for this amazing blog.
Reading and engaging with this blog and the comments has had a more profound impact on my week than I imagined. The few days my legs and hips have become very achy although my walk has not changed I can feel a harshness in the steps I take which I was not aware of before. As the aching kept prompting me to reflect on what was going on, my thoughts kept coming back to the Mona Lisa! Several times when recalling what the painting emanates and what I had read in this blog I found myself become more still, focused, tender and graceful in my steps and the harshness easing off. I found I did not have to be in front of the painting to be supported by what it emanates.
Thank you for sharing the experience of your walk Golnaz, it feels like we are being called to be “more still,focused, tender and graceful”, and if we do not surrender to this way of being our bodies are going to send us strong messages!
Wow Golnaz that’s so inspiring. This just shows how healing it is to engage in these posts and conversations on line. I love your sharing and I love the unfolding nature of your discovery.
The Mona Lisa has always intrigued me my grandmother had a copy in her living room and I would spend hours just looking at it as a child. I remember walking to see if her eyes would follow me. It seemed as if there were endless things to look at in the picture, her dress, the veil, her hands. Later I was fortunate enough to go to the louvre and see it the original painting and I was amazed at the fuss around this tiny painting to me it felt the same as the one in the living room, which is amazing because sometimes copies don’t. There is a stillness in the painting that for me reflects the potential we all have deep within.
Beautifully expressed Bernie, yes the energy emanating from Mona Lisa is amazing & ever inspiring…
I love what you have shared here Bernadette. This painting has captivated so many, but so many bring an intellectual interpretation that actually bastardises what is before them. To be confirmed as a woman in stillness without objectification, complete and totally at ease with oneself and with life is the possibility for us all. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and wisdom. There is so much to reflect on here.
I have always loved the Mona Lisa. It’s true, she does show the contentment of a woman who knows herself and loves herself. I love your point about the artist Leonardo da Vinci showing a love and care for women because how else would he have been able to paint her if he didn’t have.
Yes Leonardo Da Vinci showed that he had a true understanding and love and care for woman, which shows that such such understanding is timeless and the qualities embodied also are.
yes i love this point too, the woman is painted with such respect and love by Da Vinci, its incredible to see how she is depicted and now i understand far more deeply why she is the most famous painting in the world. How many women feel good about themselves even if they don’t fit an ideal of perfection.
Yes, what a gift to humanity! And I realize, how as a matter of course, we live “with her” in our daily life’s all around the world. Maybe this is one of the most reproduced paintings in the world? It is easy to meet Mona Lisa in everyday’s life, also when you are not living in Paris. With what you have beautifully revealed about this picture – it is amazing how this can happen, and how obviously this picture has an healing energy to everyone as a reminder to be and to stay the true you (as she does since a couple of hundred years). You inspired me to get a print of Mona Lisa to connect to this quality, knowing, that thousands of people do the same (in Paris and around the world), it is also a possibility to connect to them too.
I love your point about connection, Stephanie, how millions of people around the world are connected to the truth of themselves when they look at this painting, and that by connecting to the energy of the painting and of Leonardo it connects us to all others equally. Time to ponder on the message and knowing that we are all equal souls on the earth.
I find it amazing that no matter how long ago the Mona Lisa was painted, it is still an inspiration to many today and the most visited and best known painting in the world.
True Susan, I remember seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and I was amazed at how captivated everyone was with it, including myself. The sense of stillness was palpable and it stopped everyone in their tracks. The true power of a woman in her stillness is remarkable and something we all have to offer when connected to.
I agree, Susan, it’s astonishing that on the face of it, a relatively ‘simple’ painting is the most visited in the world. However, it’s not in anyway ‘simple’ and maybe that is why it IS so popular, as everyone who lays eyes on the Mona Lisa can’t help but be affected by the divine grace and confirmation on offer, whether they choose to feel this gift, or not.
‘“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
Absolutley this painting has always had a strong effect on me – sometimes it grabs me and stops me and I cannot fool myself that I have left my sacredness – or it confirms that I am on the right track – such an awesome blog thank you Bernadette, I feel the very importance of bringing this to light to we can truly feel and appreciate what a true reflection is – something that holds us to who we are – Devine
Amber from reading your comments and all the beautiful comments that have been made here, it feels like we all have a deep connection to the message in the painting, men and women, and it has nothing to do with fashion, pouting lips, push-up bras or come-hither eyes, which is what the media are offering us today. We cannot be fooled about true beauty any longer.
An incredible look into the Mona Lisa; it evoked a groundswell of contemplation for me. In all that’s lost for those of us who bend to the modern cultural demands of being sexy, popular, accepted etc and therefore forever seeking outside of themselves – the Mona Lisa holds such a great quality even I can’t help but stop of consider the true fullness in her and therefore in me.
Well said, Oliver. The Mona Lisa breaks through all fashions, trends, ideals etc and powerfully reminds us of the timeless quality we each have in our essence.
Well said Oliver, it is almost as through Leonardo knew that in the future women would need a reminder of all they bring without having to do anything.
Perhaps women have conformed to societal convention throughout time and Leonardo knew it was as relevant to show women true beauty for his time as well as for the future. It’s so stunning to have the Mona Lisa as a guide for truth through each era and to offer us the possibility to connect within ourselves what she emanates.
It also shows that not only is true beauty and grace timeless, but that what was happening then is still happening now, it just looks different. Perhaps women have always struggled with trying to fit into societies ideals, and that is why the Mona Lisa has always been so popular.
Thank you for your beautiful words Oliver. That to me is the beauty we feel here, the fact that this divine quality we can feel being presented via the Mona Lisa is equally in us all.
Your truth and sensitivity in this Oliver is so beautiful to feel within your words. The Mona Lisa embodies neither solely female nor solely male, because as she is, so he is. The full embodiment of both sides to call to both genders, and is perhaps why we all love looking at the divinity that is before us, being bestowed.
Very well said Oliver – this is beautiful
It took a man to show us women who we are. Does that tell us that all men know the truth of us, and that men today are waiting for us to claim ourselves as true women again?
I agree Bernadette, I feel that men do know the truth of us.
That is an excellent point Bernadette. The Mona Lisa – a stunning example of how every woman can live, be and express – was in fact painted by none other than a man…. Maybe we should learn to open up to men a little more; as you say they may understand more about us than we think!
Good question, so what are women waiting for?
Yes a great point indeed. Are women waiting for men and men waiting for women in some sort of headstrong Mexican standoff? Men are amazing, they know we are so let’s let them in ladies.
Great question Bernadette, it is a challenge awaiting all women that has no force yet an urgency to it. There is such support and tenderness available to us as women if only we claim and start living that which we are more fully.
A very powerful observation you’ve made Bernadette. Time to heed the call.
Great point here Bernadette. To me, what this simply reveals is that this quality of simplicity, truth and grace lives within us all, regardless of whether we are a man or a woman.
‘Light bulb moment’ Bernadette! “It took a man to show us women” the depth of who we are.
Both men and women, over six million a year, visit the Mona Lisa. Some would say that is just because of the “most famous painting in the world” label, but there are plenty of other equally famous paintings and attractions that dont garner the same kind of interest. She definitely has something, a magnetic pull; perhaps as you say, offering us the opportunity to recognise that all men and women know the truth of us, we have been missing it. Looking at the Mona Lisa we get a chance to feel that truth, maybe it’s time to return to it.
I have stood in front of this painting and just felt myself receive a blessing, meaning a feeling of up-liftment and lightness. It is incredible to open ones body to many of Da Vinci’s works and receive the gifts he offered to all of humanity through the energy the paintings emanate. I love the extra attention to the detail in the Mona Lisa offered in this blog. I had not noticed some of the detail shared and it has offered confirmation that there is a grace and divinity in being human. There is a challenge here to take the path in life which embodies these qualities through our everyday living.
I love what you write here “I had not noticed some of the detail shared and it has offered confirmation that there is a grace and divinity in being human. There is a challenge here to take the path in life which embodies these qualities through our everyday living.” So often it is easy to put ourselves down or wish we were something or someone else doing something different. In truth however there is most definitely a grace and a divinity in being human. The infinite pool of gifts and abundance of love we hold within, often waiting to be tapped into, is vast. There is indeed much to honour, celebrate and enjoy.
We do tend to focus on what is not right with us, our faults, and the nightly news, media coverage and TV dramas offer us sensationalism, war, crime, conflict and celebrity focus, but we do have a choice of another way to be – as you wrote Simon, “The grace and divinity in being human” and Jenny, “the infinite pool of gifts and abundance of love” are truly worth celebrating and enjoying.
Great expression Jenny and deeply felt in the expression of Mona Lisa – that abundant love held within that you mention – and how her expression is of knowing and claiming that love – a great reflection to us all.
When most people talk about being human they do it in a given up, negative kind of way – “but I’m only human”. It is so important that we learn the other side of the coin – yes history shows us that humanity has done some deplorable things and that it can be incredibly cruel and unjust, however that is because we have dismissed out of hand that what we contain within is literally “almighty”. To learn that what lives inside us despite the contraction, the wars and the pain, remains untouched and pure is breath of fresh air – it is a new but very old way of looking at ourselves.
I love what you all share in this tread about the reflection of the grace and divinity in being human. This we can feel if we connect with our essence and feel who we truly are. And as Michelle819 shares “To learn that what lives inside us despite the contraction, the wars and the pain, remains untouched and pure as the breath of fresh air – it is a new but very old way of looking at ourselves.”
Jenny and Simon, this is beautiful. Whist I absolutely feel the grace and divinity IN people I haven’t allowed myself to feel the grace and beauty OF being human. (If that makes sense?) If I am honest I can feel an inner resentment of our humanness and the foibles we hold as a result. Your comments have let me feel more accepting of being human and the loving expression that comes with divinity IN people being expressed out AS people.
I love what you’ve shared here Bernadette and feel there is so much on offer, to connect to the Mona Lisa in a way I haven’t before, and to feel what the painting brings to humanity.
“Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love”.
This is a beautiful offering for me to carry into today. Thank you.
So gorgeous Bernadette! I love how you describe “her enigmatic smile that seems to say “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” So beautifully expressed!!!
A wonderful analyses of the Mona Lisa Bernadette. I have to say that I would agree with you, that she stands for the modern woman, clearly inspiring us all to claim ourselves for the beautiful, delicate and strong women we are.
Bernadette that really is an incredible insight into The Mona Lisa. I was going to use the word ‘interpretation’ and stopped myself as it feels that you are actually conveying the true meaning of the painting.
People have been fascinated by the Mona Lisa for centuries, experts knowing that the painting holds something special and analysing it with varieties of theories. But your explanation feels so simple and true, here is a woman who loves and celebrates herself, for us all to see. I’m going to go back and see her, and shine back to her, all that I am too.
“THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED! And she shines love back.” – Could that be the key to true beauty? I can say that the guarantee of love in my life let me shine and reflect the beauty that we all are. And this love is not (just) from my partner – it is the love we all are, the love where we are coming from and returning back to. A divine love. And this guarantee of love I can feel in the Mona Lisa. And I can feel it in me. And in every women and men who are willing and living to let true love shine through.
I love what you share here Bernadette and you have inspired me to look more closely at the Mona Lisa and feel more deeply into what she is saying. I have to say that the background has never really caught my attention in the past whilst looking at this painting and now I feel I have gone a little deeper into the world of Mona Lisa and all she stands for, thank you for inspiring this so.
There has been a lot of discussion around the Mona Lisa’s hands over the years, and I have often wondered what is so special about them. As someone has shared above, they look at bit pudgy, but what I feel when I look at them is a complete surrender – not holding on or grasping at life, but the grace and full acceptance of knowing who she truly is.
THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED. This line really stood out for me today, as I am beginnig to understand just how much support and love there is for me for us all, and how much love I have been surrounded by for such a long time but I was not open or ready to receive……the more I feel loved and honoured the less I need or expect from others, which is something I give to myself.
I love how you describe the symbolism of the painting, Bernadette. There is so much wisdom and insight in it.
So beautifully shared Bernadette. Reading this blog this morning got me reflecting on an exchange between myself and another colleague yesterday. She said, “good morning Julie”, to me with a real appreciation and joy in her voice so when I felt that, it opened up my heart and my eyes just couldn’t help reflecting back my love for her as an equally gorgeous woman. It was like we each reflected back our own Mona Lisa essence and were a gift to each other.
This is very beautiful Julie, we all have the Mona Lisa essence within, and it is so gorgeous to feel our love and stillness untouched, and to share it as you did with another gorgeous woman.
Yes I completely agree – it is not about glorifying an unattainable so called physical beauty which we champion in today’s magazine but a portrait of what TRUE beauty is which is something that we ALL have inside. An inner quality and presence. And yes, I too feel the stillness which reminds me of some moving free audios and gorgeous quotes on Stillness that can be found here:
http://www.unimedliving.com/unimedpedia/word-index/unimedpedia-stillness.html
Thank you for these beautiful expansions on stillness Nicola – understanding that stillness is an energetic quality of being to be lived throughout our day and with our interactions with others.
I loved the description of stillness as the ultimate package, stillness in movement being joyful and playful. There is much wisdom here for us all in these short audios and quotes to counter the “world plague of exhaustion”.
People are still so mesmerised by the Mona Lisa, yet as you say, she looks nothing like the women in magazines today. She definitely has a quality that can be felt by all. I love what you share, thank you Bernadette
It is such a gorgeous feeling reading this blog and the comments appreciating Leonardo da Vinci’s work and what Mona Lisa emanates. When I consider that millions have chosen in their life to find their way to this emanation and when face to face with it have been impulsed to to stop and take in what is being offered – I get how we are all the same, how deep down we all know that stillness, grace and timeless inner beauty and long for it. I find this very moving and feel how important it is, in a world that often does the opposite, we do our best to live and reflect such qualities as Mona Lisa to one another.
Mona Lisa is sure an inspiration, the grace, beauty and power she reflects is very touching, you cannot but feel the energy from the picture when you pass it. Her eyes are so powerful yet very welcoming,
This is very powerful Bernadette….and i looked and felt the simple print on this blog more deeply than ever before as i was inspired by your connection to Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa’s presence is felt without a doubt…”enigmatic smile that seems to say “I know you, I can see into your soul” is exactly what i felt and that is a confirmation of the true beauty that lies within us and that Mona Lisa is emanating as we can also in our living ways…in our delicateness, beauty and power.
Thank you Bernadette, your words are simply precious.
‘THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED!
And she shines love back.’
It is a true gift to have the Mona Lisa shine the way for us women, accompanying us through centuries.
Gosh yes Esther, she has stayed with us through the centuries quietly showing us the grace and beauty we hold deep within ourselves, as women which we may have forgotten.
Bernadette, this blog is fantastic! What you got when asking the Mona Lisa was super powerful- I stopped reading and literally said whoa. I also love the bit you put in about the background and how it could represent two possible life choices.. I hadn’t noticed it before.
Beautiful blog Bernadette,I agree,there is so much to feel from this painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.I loved how you said it confirms’the innate knowingness,wisdom,stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world’,and how when you look at it ‘I am confirmed as a woman’. It is very inspiring to be reminded of these qualities that all women hold within themselves.
The Mona Lisa emanates a quality that is timeless and exquisitely beautiful, as you’ve very clearly said Bernadette. I find it fascinating that the world is so captivated by her, and yet we still insist on making the outer our everything when it comes to the beauty of a woman. This is such a clear example of the inner being everything.
Yes Jenny as you say we have made the outer everything, as evidenced by the burgeoning trends of cosmetic surgery, tattoos, body building for men, dieting for women, when we all really know and feel the true beauty and power of a man or a woman when they are glowing and confident from the inside. Directing our focus to developing ourselves from the inside out is what I have been inspired to do by listening to Natalie and Serge Benhayon, and knowing many more gorgeous and vital people who live with this dedication.
I find it really interesting that people describe her as not beautiful, and I really appreciated especially the delicateness and femininity in her hands on looking at her today. It just goes to show that what we have been sold as beauty and the ‘pictures’ we are fed of what a powerful woman looks like are so at odds to what we see and feel here. The Mona Lisa represents the ancientness of femaleness – the holding, steadiness and knowing that women all innately have, which is the essence of their true beauty.
Yes I agree Amelia, when I see the Mona Lisa, I see beauty and nothing less. Her emanation transmutes any ideals or expectations of what beauty is, and offers an instant knowing.
Thank you so much for your blog Bernadette – it has deepened and expanded my appreciation of the Mona Lisa and it is a wonderful reminder to all that a woman’s true beauty comes from her presence.
Wow Bernadette, you have captured the Mona Lisa in your words so eloquently – the best review I have read about this painting so far – truly inspiring!
I felt the same too Judith, that it is the best review of the painting I have read.
Reblogged this on maggiemoonlight.
Thinking about how many prints of the Mona Lisa there are in the world – in addition to the 6 millions seeing her at the Louvre every year – let’s me be in awe about the timeless power of a true expression.
Shirley-Ann thank you for sharing such a lovely and powerful phrase. If you publish (in any form) it will be shared around the world.
The Mona Lisa is an enigmatic painting. even if people do not understand why, they still feel her timeless quality drawing them in and are mesmerised by her. She holds a standard of beauty that is not seen in the world currently, a beauty that is beyond physical features or ideals. A beauty that is deeply felt.
I agree Melinda – the Mona Lisa’s popularity cannot be put down to it simply being a good painting – although many may not realise it but there is something else that draws you to it.
Very true Melinda – almost every person can agree that the Mona Lisa has an exquisite timeless quality to her; as you say it is beyond physical features, and is real proof there is more that meets the eye.
A worry for many women these days is that they have to be, look and act a certain way to get attention – and yet what the Mona Lisa reflects is that people will flock to you when you stay still and unwavering in your grace and beauty.
Love what you point out here Rebecca, that when we as women stay and move from our stillness, grace and beauty, people just flock to you
because they can feel the quality of your presence.
This is a great point Rebecca, ‘what the Mona Lisa reflects is that people will flock to you when you stay still and unwavering in your grace and beauty.’ The Mona Lisa feels so steady and powerful just as she is without having to compromise herself and wear ‘sexy’ clothes or the latest fashion, her beauty transcends time, she is unquestionably enough just as she is, a wonderful reflection for all women.
“THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED!
And she shines love back.”
I can feel this is true. You have written a gorgeous blog here Bernadette.
A beautiful eulogy Bernadette of a powerful inspiring painting. Mona Lisa offers us so much.
Bernadette, I absolutely loved reading this. To read and feel all that you present here is pretty awesome. I am going to sit and look at this amazing portrait and feel all of this for myself, for there is much on offer here. Thank you.
Upon re-reading this gorgeous blog Bernadette. It reminds me of my own experience seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and how even though you are crammed into the space to just get a glimpse of her. I still felt such stillness being in the presence of her, it was though the room had emptied and we were by ourselve, even amongst the crowd. Truly magical.
I really like the title of this piece: Mona Lisa – an Inspiration for the Modern Woman. In returning to seemingly old-fashioned values there can be a lot of wisdom for the modern woman and it’s really refreshing and great to know. In an age where there is so much pressure on women to be a certain way, with a lot of focus on how we look being the defining factor of who we are – the inspiration of the Mona Lisa is that her beauty is not about how she looks but the beautiful still energy that she radiates. That’s what makes us powerful.
Yes Bernadette, the Mona Lisa is certainly a gift and a blessing for all humanity. It’s as if everyone deep down knows what this painting is reflecting to us – ‘I know you, I can see into your soul’ and each of us know this whether we are ready to acknowledge this or not. Even if we are still in denial of our soul we are still being drawn in by the beauty and grace of this ageless woman and what she is offering to the world.
“When you connect to your inner-most heart you wear the Mona Lisa smile” – love it! True revelation Shirley-Ann, thank you for sharing this with us. When we smile from who we are we can’t help but illuminate the world.
I must admit that I have never noticed the landscape behind the Mona Lisa as I have been so captured by her gaze, so thankyou for pointing this out Bernadette! The message I get is: You cannot get lost when you have found yourself thus, no matter the terrain, when you walk with truth you walk on solid ground and in this way help others to steady their footing. A blessing indeed.
I agree Liane – there is a guarantee of love in her appeal nothing can rock. As you say: “when you walk with truth you walk on solid ground and in this way help others to steady their footing.” And this is what her inspiration for us all is about: To follow her footsteps and walk in truth. This will always be modern.
It is lovely to see the picture of the Mona Lisa on your blog, when i look at her i can feel myself melt and smile, I agree that ‘Every time I look at it I am confirmed as a woman.’ What a beautiful reflection for women compared to what we have nowadays – women ‘trying’ to be sexy for men, when I look at photo’s of women in magazines they feel very empty, they are often photoshopped to look ‘perfect’, very different to the stillness and knowing reflected by the Mona Lisa.
Yes there is a sense of purity, stillness and almost a knowingness that comes to me when I look at this painting. And many people say it is so small, however that to me shows Leonardo Da Vinci did not paint it for huge recognition or a grand display – but rather to share his deep knowing of humanity and the beauty that comes with being all of who we are.
This is a good comparison Rebecca. It’s true that we, as women in magazines, are not portrayed simply and naturally as we are but are subject to looking sexy and perfect to fit an ideal of womanhood that doesn’t truly exist. The Mona Lisa is offering an inner grace and beauty that isn’t sexualised. She is all the more relevant for women in our current age than she has ever been, because it seems as women we have strayed further and further away from our true expression.
I went on a school trip to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa when I was 16, in those days it was openly shown, no queuing and the taking of photographs was permitted. The first thing that surprised me was how small the painting was. I was expecting something huge, and then there were her eyes that completely captured me and as I stood there looking I could feel how held I was in her presence, I stood there for ages, it is an experience that I have never forgotten.
Beautiful blog and one that reminds me of how powerful women truly are. It is amazing to feel that every woman has the same qualities as Mona Lisa within her. Through your words, they reflect what this painting brings to the world .. “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
I agree with you, Susan and Bernadette. The Mona Lisa is an ode to the true power and beauty of all the women in this world and it transcends time.
This is a beautiful exploration of the world’s most favourite painting.
Yes Deanne, to know who we truly are is what we have been searching for in the outside world, and with the wisdom I have learned from Serge Benhayon I now know that the answers to true love and harmony were within me all along. As you say, the painting is equally for men, as confirmed by the comments from the men.
What a great affirmation for all women Bernadette, ‘Leonardo da Vinci is confirming the innate knowingness, wisdom, stillness and equality that all women can bring to the world, sums it up quite succinctly.
Well said sjmatsonuk, a true role model in fact!
Leonardo Da Vinci was a true master amongst men. He delivered unfathomable wisdom to humanity in everything he did and it stands universal still today, as is evidenced by our global attraction to the Mona Lisa.
Thank you Bernadette, for this great sharing about Mona Lisa. There is so much wisdom in the painting and how you described it. It is so true, every moment offers us a choice to be love or not love. I slowly realize how much these choices are laced with my hurts. The aspect you brought in to appreciate, is the healing ingredient.
Yes, our hurts blind us to the knowing that we are so much more and Mona Lisa reflects this back to us as so beautifully shared by Bernadette…in feeling and been open to the presence of MOna LIsa, we are feeling that within ourselves….
The way you have written about the Mona Lisa is beautiful and appreciated Bernadette – you bring so much understanding here, including the delicate mastery Leonardo Da Vinci held and especially brings to the face and hands. It is so fitting to publish it here on Women in Livingness and draw out the true power of women that the Mona Lisa is reflecting. At the same time, this painting is equally for men, as you wrote it transcends temporal life – ‘When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.”
‘She is not beautiful by modern standards….’. Mona Lisa is bringing the essence of all women. Leonardo appears to have not wanted that essence to be lost in the aspects we see celebrated in the Media, distorted pictures and behaviours of women using their outward appearance and achievements to hide what resides deeply within. There is so much for us all in this painting – thank you Bernadette for opening the opportunity to further explore all that this beautiful painting offers us.
The beauty we see in Mona Lisa is eternal and will always be whatever the current standards of the ‘fabricated beauty’ are.
Yes, forever reflecting back to us that what we feel from Mona Lisa is what is within us! True Beauty!!!!
But I wonder how many people dismiss the painting and miss it’s depth because The Mona Lisa is not an attractive woman by the world’s standards. We have been so distracted by so called perfection in beauty that anything less for many gets instant dismissal.
‘Yes ch1956, ‘Mona Lisa is bringing the essence of all women’, beautifully written, this is the quality that the Mona Lisa brings and is why she is so beautiful to look at and why other paintings cannot compare.
This is such a powerful and confirming blog Bernadette. “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” This describes Mona Lisa so well for me. And I feel my awareness and appreciation of what the painting is offering has gone up from the invitation in your blog to observe again. Thank you.
I agree Golnaz, Bernadette’s blog has given me the offer to deepen my awareness and appreciation of the Mona Lisa with all that I feel from it.
Yes, and appreciation of all that lay within each woman.
I agree Golnaz, my awareness and appreciation has also increased of what the painting is offering.
‘ I know you, I can see into your soul’. To be met in such a way by a painting…What a gift, and lesson Leonardo has given us. It is a look we get from babies, and often take for granted. It is a look we all have within us, for when we truly know ourselves, we know others.
I agree Golnaz, my appreciation of the Mona Lisa and what it brings can now go much deeper through Bernadette’s blog.
I went to the Louvre over ten years ago to see the Mona Lisa, but the experience is still clearly with me. I was stopped in my tracks and brought to stillness and humbled, the painting had a very tangible presence, the security guard next to the painting was very possessive, similar to a jealous husband.
That’s really interesting Mary. Plain old Mona Lisa, is the cornerstone of the world renowned romantic essence of Paris. Amazing!
This is something I would love .. and am going to do go to the Louvre to see (and feel) her.
It’s fascinating how you ‘read’ the symbolism of the two paths, as depicting possible life-path choices Bernadette, as posing how “Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.” It’s worth recognising on that note that Mona Lisa is facing the clear “smooth path leading to beautiful flowing water”. She is telling us that living from our true essence is the path to choose and any other less loving way is not.
Absolutely Jeannette – the portrait is a confirmation of how choosing the path to be all of us as women is indeed actually the only path there is.
Yes Jeanette absolutely. And what a beauty-full confirmation of the simplicity of life when lived from our Essence. Thank God that we also have living ‘Mona Lisas’ with us today, true women that are role models, inspiring us to return back to who we are.
I love that Kylie Connors – “Living Mona Lisas”. Developing ourselves as that is exactly what Esoteric Women’s Health is all about … Thank God indeed!
Lovely Jeannette
This is beautiful Shirley-Ann. What Bernadette has shared has made me ponder the Mona Lisa in a completely different way. I can truly feel the power of her smile.
She holds herself in love and with that all others, her gaze reflecting her stillness that inspires viewers of her portrait to meet her in that. Absolutely Bernadette, not surprising 6 million per year are stopped by.
Yes 6 million per year are stopped by her because there are so few other truly powerful reflections of women anywhere else in the world to make the Mona Lisa just normal… which is what she actually is!
And doesn’t this invite all of us women to return to who we are, to drop the games, the walls, the hiding and the playing small. One painting, which reflects a woman who has claimed her divine beauty, has been literally stopping millions in their tracks. Now that is powerful.
Yes Vicky, when we drop the games, hiding and playing small we can also carry the qualities that we feel from the Mona Lisa.
And she was held in love and so much honoring by the painter, Leonardo da Vinci.
What the Mona Lisa emanates must be both awesome and familiar to draw the attention it does. Your blog has reminded me that even from very young this portrait has held a place in my life and in my heart … I can recall exactly the feeling of standing in front of her for the first time in my early twenties because it was so deeply touching. I was called to be still, there was a palpable feeling of spaciousness even in the summer Louvre crowd and a sense of freedom (from what I wasn’t really sure at the time) … Funnily enough I can’t recall the rest of the gallery in any real detail, apart from having a headache by the time I left.
I love this Bernadette and every words you write has a deep truth to it. Thank you. You have put true written words to the Mona Lisa- which is not here for all to read.
She holds a feeling knowing and her eyes say to me- I know who I am and I know you know deep down who you are. She absolutely gives us the reminder of our deep divine delicateness as women.
The Mona Lisa really is the embodiment of the stillness that is the true expression of all women, should they choose to claim it. A treasure from the past that endures into an age where many women haven’t felt this quality of stillness and grace within themselves.
Because the smile comes from your inner-most heart Shirley-Ann? Wow, this feels divine!
Amazing, thank you Bernadette.
A captivating piece of writing Bernadette for an equally captivating painting. I am one of those 6 million people and Mona Lisa really is as beautiful as they say she is for all the reasons you have mentioned.
Shirley-Ann your words have a beautiful resonance, and could still grace your practice walls.
I must admit I have a Mona Lisa painting in my home and I have never noticed the two paths. I will have to look more into the painting as I love the symbology of the two clear choices we have in life. When I look at her all I see is her eyes. They speak to me and remind me of who I am as a soul and as a woman. I feel her supporting and encouraging me, guiding me back.
‘When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.’ For me these words mean that instead of being critical about myself for what I am or am not doing I can look at this painting that reflects the woman I am, and remember that I am tender, fragile, and can choose to be in harmony with everything. This is a powerful blog, Bernadette, in showing us how being connected to who we truly are can change the world.
I recently visited the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, it was amazing to see this small painting attracted a huge crowd of people, unlike any of the other paintings – despite them being much grander in size and more dramatic in subject. Yet it’s very hard to take your eyes off the Mona Lisa, her presence and deep assurity is very beholding, and you get a deep sense that the woman in the painting knew exactly who she was and the power in that. Beautiful and inspiring.
Indeed Bernadette, Leonardo Da vinci has divinely impressed the delicate power of this universal woman onto canvas, she is the mirror to our soul, a point of heaven on earth, it is no coincidence how consistently and deeply the Mona Lisa’s reflection has touched humanity over these past 500 years.
Bernadette when you wrote that many have observed how The Mona Lisa’s eyes follow them, I felt this too as if she knows who I am and she is not going to let me escape, her exquisite presence can not be ignored. No wonder 6 million visit her every year she offers something that is lacking in our society today, true beauty and stillness, and your words echo this… “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
It’s never too late Shirley-Ann, print it off and frame it, Why wait for another trip around the sun.
Leonardo Da Vinci showed us the quality that can come through art – as a point of reflection. A choice we can take from this – being what path we choose to take at each moment. Thank you Bernadette for sharing such a beautiful opportunity for us all – the power of choice and claiming ourselves as a woman. This painting holds so much stillness and beauty – and is absolutely timeless – perhaps because the message is timeless and always there for us to reflect on.
Yes Hannah, the beauty and stillness of the Mona Lisa is timeless and she is as relevant to our current time, as the time of when she was painted. She shows the potential of women in our expression.
I agree – no matter how far we have come with fashion, makeup, technology for women – there is still a deep sense of stillness that will always be there within us. That is who we truly are.
It’s funny that as a child I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about regarding the Mona Lisa. When I saw pictures of her I was struck by the fact that she wasn’t in the classic sense very beautiful. My understanding has changed dramatically because back then I wasn’t connected to my own sweet tenderness, fragility, grace, wisdom and sublime stillness and couldn’t feel it when it was right in front of me. Seeing the Mona Lisa now I can feel that Leonardo Da Vinci has captured the true essence of women’s expression through her. There is nothing imposing about her, what so ever, and when viewing her you are simply left to be yourself, where ever you are at.
I too have a print of the Mona Lisa in my room, and as you and many others have felt, there is something different about it – something that captivates the attention. She is undeniably beautiful, and yet when you look closely, as you have already pointed out, nothing about her physical appearance is remarkably beautiful by modern or classic standards. However it would appear that it is therefor not the physical that people are seeing and calling beautiful, but instead something else conveyed by the portrait – an air of grace and beauty unrelated to looks, but founded in the way the painting was made – as a marker to all women that what they seek – to feel complete, to feel beautiful, comes never from how we look, but always how we are.
I love Leonardo da Vinci’s work. When you look at his paintings it has a completely different feel and quality to the other artists of that day, even of this day, that feel very ‘heady’. I find something very reassuring and confirming about his work. There is a true love and beauty emanating from many of his paintings. You are just left to be. There is no pull for recognition from him.
‘She is not beautiful by modern standards, but rather plain, unadorned, and certainly not an example of a classic beauty.’
True, but the presence and knowingness which emanates from her, is to me, a timeless beauty which radiates out from within her.
A beautifully confirming article that puts into words and confirms what so many people around the world obviously feel when looking at the Mona Lisa. She is absolute “grace, power and beauty” and every time I look into her eyes at the print next to my bed this is what I feel and a beckoning to remind me I am this too alongside everyone else.
I love the painting of Mona Lisa- You confirmed here to me why 🙂
It’s the gentleness that you see and the gentle way that you have truly expressed that make what you say so relevant – and the paths – it’s only now that I can see the choices so clearly. Thank you Bernadette.
If this wasn’t a famous painting, I wonder what changes would be made to Mona Lisa to fit into the stereo typical woman nowadays – perhaps a complete make over, a few nips and tucks, new hair do, plastic surgery, a fake tan and some air bushing. But Mona Lisa is not about looks, it would not change the quality of her presence and the grace within which she holds herself. She knows she represents all that the woman is – from within and not on outer appearances.
“I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” Beautiful Bernadette how you’ve describe the power of Mona Lisa, the power of every woman in her innate qualities. And thank you so much for putting forward the two paths, I never have looked at the background of Mona Lisa until now.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Oh my gosh… reading this sent goose bumps all over me… How you have described the Mona Lisa in this blog is a gift to humanity.. Thank you
‘I now realise how every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman’. A powerful reminder that everything counts… I will take this into my day.
I really felt those words too Jacqcfadden, they resonate deep within as I know this to be true and from here on when I look at the Mona Lisa print i have in my home I will be reminded of how every movement and word builds the quality of stillness, grace, tenderness and beauty I hold naturally within.
The agelessness quality emanated from this painting of our delicateness and tenderness is enduring.
‘When you connect to your inner-most heart you wear the Mona Lisa smile’ – that is a car sticker, badge, fridge magnet, banner, postcard and some – a quote that I am going to enjoy a lot. Thank you, Shirley-Ann.
Yes – I agree, absolutely, Matilda-I’d put it on my car…
Love it Matildaclark!!
Gorgeous quote Shirley-Ann and yeah- what a great ‘stop’ sticker or sign to read when pulling up behind another car at a traffic light.
I have always loved the Mona Lisa, and this article confirms why I always felt I was being offered something when I saw her. It has been like being presented with an exquisite invitation to recognise in myself all the qualities of stillness, grace and love that she holds. Across hundreds of years the Mona Lisa keeps inviting us to come home to our true nature. Thank you, Bernadette.
I loved your phrase “an exquisite invitation” to realise the qualities that return us to our true nature matildaclark. We all have them naturally within us, and we don’t need to look to any outside influences to show us how to be in the world.
well said Matilda, I feel the same and it it explains why so many millions are captivated by this seemingly small painting that in truth is gigantic in the reflection it offers.
There is no artifice, no glamour about Mona Lisa and yet the fascination about her has endured for centuries. She is testament to Woman, in her essence, as absolutely enough. You have captured this beautifully, thank you Bernadette.
Well said Amanda. There is no glamour about Mona Lisa. She represents the inner beauty of women that radiates out.
Bernadette, I love how you share that everything we do builds our quality women. I have the choice to confirm the truth of who I am or not… The love that I come from or not… The smooth and abundant path or the rocky and overgrown. I have often chosen the latter but can now start to choose afresh. This is the beauty of time which gives us the grace to unfold and come back to who we are.
I find the painting of Mona Lisa is timeless. The quality she radiates far outweighs any outward beauty, for she is not classically beautiful in looks and yet she brings so much beauty and grace in her presence that one is drawn to stop and take all of that in.
Beautifully said, Shirley-Ann: “When you connect to your inner-most heart you wear the Mona Lisa smile.” Are you going to put them up in your practice now? Oh…and can I borrow them for my workplace, also? I love it!
Just had to come back and take another look at the painting Bernadette (!), and reading all these comments is so wonderful. Shirley Anne just LOVE those words, and looking back at the smile of the Mona Lisa feel the smile of complete divinity and timeless knowing.
Never to late to express this and put it on the wall of your practice 💕
Thank you for sharing this with us Bernadette. I have always loved the Mona Lisa and remember at 15 years old, seeing it at the Louvre for the first time, I cried and cried. At the time I didn’t understand why (neither did my family!) but I have since felt the depth of what this painting offers and your words are a beautiful reminder and a further deepening of my understanding.
Thank you Sara, that is just such a perfect example of how deeply healing it is when we meet true grace, as embodied by both Mona Lisa and the painter, Leonardo De Vinci. The real gift of this quality is timeless and your unexplained tears are testament to this.
Thanks for sharing your insights of the Mona Lisa painting. I used to find the painting quite hard to look at, perhaps it was giving me a reflection that I was not quite ready to see but now I love looking at her, and love the fact that she is imperfectly perfect, which gives us all that same permission. The permission to just be ourselves. No fake tan, no air brushing, no plastic surgery….just a real life woman.
I loved reading this Bernadette, thank you for your extensive understanding of the wonder and beauty of Mona Lisa. Your awareness of the two paths in the background being a choice of how we are living makes sense. As I look at her on my wall I have a new found understanding of the energy and choice she offers me everyday to be Love.
What a gift is this blog. I never looked at the Mona Lisa in that detail how the two paths behind her symbolise the choice we have in life. I can feel everything you write about her stilness, beauty, grace tenderness and power.
Thank you Bernadette! I recall being fascinated by the Mona Lisa in my teenage years and for a long time I used a bookmark that was a Mona Lisa postcard. I would spend a long time just contemplating it. Years later I went to the Louvre and first got to see the queue that lead up to the paining, and finally after a wait, got to see the painting itself. It is so true what you say about her – she is rather plain and not trying to be sexy etc, yet there is something so natural and self composed and so absolute in the way that she is, that is captivating. The Mona Lisa holds you as the woman.
Thank you Bernadette. Yes, the choice is ours, and it’s a pretty powerful thing. You’ve brought to my attention details about this painting I haven’t ever noticed before. Thank you!
That special something. Adored around the world and known by so many. And that quality, that self assuredness, the gracefulness in the hands, the strength in her smile that you know comes from deep within. Beauty-Full.
We get so many things told to us about what we need to be to be successful or beautiful in the world. And here she is – still showing us what it is to be truly beautiful in a manner that ;eaves for dead any magazine, any hollywood movie or pop idol.
” You can have this too” she is saying – you are this …. it’s deep inside you, just take a look and you will find it. Calm it. Walk with it everyday.
Men and Women.
Beautiful.
I agree Simon that the Mona Lisa has that special something – what true beauty is. And there is no money or fame or plastic surgery or photoshopping that can create this beauty because it comes from the inside out and it is indeed available to anyone and everyone at any time if they choose it.
What little girl aspires to grow up to be like Mona Lisa? The hollywood and magazine role models for young girls and women only confirm to them that they are, and never will be good enough unless they look a certain way. And all the time Mona Lisa, in her original and many printed forms, is there to confirm to us that true beauty shines from within, it is our essence, and it is equal in all. Leonardo was a genius to create this timeless message imprinted in the Mona Lisa.
How true Simon, I just love the Mona Lisa, the timelessness of her and the absolute beauty for all of us to see and embody. Thank you Bernadette for your bog.
Bernadette I love this blog. I can feel the power of the Mona Lisa and the extraordinary wisdom of Leonardo Di Vinci every time I gaze at this true work of art. I have her in my bedroom and she reminds me to connect to my stillness and remember who I am.
Your article is deeply inspiring because you dear Bernadette hold the same qualities. Thank you ✨✨
‘The painting in the Louvre is small, and yet she has a huge presence amongst all of the paintings in the gallery and wherever she is displayed in print form’ – This reminds me that each and every one of us women (and men) has the power to make such a huge impact and change to other people around us. Even just walking in a room and having our presence felt (like the painting of the mona lisa) can have a longlasting imprint and affect on someone. Quite powerful!
I like this Susie, size and form have little to do with the presence we can have.
A lovely reminder for us all Susie, that we too can have a long lasting imprint and affect on some-one when we walk into a room in all of our presence….. we are all powerful when we remember who we are and where we come from.
Well said Susie- we tend to think, we can´t make a difference- but we are huge , in everything that we do. Accepting that is the way forward for me.
It’s true – we all have an impact, its unavoidable and actually a huge responsibility when we get down to it.
Thank you Bernadette for taking me deeper into the healing art of the Mona Lisa
Beautiful and wise words Shirley-Ann and very true ✨
Yes, beautiful Shirley-Anne and Kathryn, I agree, “When you connect to your inner-most heart you wear the Mona Lisa smile”, it is lovely to feel this.
Given that this painting so evidently emanates an extraordinarily powerful presence, it would be well worth exploring this effect itself and just what it is that is having the effect.
It can’t be the size or the visual spectacle because the Mona Lisa has neither of these – there must be something more. The quality and purpose in which it was painted, something that strikes a chord within us, something that transcends the limits of time …
I agree, Helen: given so many agree that this beauty is timeless, what IS the quality it radiates? Let’s not just define and assign meaning by the absence of Time but by the quality it IS, in and of itself.
Yes indeed, Helen, Leonardo Da Vinci has captured something timeless and universal that we can all connect to.
Well said Helen – “it can’t be the size or the visual spectacle because the Mona Lisa has neither of these – there must be something more”, you are right, there has to be something more as otherwise it doesn’t make sense for 6 million people to be drawn to go and see the painting per year, despite there being hundreds if not thousands of paintings which have relatively more ‘spectacle’. An interesting point
How cool would it be to ask all those millions of people that take themselves to see the Mona Lisa why they go…
‘An exquisite exploration of the Mona Lisa and what she offers all women who choose to see and connect to her deep still presence.
She is so life-like!
I feel those qualities as well whenever I am around the Mona Lisa. Its here simple presence, just being there that is really inspiring. I feel that there is something deeper that she is expressing. She is emanating the Soul’s presence.
I was told about a young girl, when visiting the Louvre who did not want to move away from the painting when her parents asked, she just wanted to stay with it. This story has always stuck with me, for me it symbolises when the true power of women is on show no-one can walk away it is so beautiful to see. Leonardo has expressed this essence of women through this painting and I feel this young girl connected strongly to this.
Thank you for sharing your experience and relationship with the Mona Lisa Bernadette. The 6 million visitors she receives and graces every year is an amazing phenomenon when you think of it isnt it!
So many have a story about their experience of her. I saw her at least 40 years ago in The Louvre, not so many visitors then but still compelling. I remember too, getting Leonardo’s notebooks out of our National Library when I was 35 and poring through them, they held me enthralled and I have always loved his work.
Like many who have commented here I also have her hanging in my home. I love looking at her, and when I do I always feel supported to feel that solid, steady, stillness within me. A woman so sure of who she is that she can accept any amount of being looked at or, preferably, seen and felt for who she truly is. I feel the magic of her Grace. I love her hands.
“Every moment offers us a choice – to be love or not to be love.” I can imagine what a beautiful life it would be if I could live by this motto every single moment of my day. But in fact I can if I choose to! Thank you Bernadette
Very true Patricia – the choice ‘to be love or not to be love’ is always available to us in every moment; nothing can stop or change that. And from experience, choosing to be love and be me is so much more fulfilling and amazing.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty”. That is power and that is the power a woman has. Society has come so far from this. The look in her eyes says it all.
Yes Nikki, we have come a long way from what is actually normal… so now the Mona Lisa is seen as holding something so special that it’s priceless and captivates millions every year. And yet it’s what’s in every single one of us. It does indeed show how far from this we have come, but also continues to show what we need to return to as women.
Very true. It is within us all
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” When I read these words I felt as if they were spoken from within myself. Thank you Bernadette.
Those words are so deep and so powerful. We’ve often known power as a force – like ownership or control, but true power comes from the grace of Stillness as when a woman or man is in their inner-stillness the Love one can feel emanating from them is palpable. That’s the power.
Well said, shevon – and the world needs more of this true power.
Yes, me too, Kehinde. The Mona Lisa captures something really powerful that ignites a deep connection to the inner knowing of who I am. This feeling is profoundly personal and yet universal.
What a gift indeed, and what a healing as well. And thank you for bringing the two paths into my awareness, I never looked behind Mona Lisa as I am so drawn to her. Great reminder: every choice is love or not love.
Yes, me too, thank you for that extra awareness and revelation in the two paths – I love the simplicity of the sign posts when we let ourselves really see.
Yes, I have observed many paintings in detail but I have never looked past the Mona Lisa and her captivating look to see the two paths. In allowing ourselves to see so much can be revealed.
Yes me three! I like how everything in this painting has its message, like Mona Lisa herself but also the paths behind it. I love these paintings with a purpose to reflect this beauty and wisdom to all of us.
Same for me Mariette as I had never noticed the 2 paths either and I love the anaology this offers us about choice. What I feel the Mona Lisa offers us is a reflection of a choice to choose the path of love, love which has no imposition, no need and no attachment, but rather simply allows us to just be… In the refkection of another just ‘being’, it also allows us the gift to also just ‘be’…
Yes, Mona Lisa’s face and presence reflect those qualities that are part of all of us when we choose the Path of Love, Angela.
Yes I have never noticed the background before, I hadn’t got past her captivating smile.
Thank you Bernadette, this is such a captivating painting and you have given a depth to it’s meaning that explains why it is such a universally popular piece.
Most beautiful the fullness and claiming of the tenderness held with in both sexes in this article is so felt and as I read it felt like I was standing in front of the Mona Lisa, feeling the simple, yet powerful offering of the undeniable love that resides in us all.
Awesome account on your relationship with the Mona Lisa painting, Bernadette, thank you. This is inspiring to let myself be more inspired by my own painting.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights here Bernadette. I had never noticed the pathways in the painting of the Mona Lisa before and have a whole new appreciation for this painting. I have always felt that art had the capacity to communicate truth and this is what I feel when I see the Mona Lisa.
Me too, I had never noticed the pathways, but it makes such sense and brings so much more understanding to the painting. For me a confirmation that we always have choice…the path on the left representing the surrender to the flow and divinity of life, and the path on the right representing a life of struggle. And that when we connect to ourselves with the grace and stillness that we so innately are as the Mona Lisa so beautifully reflects, naturally the path of flow is before us in its simplicity.
Thank-you Bernadette for what you have shared here on this famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci. There is so much to be written – or we could say, re-written – about art, taking the conversations way beyond mastery of technique, chiaroscuro, light and shade, composition, and the attendant discussions a painting such as this arises such as ‘who’ posed for the portrait, and just what exactly was Leonardo ‘all about’ in regards to the purpose of his art works. Why would he paint a woman so ‘plain’ by outer standards of beauty? This is clearly not an artist seeking the ‘usual traps’ of fame and recognition via tantalising the senses and arousing desire…
And therein lies the true discussion, in my books – what is the purpose of any artistic ‘product’, whether it be a painting, a design, a song, a craftwork?
To me, this painting has a clear purpose which you have articulated so well – it is the image and thereby reflection of a woman who knows her power, and that it comes purely and absolutely from her connection with the divine.
To look into her eyes, I see solidity, absolute strength, love in completeness and no apology – in a way that can ONLY come from one who knows the truth of their divinity in full, for she imposes naught upon the viewer, and only draws us naturally, if we ‘dare’, to see this part of our own selves, unequivocally reflected, should we so choose to let this in.
So no mystery as to the throngs who flock to see her in The Louvre, and the many who have her image in their homes and on their smart phones 😉
We are inextricably drawn to the divine, no matter how separate from this we may seem. It’s a magnet whose pull that is so absolutely natural, it can only hurt ourselves to resist…
A grand sharing and confirmation Bernadette of our essence and eternal depth we hold as women.
Thanks Bernadette for an inspirational article on the Mona Lisa. It has given me space to sit with her, notice the two paths and feel the graciousness of being in her presence.
I too am realising that every movement, every word I speak, builds a quality of me as a woman. I am seeing how I walk I talk. How I talk I walk. The moment I talk to some-one and hold back then I walk that way.When ever I absorb anything that is going on around me my walk resembles this. As well I learnt at a recent workshop with Serge Benhayon that how you sit reflects your moods/rhythms, that sitting reflects the being and walking supports the evolution of particles, the body. When you sleep you lye down in the momentum of how you walk and talk.
I can’t help feeling there is a significance in the way Mona Lisa’s hands have been presented. The left hand and the right hand are completely different. This is in no way attributable to a lack of skill on the part of the part of Da Vinci, so therefore there must be a reason he portrayed them as being so different – the left hand looks very masculine, like a man’s; the right hand is more delicate and feminine. Why the difference? What is he presenting there?
It is a beautiful painting. It is very interesting (important?) that the most visited woman in the world is not an outstanding beauty or in any other obvious way special yet 6 million people come and look at the original every year.
Maybe there is more to beauty than we realise. Maybe there is much, much more.
True Christoph – there is so much more to beauty than we realise.
Maybe you are on to something here Christoph. True beauty is felt, deeply so.
Thank you for this precious gift, your understanding of and feeling for the Mona Lisa. The absence of twisted and tortured theories is a very welcome change from the usual attempts of capturing her or the artist for that matter; your deeply felt homage to her and all women is very inspiring and like a breath of fresh air.
Beautifully written Bernadette thank you. Timeless beauty emanates from this painting with assuredness and grace. Interesting about the 2 paths, I had not noticed these before, and the choice offered.. we all have.
I have been treading a “comparison and criticising ” path recently after a difficult conversation with a friend.
Bernadette, this blog is also “a gift to humanity “, as is the Mona Lisa.
Thank you for reminding me, I can choose to stop the negative thoughts and appreciate and accept who I am, claiming my “beauty, grace and power”.
My body feels more at ease just writing this.
I have never been into art per say, but I have always known what paintings I have enjoyed, just because I like them. I had often wondered what the fuss was about the Mona Lisa, but that was only because I had never given her the time to sit with her and actually feel what was being delivered through the painting. I love what you share about Mona Lisa the woman in the painting. Her hands and her eyes really stand out to me. Her hands show the delicateness and grace of her presence and how she goes about the life. There is nothing flash about her at all, her appearance is very ordinary, but this in itself makes her extraordinary for we are seeing something about her that is beyond appearance. She doesn’t apologies for anything, she know exactly who she is and her eyes show us this. She is not trying to convince anyone of anything, she is presenting herself in all of her glory. Thank you Bernadette for the opportunity to see the Mona Lisa in a whole new light.
Bernadette, I also have a beautiful large print of the Mona Lisa, sitting on a wall in my very large open living area. It is in a position where I feel SHE can see me from almost anywhere in this area. I often feel as if her eyes move to whichever direction I am from her, it feels quite amazing. As you say, she appears “so sure of herself with her enigmatic smile that seems to say “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” Temporally, Mona Lisa would not be regarded as beautiful, as you say, she is quite plain, but to me she reflects back to me true beauty as a woman. I always feel so nurtured by having her there on my wall, whenever I feel a little down in myself, I just have to gaze into her eyes and see such truth, which lifts me immediately, there is such a serenity and stillness in her.
I absolutely love this blog Bernadette! “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Yes, the Mona Lisa shows us the divine essence of all women everywhere. There has been so much written about the Mona Lisa, but I have never read such a clear explanation. This needs to be included in the texts written about her.
When I first saw this painting I moved around ( in those days there were far less people viewing it at the same time) to see if her eyes followed me. This was how it was ‘sold’. I too realised that it was the stillness that she was reflecting that was so precious (although I might not have named it as such back then) – and for me to be still also was the gift. In that being physically still there is an offering to connect with a stillness within that is so confirming as you say. I have always loved this painting and had it on my wall as a teenager. Now it hangs in the hall of my house and greets me as I come home as it greets everyone else who enters. Thank you for pointing out the two different paths in the background, the feeling of each is so different from the other. A truly beautiful painting.
Wonderful article Bernadette. The Mona Lisa is a beautiful confirmation of the beauty, grace and stillness that is present in every woman, the difference being that the Mona Lisa claiming these in their fullness.
I loved reading this blog… very beautiful and healing. It gave me an opportunity to feel more deeply what the Mona Lisa is offering to humanity. For me, I could feel some resistance to claiming the true qualities of a woman especially the delicateness and tenderness which I was able to let go as I remained with myself. I also got to feel a confidence, a sureness of herself… she simply knows who she is and where she is from – a true reflection and inspiration to all women and men. Thank you Bernadette for sharing… there is much here for me to ponder on.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing these beautiful words inspired by this timeless painting: “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” You have put into words what I feel when I stand in front of the picture of the Mona Lisa. If I am rushing and glance at her she stops me in my tracks, her look of love bringing me back to me and I can feel the stillness begin to return. If I was only able to have one painting in my home, this would be it!
There is something about a woman who has claimed who she truly is that you just can’t not help but look and stare at. In this painting the ease in which she has in and with herself is shared to all who are attracted to her. She takes this all in her stride as something very normal to her and it’s this ease in being and showing herself as she truly is that I find inspiring. When I ask myself how I feel to be with this painting before me I can’t help but feel to be equal to all of what she is sharing.
So beautifully said Leigh, ‘I can’t help but feel equal to all of what she is sharing’. I too feel this. There is no denying all that I am in her presence.
Great blog about a great painting. The feeling I have always got from the painting is one of a woman with absolute confidence and true power without fanfare or showing off. Her eyes are challenging us to be more but also equal with her at the same time. To me she is the picture of a truly beautiful woman even though her physical appearance is plain and simple by most standards. So intriguing.
Beautifully expressed Bernadette. I had not noticed the two paths in the background – a great observation with the many you have made in this article.
The stillness and grace that the painting emanates was known and lived by Leonardo, it is his quality of being that he is passing on for us through the painting.
This is so true Bernadette. And in the same way we can bring the quality of our stillness and grace into all that we make and produce. We have the opportunity to do this all the time. What a powerful choice.
Beautifully expressed Bernadette…and is a great example of how our quality of being is impressed into the things that we produce. What a responsibility we have when producing art and what a blessing it can be to all when energetic responsibility is of such high integrity. It is very clear from Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings that he was working with the divinity from within with a much grander purpose in mind.
Thank you Bernadette. It always looked to me that this lady was in on a funny joke. She looked on as if to say ‘I know you know, that I know that you know’. Now when I see the painting I feel the joke is about the crazy way we live as human doings, all the time hiding from the truth beneath that we are divine and beautiful beings. Ultimately this is what the Mona reflects back to me – the timeless boundless beauty of our divinity which goes so far beyond the surface beauty we usually see.
Joseph I love what you have shared. As human ‘doings’ we sure do miss the truth of our eternal divinity. ✨
In the Louvre in Paris where the Mona Lisa now resides in a very huge room that at the end of this room you have just entered a painting that covers almost all of the wall with some battle with people and horses painted life size… at the other end of the this gigantic room is a very small painting on a piece of wood 30 x 21in. The room is never empty, always like the Monday mornings commute, packed. With all of these people it is quiet like a church. Most people have trouble to actually see the small painting and try to hold their phone or camera above their head to get a photo… and get a photo of a sea of hands with phones and cameras. After 500 years people are still drawn to be in the presence’s of this painting. Bernadette, you have captured the feeling of this room “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.”
I remember visiting some relations in America and I was bending down to water some plants and I felt a pull to look up and there was a print to the Mona Lisa in front of me , the pull was so strong I could not ignore it and I could feel a vibration as I looked at her. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her what she was emanating was so powerful. I just had to stop and gaze at her, it was a moment I never forgot.
Years ago I was in an op shop and I found a print of the Mona Lisa. I didn’t have much money at the time and the print was $8. I remember being slightly annoyed as I knew I had to buy it but the $8 was most of my spare change for the week. I did buy it and it now hangs in my house. The pull of it was too strong to resist.
I went to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and as I entered a large room it was full of people who seemed mesmerised and the crowd was so deep that I couldn’t get a good look at it, but whilst I stood there it reminded me of how people are with the modern day celebrities, all crowding together to get a good look and cameras clicking above everyones head in the hope of getting a glimpse, but in this instance people wanted to just stand there and not move, as deep as the crowd was most of them would not have been able to see. Fascinating to see the effect this painting seems to have on people.
Thank you, Bernadette, for capturing what the Mona Lisa offers us all. It is her stillness that stops me in my tracks each time, a stillness that comes from knowing and living the truth of where you come from.
I agree Janet, her stillness stops me too – and despite the picture being so much smaller than I had envisaged when I saw it in the Louvre years ago, the energy from the painting calls me; “I know you, I can see into your soul. We are eternal. When you look at me you cannot pretend to be anything other than who you truly are.” Yes. Thankyou for this exquisite post Bernadette.
Bernadette this is soo beautiful to read and captures the amazing beauty and essence of all women as a reflection of who we all are . The stillness ,grace ,poise and sereneness emanating from the Mona Lisa is pure divinity and is in all of us and her presence is captivating as a result in every form of Painting available of her.I have never read such a beautiful article on her and this is truly lovely to feel and know .The Mona Lisa is a real gift to humanity and this is now being recognised more fully in the world Thank you.
I have a picture of the Mona Lisa in my living room. It was a gift and it is quite large. I love living with this painting in my home, it reminds me each day of how normal life can be with no need from the world for acceptance or recognition what so ever, because everything I need to feel loved is already within.
I love to read this Bernadette, thankyou for sharing such a powerful article which is a gift to us all.
Thank you Bernadette for sharing your beautifully written blog on arguably the most well known painting of all time. I look at this amazing painting and see a calm and confident woman who is at complete ease with herself and in perfect energetic harmony with all that surrounds her – knowing that everything she does comes from this most important foundation. Is it any wonder that this image has such a magnetic pull as it demonstrates to all that see her what joy a life lived in true connection can bring.
Bernadette this is beautiful, and it’s given me the opportunity to gaze at the Mona Lisa for longer and feel her presence and the healing that is emanated. Wow. I love the backdrop of one path offering harmony and stillness, the other a more tumultuous track. As you say, we always have a choice.
Bernadette, thank you so much for your beautiful sharing and the meaning of the Mona Lisa. I have always wondered about the true meaning behind the painting. I love the meaning, ” I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman. This is just a lovely reminder to us all of how we all has women have such qualities if we so choose them. I also love the way you have come to the loving understanding of how to live as a woman bringing the qualities of delicateness, fragility and tenderness and deeply appreciating the beauty, grace and power in other women, instead of comparing yourself to them.
As looked in the eyes of the Mona Lisa, I received that beauty is in the stillness.
Bernadette you have given us a great awareness to us all for humanity, inspiring us to truly live the way of the beauty in the stillness and I feel that everyone that looks in the Mona Lisa eyes , she has a lovely message for each and everyone, if they truly feel their own beauty first as she is a great reflection of who we all truly are.
Thank you Bernadette for inviting me to take a deeper look at the Mona Lisa. I have an appreciation of the wisdom, serenity and love that flows out from the reflection of a woman who knows who she is.
Bernadette thank you for expressing in words the truth of the Mona Lisa. I recall visiting her in the Louvre many years ago, along with hundreds of other people – it was summer holidays and so very busy. I was amazed how everyone was holding their cameras up snapping photos and not really taking the time to stop, or allowing others the time to stop. I remember taking one photo and then felt a strong urge just to be with the painting. At the time I knew nothing about Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa or what she might mean but I felt so strongly a stillness and grace in her and then in me, in that moment of shuffling, pushing and anxiousness of everyone around me. She is indeed a marker for all women.
I remember that situation also, from my visit to the Louvre in 2012. Yes, lots of people were doing just that, not spending any time actually looking at the picture, but up went their cameras to snap their photos, then onto the next painting worthy of a snap.. It is a shame to waste that wonderful opportunity for them to really feel into the beautiful painting of what I feel is a truly beautiful woman. As you say, with what she reflects to all women, she “is indeed a marker for all women”.
That’s a very good description of how life can be lived. On to the next moment without having really lived in the moment we are in. With the anchor of the stillness of the Mona Lisa in the room, the reflection must have been so much stronger.
That’s incredible Michelle, what a moment!
Thank you Bernadette, I always loved the Mona Lisa and your blog even deepens my appreciation of it.
There is a deep and precious beauty emanating from the Mona Lisa that is there within each and every woman. The difference is that the Mona Lisa show someone who knows and claims it.
I love what you have shared here Bernadette. When I first saw the Mona Lisa I didn’t know what all the fuss was about. As you mention in your blog, she wasn’t temporally a beautiful woman. To be honest I actually really resisted her and even avoided her (that is the Mona Lisa). Over time, this changed as I changed. It seemed that everywhere I went, there she was. A print, a picture, she was always seemed to appear everywhere I went. I kept asking myself, “why am I resisting you, that which the whole world is captivated by, what am I resisting?” The answer came, I was resisting connecting to all that the Mona Lisa emanates as you describe in your article. I was resisting feeling the stillness, the true beauty that lies within every woman. As I connected more with me and started to feel that I too have these qualities, my relationship with the Mona Lisa changed. I now have several prints of her and love having her as part of my life as a reflection that true beauty is not in the outer, but that which emanates from within.
Yes Donna so agree with you that true beauty emanates from within as shown by the Mona Lisa painting.
I love your description Bernadette as I have not heard it described like this before.
I do love the paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci. The Mona Lisa always had my curiosity as I always wondered what the fuss was about given she is quite plain looking. But when I allow myself to receive the painting and feel it in full with all of my senses, I can feel the depth of stillness and surrender that it is offering. She is a woman that knows herself from deep within, not needing to prove or pose, but just is. There is much to take away from this wonderful painting that seems to have many captivated.
Yes I agree Marika. Mona Lisa knows her self from deep within and I feel that this contributes to her extraordinary popularity. Don’t we all long to know ourselves from deep within?
Thank you for writing on the subject of this incredibly powerful portrait Bernadette. I too feel so much when contemplating this image in my home. I become aware there is so much more to me than I’m aware of, that beauty comes from deep within our soul and radiates through. The Mona Lisa has clearly claimed this inner beauty within herself, holding herself in total presence and confidence. I love the timelessness she exudes showing every woman who she truly is in essence. So Beautiful
Mona Lisa does, I agree, Bernadette, represent every woman and offers that reflection of Love, Stillness, Grace , Beauty and Power to us all.
Interestingly, there was not so much attention paid to her by the public when I first saw the painting in the Louvre three decades ago. Visiting the Louvre just three years ago, it was like crowd surfing to get near enough to take a picture and to have a closer look.
I see this as confirmation that this is a painting whose time has arrived…..
Yes, coleen24, “this is a painting whose time has arrived..” Interesting how the public have now come in droves to view this wonderful painting of a woman who knows her own true beauty.
I love it Bernadette, it’s great to read this. ‘She shines love back.’ The Mona Lisa literally does, inspiring us all on. As I look at the picture here of the painting, any tension in my body simply falls away. What power that is. Truly an amazing gift da Vinci left for us all.
Before I started to understand and become aware of energy and it’s qualities and the immense power of love, I saw The Lady with the Ermine, another of his work, on a visit to Kraków in Poland. As you say, like the Mona Lisa, the picture and the women in them aren’t particularly special to look at but it was the most beautiful painting I’d ever seen in my life, so exquisite, so calming, so tender and amazing that I stayed in the room for almost an hour just to be with it. I was in absolute awe, the room was filled with her presence. I wasn’t aware at the time of what it was about it that made me feel that way but I now know that it was the quality of energy it was painted in, therefore simply reflecting back to me and confirming throughout my whole body how utterly amazing, gracious and still I also am and of that quality too. How totally amazing if a picture can forever emanate that sort of healing power. What if that same quality was applied to everything we make or do, the way we walk, talk, dress, cook, laugh, dance etc, might we in turn be able to shine a love into the world like the Mona Lisa does, inspiring us all to return to the quality and power of love we really are?
Oh wow Bernie this is gorgeous and truly inspirational !
You have truly captured everything I think and feel about this painting here. In this modern world it is no surprise that grace and stillness are so sought after, thank Heaven we still have true reminders of what we, as women, in essence truly are and can live this once again.
Yes, gemmarubina, to me this painting is a great reminder to me of what women truly are in their essence. I find a huge support in being able to view a print of this amazing painting every day.
It is a reminder of what women truly are when striped back and all the ideals are taken away. Our quality is so much more than our physical beauty.
This is an amazing blog. Thank you, Bernadette. It just goes to show that we do feel and recognise true beauty as a quality, and we have always done so over the centuries, even this day and age when variations after variations of ideals of visual images have been constantly imposed upon us, and this beauty is eternal and we do know.
Yes Fumiyo so true…. humanity does recognise true beauty and the quality it emanates. What an amazing confirmation of this. ✨
Beautiful observation, when we are not in comparison and jealousy of another we allow an opportunity to connect to and appreciate the reflection being offered. This painting allows a reflection of stillness and the inner beauty we all have as women in a painting of a women that is not conventionally beautiful.
Mona Lisa meets us all exactly where we are at. Her grace and presence speaks of love. I, too, have her in my home and i love the blessing she bestows on all who enter, asks nothing of anyone and represents complete acceptance and appreciation. Thank you Bernadette for your beautiful blog – it has brought forth much from within me, in which I had no idea was there.
This was beautifully expressed Bernadette. Looking into the eyes of Mona Lisa always leaves me with a deep sense of knowing and calm. She is beautiful just as she is and reflects that to everyone who sets their eyes on her. Thank you.
How blessed are we to have such a beautiful reminder to simply be with ourselves. And the fact that millions and millions of people can recognize and feel this truth is testament to the power of what lies within – us and the Mona Lisa. All that remains is for all of us to live this truth daily. There is nothing else to do but hold the exquisite essence of who we are.
So true Sandra. It is a testament to the power that lies within, that when people see this painting something happens and they feel it. What a powerful painting.
I very much agree, it’s a blessing to have reminders such as this to simply being ourselves.
Sixteen years ago, in 1999 I stood in front of the painting of the Mona Lisa in Le Louvre. I was not aware of that which I am aware of now unfortunately, and allowed the jostling bodies of humanity in the Gallery (a percentage of the 6 million annual viewers) to distract me from fully appreciating that which is contained and emanating from what I found to be a surprisingly small portrait painting. However, I knew innately that the opportunity to view this portrait of the Mona Lisa would continue to provide and to have a pull for me and would somehow inspire a journey that at that time I was mentally unaware about – but the pull came from the body, not the mind.
I so value your blog about the Mona Lisa. I can now see your reference to the two winding paths in the background, of which I had not even noticed before. I had been travelling along the rocky and unproductive track for a few years and so it seems I was being shown that I would soon discover that there was another way – I could make the choice to look within, and not without. By God’s grace a little later I chose to meet Serge Benhayon and commence attending the presentations of the Ageless Wisdom at Universal Medicine.
Thanks Roberta for mentioning the two paths as until Bernadette mentioned them here I had never noticed them either. Leonardo da Vinci is pure genius, allowing us to see more of ourselves, the world and how we live through the detail in his paintings. Everything that we see in his paintings and drawings is not there by accident or to fill up space – it’s all there for a reason.
I too had not taken in the 2 paths, which are so obvious now you have pointed them out. Exposes to me my lack of attention to detail which is something that I am working on. And reminds me that their is a purpose to every thing it just needs to be read.
I agree with what you say Shevon, what a genius Leonardo was showing us that we have a choice as to which path we follow in life. I too hadn’t noticed the detail of the background when viewing the Mona Lisa I’ve been so transfixed by the presence of the woman and the all knowing eyes. This brilliant blog has inspired me to look again and truly see
what the painting offers.
I also visited Le Lourve to see the portrait of Mona Lisa 25 yrs ago.
There were very long queues to see her picture. I didn’t know what all the fuss was about. The small portrait was in a glass cabinet, with a barrier so you couldn’t touch it. There was some thing mysterious and extraordinary about her. I remember staring at Mona Lisas’ eyes which kept following you as you walked pass her portrait. I also felt an opening in my heart which I hadn’t clocked at the time.
I have a large portrait of Mona Lisa in my home – and only now have I noticed the 2 winding paths in the background. Thanks for mentioning it Roberta.
I love this Roberta. ‘The pull came from the body and not the mind’ if only we noticed this more in life. Our choices would seem a lot clearer.
What a beautiful blog Bernadette. The Mona LIsa has such quiet power, a steadiness, every time I see her, I smile. It does indeed remind me of that innate quality we all as women have, a stillness, a preciousness, that’s ready and waiting to be lived.
Beautifully said Monica – an innate quality that is ready and waiting to be lived.
I completely LOVE the Mona Lisa, it’s emanating quality of, and as you share with your words Bernadette: “My presence transcends time”, the agelessness and surety of the pose, the neutral colours and expression is the healing embodiment of a woman’s sacredness and divinity on full show. It is a grand masterpiece because its painter, Leonard da Vinci, I feel reveals to us a knowing and celebration that every woman in her truth, is a grand masterpiece – for humanity. When I see this painting, I too feel the confirmation of women in their completeness. For me divinity is beauty. The Mona Lisa is forever our tribute towards this.
“I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcends time. I am every woman.” Bernadette this quote says so much. How powerful true stillness is, and from there the grace and beauty felt as a whole or complete being. Yes, our presence transcends time just as this painting transcends time and place, for no matter where it is it has a presence that can stop us to contemplate its ‘mystery’ or message. Lastly, this is in every woman and hence in everyone as we all come from the womb of woman.
I love what you have written about the Mona Lisa, you are right she is rather plain and some would say not attractive at all but yet she emanates the true quality of beauty and essence of a woman from her. I have never noticed the two paths behind her as you have described one smooth and the other rough. There is much more to her and the painting than just a portrait of a woman.
I have never understood why I loved that painting but grew up with it ever present in my home. Now I know why. She is beautiful in her plainness, her stillness, her knowing that she is loved. It oozes out of the painting as inspiration for us to know the same.
Bernadette this is so gorgeous what you have expressed here. Mona Lisa has always remained a constant companion and reflection in my home. When I was a young teenager we had a large poster of her on the back of the toilet door for those private moments of contemplation 🙂
These days the Mona Lisa’s grace and presence shines in our living room for all to see, always confirming for me quality of energy to inspire and appreciate the beauty and grace and the power in woman claiming their true qualities
I have always been a little fascinated in this painting but was unsure exactly why, thank you for your beautiful take an insight into this healing piece of art.
Quite the contrast from media images these days where we are bombarded with a picture that imposes beliefs and thrusts an image upon us. This paining just sits back ~ and allows an opening for the viewer to receive the quality of the whole package, who was painted, how it was painted and the quality it hasn’t wavered from throughout all of this time.
Thank you for sharing this understanding of the Mona Lisa with us Bernadette.
I loved reading every word of this article, thank you Bernadette. Mona Lisa, Leonardo and yourself confirm all that I am feeling at this time ~ that I am everything and complete, just as I am with natural grace and harmony within. I have also been feeling what a solid key we can be as women to leading this true way of living for everyone.
Beautiful article Bernadette. I love the way you have expressed the emanating quality of grace and presence of the Mona Lisa. I recall standing in front of this painting at the Louvre and there was a deep sense of presence reflecting from the painting, which had a stilling effect on the viewers. It was a moment to pause and be blessed by the living quality that the painting holds. It is a true reflection of the power of stillness that we all hold within..and very confirming of the fact.
Bernadette you have deepened my understanding of this painting that I have loved and related to since my youth. Now I know why.
Bernadette, thank you for expressing your appreciation of the Mona Lisa. I also feel a deep love for what she brings. She is a reminder to just be me. It’s almost like when I look at her, I breathe out everything that I am not, and I am just able to be there, and feel a quality that is me. I love feeling her love for us all. She is an inspiration to be a living Mona Lisa this life!
You have captured the Truth of the Mona Lisa that scholars of centuries have failed to see. She has a knowing, that she is all that a woman is, and your description’s are inspiring. I had never noticed the 2 paths either side of her, depicting our 2 choices of a path. It’s perfect, thank you, Bernadette.
I love what you have written about the strength, power and grace of this woman, and find it especially interesting about the paths in the back ground which I had never considered before.
It is an inspiration as an artist to read this Bernadette. There is so much more to what is possible to produce when we deliver something so powerful in a painting. Leonardo is showing us what is possible for us all to deliver to humanity, what an extraordinary gift!
What the Mona Lisa also confirms for me is that art is something that breathes and connects with every single person like a true friend–and it can do that because it can see the Living quality within every person, it can see the every person in itself. Art is living because it breathes with us–all of us.
What a wonderful insight you felt from the Mona Lisa painting. I can feel what came to you and you have expressed is very true there is true power coming from this painting and it transcends time. “I am powerful in my stillness, grace and beauty. I am complete. My presence transcend time. I am every woman”. I agree what a gift to humanity this piece of art is. And what a wonderful gift Leonardo has given everyone by expressing through all his works infinite wisdom and love for all humanity.
When looking and connecting with the Mona Lisa, no part of me has even related this experience to art. It does not matter if this was an art piece or not. The truth is, there is a living quality to the Mona Lisa which is very alive, it is like connecting to a deep and intimate friend, someone who truly knows and can see through me. I feel completely honored and met when I look into her eyes.
With Mona Lisa, I understand what is true beauty and presence. There is no part of me that feels the need to look at her body other than her eyes. Whether she shows cleavage not or her hands are slender or not, does not matter, because compared to what is seen and felt in her eyes, she is already complete. What this confirms for me is a beauty that is true–and that it something that goes beyond the physicality. This is not an excuse or justification to talk about something that may not be physically attractive, because I as well as 6 million people find the Mona Lisa irresistible. For me, this comes from her deep honoring of you when she looks at you–there is no imposing, no pandering, a complete holding and honoring to whoever meets her eyes, and this spaciousness felt between us allows me to feel all of myself. Not just true beauty, the Mona Lisa is a true inspiration and evolution.
A beautiful blog Bernadette, no wonder women and men alike are drawn to it – the forever enigma Mona Lisa represents the stillness and grace of every woman. A quality largely missing in todays society.
On Sundays in Paris all the Museums have free entry. It’s a busy day when every family and all the children go. It’s not a good day to view the Mona Lisa. She has six million viewers every year, that’s an average of 16,000 viewers per day or 2000 viewers per hour. At 2pm on a Sunday afternoon when the numbers peak it’s maybe 4000 viewers per hour and a bunfight in a 100 meter long queue four people deep and Its such a small unimposing painting when you look at it from that perspective in that crowd and you don’t even get to see it close up.
Your description is so much better than the real thing Bernadette.
I agree Nicholas and I now have a whole new appreciation of the painting and who Mona Lisa is and that this painting has great significance for women and who we are.
Bernadette thank you for sharing all that you can feel the Mona Lisa portrays for women. I took a moment to truly look into her eyes and the message I got was a true confidence to be the women we are that is not defined by what the world thinks we should be. That we have everything within in us!
Beautiful Sharon, when I also gazed in her eyes I felt an endless depth. Something that we don’t often (or isn’t seen as ‘normal’) take the time and moments to appreciate within ourselves and each other when we are with them. Allowing myself to look in her eyes is representative to allowing everyone, everywhere to see me and who I am as this equally beautiful and sacred woman.
When I look at that painting to me it confirms the beauty in every woman.
I too love what the Mona Lisa represents and inspires in all, she is a truly equalising painting. I really enjoyed reading your article Bernadette as you offered so much about the quality in which she was painted and the true quality she inspires in all. A thoroughly enjoyable read that offers so much!
After having a print of the Mona Lisa in our home for a few years now, I have noticed that the times I have viewed it when I was feeling down or hard on myself, it felt as if she was reminding me, with all her grace and poise, that I was much more than the silly emotions I was choosing to indulge in at the time. I love how Bernadette has described what she emanates and how the Mona Lisa shows all women (and men) that true beauty comes from within and from how we feel about ourselves, not how we look on the outside. Also, what a cool symbolism of the two kinds of paths we can take in life. I always felt that we choose either the easy way or the hard way in our life, and can sometimes identify too much and get a lot of attention for always being the one having problems or obstacles in our life. But what if we put those obstacles in front of us by the choices we make?
I have walked into the room where she is displayed in the Louvre. The presence of this painting fills the entire room, and to be very honest, renders the other paintings on the walls around her rather silly. Crowds throng in front of her, taking photographs to prove they have been there, seen her in the flesh, so to speak.
What I felt standing in front of her was Ageless Wisdom. Her beauty emanates from a place that is deep inside her being. People refer to her smile as enigmatic, as though it is mysterious. There is nothing mysterious here though, it is all out in the open to be seen – the woman who lives as a complete woman, with the two paths behind her, offering us the choice.
Perhaps it is her stillness that make people grasp for words, so they arrive at “mysterious”, discombobulated as they are by the fact that she is not trying to be something.
Thank you for this article Bernadette, and reawakening my eyes to this beautiful woman who graces my bedroom.
Love it Rachel!
I feel there is truth in what you have expressed here Rachel about the possibility of ‘stillness’ being interpreted as ‘mysterious’. I say this because if stillness is our natural innate quality (which in my world it is), and we have strayed as a society so far away from this, then stillness would very well be perceived to be mysterious and unrecognisable, until one chooses the path of flow (the one on the left of Mona Lisa) and to surrender to the grace and stillness within.
Great point, Rachel and Marika, about the confusion between mystery and Stillness. The whole Da Vinci code is a testament to that ….wonder what / who was behind that confusion?
Very true Rachel, this painting shines out in the gallery. If you look around there is are a couple of other De Vinci’s in the room and together they make all the other works pale into insignificance by their tender and divine quality. It is quite telling that when met with the divine grace that emanates from Mona Lisa, we are not able to comprehend that we are looking at, feeling and seeing a reflection of our own inherent grace, we can only class it as mysterious because we have detached from this innate quality within ourselves. Thank you Bernadette for bringing us back to the truth of this exquisite painting and to the true understanding of why the Mona Lisa is so captivating.
Absolutely Rachel, the painting may be small, but, ‘The presence of this painting fills the entire room’. This is a very powerful painting, people seem to feel this even if they don’t fully understand why.
What I see in the Mona Lisa is a woman who needs for nothing, who is complete and completely at ease, a woman with a deep sense of herself and her beauty. There is a no-nonsense, unapologetic knowingness emanating from her powerful poise.
No wonder that we gaze at her in our many millions for she is both reassuring and calling us to account.
Yes, calling us to account in such a living way. Looking at the Mona Lisa I see my own reflection straight back when I drop the guards and protection and let myself just be in the immense wisdom and love that I hold and am — as a woman.
Thank you Bernadette for brining such awareness of the true beauty that this painting holds. I had never noticed the paths before and I loved re-connecting to my own stillness and beauty when I read your blog.
This is the best explanation I have ever read about the Mona Lisa – so true! Recently I saw her at the Louvre and I heard someone saying “she looks very manly because Da Vinci was actually gay and this was a painting of his boyfriend in disguise”. I laughed at such a ridiculous description and considered how far away as a society we are from feeling and understanding what the true power, beauty and sacredness of a woman can be, because as women we have not been embracing this for lifetimes.
Wow, that is funny Danielle.. and crazy that we as women have lived so separate from our true strengths as women for so long, that it is seemingly unrecognisable when one is presented with the true reflection of one. The beautiful thing I can feel too, as Bernadette has shared, is that each and every one is graced by her reflection when they see the painting and as she also holds the power of true unimposing energy, viewers are able to feel, discern and have opinion for themselves.
It was lovely to read your blog Bernadette and feel your deep contemplation of this renowned painting. When I saw the painting in the Louvre I was very surprised by how small it actually was, because Mona Lisa herself looms so large with such a huge emanating presence that is universally attractive. It was hard to get near the painting to have a really good look at it because there was a continuous crowd several people deep standing in front of it drawn to the remarkable timeless mystery, power and stillness she emanates.
Yes – I felt that disparity between the size of the painting and the extent of both its presence and its effect on the people viewing it.
It’s interesting how the Mona Lisa has been the subject of mockery and abuse. As she represents women everywhere and the gentle strength we all can emanate, perhaps it is this that is feared and attacked.
I too have a picture of Mona Lisa inside my home and I walk past her everyday. She to confirms to me the beauty, grace and stillness of a woman. You can feel that she is not trying to be anyone but herself with total acceptance and with that comes the grace. It is a truly beautiful painting to have supporting me within my home.
Hello Bernadette Curtin and thank you. While I have looked at this painting in print form I have never really looked at it. You have given me a depth of understanding of what this ‘simple’ painting is and holds. It’s a painting before it’s time and now is possibly more popular than it was at the time of painting. It is funny how we are faced with something great but often don’t appreciate what it is until after some considerable period of time, if at all. This reminds me of any moment in life really and as you say, “When I am not being love it feels horrible in my body, comparing myself to another, worrying about someone else, criticising. When instead in those moments I choose acceptance or appreciation, my body feels expansive and harmonious.” In this way you can change the way you view the world, you can just see a painting on a canvas or you can appreciate all that is there and you can see much, much more. Thank you again Bernadette Curtin a blog very worth the time to read, you ‘painted’ a clear picture for us.
Looking at the Mona Lisa and the beauty she represents there is no objectification of her physical looks, she does not create comparison, she is just beautiful.
Presence and stillness come from her beauty inside. She is the most truest role model of female beauty as she simply confirms the beauty in every woman without creating a hint of comparison. Looking at her does not create any feeling of wanting to achieve or get what she has, she simply holds you and confirms you in your absolute beauty and stillness, just divine.
I love that Rachel, so well expressed!
So true Rachel. The Mona Lisa is also a great reflection of being our future, our present and our past.
The portrait of the Mona Lisa has been admired and adored for many years.
When you look at the picture from any angle, you will see her eyes following you.
We do not need her showing her cleavage or pouting her lips, just how she radiates
warmth.
Thank you Bernadette for defining the real gift of this painting. I mused for years over this painting of such a plain looking woman and it was not until I actually got to see the original, (which is quite small) did I really appreciate the delicate quality of Leonardo de Vinci’s work and the pure confidence and tender grace of his subject. This portrait is timeless because Mona Lisa has embodied the timeless qualities inherent in all women, whether we have claimed them for ourselves or not, her picture constantly pulls at those graceful strings within us, always reminding us of who we truly are. And as you say, these qualities could not have been so successful conveyed had the painter not painted them with such exquisite tenderness that he so evidently embodied. As with all his work, this quality of tenderness and grace is very apparent, it really puts him in a class of his own and in my opinion he is the only painter worth studying, because every piece of work graces us with a tenderness that can only come direct from heaven.
Bernadette, this is the most beautiful, tender, powerful, delicate, grace-filled and inspiring blog to read. I simply love it. As I read this – every word is being felt in my body to re-claim and be more of the truth of who I am /we all are.
“I get a feeling of the love and respect that Leonardo felt for women as he painted this portrait. It is a painting for women, to empower them. Equally it is a painting for men, to feel their tenderness, and for both men and women to honour the sacredness and preciousness of women when they are absolute and complete”.
Thank you Bernadette, this is awesome to read and what a confirmation. A piece of writing/information that should be shared in every school.
I love how you describe that the Mona Lisa looks at us and truly sees us, she knows who we are and there is no way of hiding or pretending.
Bernadette, you have said that Mona Lisa is ‘not beautiful by modern standards, but rather plain, unadorned, and certainly not an example of a classic beauty’. It makes sense that it takes a women who is not classically beautiful to show us the beauty that is within all women, for if she was presented as classically beautiful, we would most likely have focused on that, and concluded that that beauty was not us. Comparison, and comparison based on shallow perceptions of physical beauty at that, would have robbed us of the grace that she was to bring us.
Wow, that’s so true Catherine. Depicting also how far we have moved away from our natural ability to read and receive first and foremost from our bodies and knowingness of who we are to a way that is based on external views and pictures. We are presented here with an image that not only oozes natural beauty to a depth immeasurable, the quality it is presented in frees us from the poisonous comparison and jealous energy that is rife in the world today.
It’s amazing really that this painting, painted centuries ago, would be presenting this very thing to us today. The timelessness of such immeasurable beauty.
Yes – I feel that, too, Jennifer: timeless, ageless, immeasurable Beauty – true Beauty, with nothing to do with how one looks.
Absolutely Catherine, I agree for true beauty is not in what we look like but something held much more dearly within that then emanates out for all to share in.
Love this perspective Catherine and I agree that it allows the focus to be more on what is felt – the grace, the strength, the confident knowing of oneself, the openness, the contentment and so much more…
There is such an amazing quality in this painting. Thank you for talking me through to the true meaning of this painting.
What a truly thoroughly enjoyable read, thank you Bernadette. There has always been a sense of quiet power about this painting, which never makes me feel less than all that I am.
There is something wonderful to consider in a woman knowing, claiming and being open to love “THIS WOMAN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED! And she shines love back.” So often we hold our love back or have trouble accepting love from another person because we have issues and hurts that get in the way. This feels very empowering to consider.
This is so beautiful Bernadette. I could look into Mona Lisa’s eyes forever. Her eyes hold and confirm the deep love that we all are as if saying, “I know you as I know me, we are one.” She does not have to move one muscle and we are reflected back our own Love. This is Love in its true power.
This is such a gorgeous article Bernadette. I look at the Mona Lisa quite often, but what you have shared has opened my eyes even further to the power held in this “seemingly simple” painting. It will be lovely to meet Mona Lisa again with the awareness you have offered here. Thank you.
Oh, my goodness, what a gorgeous blog about such a gorgeous subject! So lovely to see and feel Mona Lisa in this deep and true way, which makes so much sense. I have a print of her hanging in my office, and people of all ages and from all walks of life light up when they see her – she is deeply loved by so many of us.
I love this line:
” She has been continuously emanating a quality of energy to inspire us now as modern women to be that grace and presence ourselves – our own Renaissance. “
There is such Truth in your words Bernadette Curtin – thank you on behalf of ALL Women. As one woman reading this I am left feeling very strong and lovingly empowered.
It is exactly that. When one is in the Louvre, one wonders what is it that keeps the masses staring at the painting? As you say, it is not exciting, you might even want to pass by but you for some reason have to stop and feel the stillness that it emanates. It is so uncommon, so opposite to the usual values in society to have that feeling that it makes millions stare. I agree we need to recover those qualities as women in this present times.
I love the picture of the Mona Lisa. I look at it and she inspires me to be the delicate divine woman I am, this in turn inspires others. What a gift Leonardo da Vinci left behind for all of humanity to evolve.