About Dahlia
Dahlia Elizabeth Wist
Owner and founder of Dahlia Mandala and DahliYoga. Based in Geneva from the Finger Lakes Region of New York.
"I believe if we incorporate aesthetics, nature and spirituality into our core values, we'll create a life of beauty, connection and flow from the inside out!"
"In my quest for self-realization, I acquire knowledge and experience, forming theories and applying them to my life. As I learn what works and help my self, I demonstrate and teach harmony and success to others."
- Dahlia
Biography
I grew up in San Jose, California in an old cannery, surrounded by an eclectic array of art, people and culture.
In addition to normal youth activities, my parents took me to metaphysical fairs, gem shows, art galleries, Native American Pow Wows and much more!
This had a profound effect on me for the rest of my life, for I would come to revisit these influences on my own as a young adult.
In my early 20's I spent a summer in Yosemite National Park. Immersed in the natural rhythms and cycles of life, I saw the Valley as a natural temple and my curiosity of the bond between nature and spirituality deepened.
After returning to the Bay Area, I went on a quest to learn about, spirituality and people-plant connections. I also discovered yoga was an excellent way to focus my mind and tone my body. So, I soon earned an herbalist and yoga instructor certification, followed by a program to become an Interfaith Minister - all back to back! Meanwhile, my interest in art was a hobby, and made pieces for myself, or as gifts for family and friends.
In my 30's, as I pursued a career in horticulture and studied sustainable practices and landscape design, these other spiritual passions took a back seat.
Now in my 40's, I'm blending my formal experience with a true calling to serve humanity through the lens of my three great passions which you can learn about below:
ART, NATURE & SPIRITUALITY.
Art, Beauty, & Organization
I believe we are the most productive in beautiful, aesthetically pleasing environments that support our rhythms, culture and values.
Disorder and poor use of space can lead to confusion, stagnation and wasted time.
When a space is well designed in a functional, attractive way, that supports the needs of the people using it, anything is possible.
I support people in clearing their inner and outer worlds for harmony and success. I've been organizing and creating beautiful spaces since I was a child, and can help you create your own spaces for practical success such as an office, or spiritual connection, like an altar or meditation area.
In addition, surrounding ourselves with art that inspires and uplifts us with pleasing compositions, are great additions to our home and work space. It sparks imagination and motivation to create great things ourselves.
I've been taking classes and workshops in art since my youth, am influenced by many creative people and experiences throughout my life. My art is a culmination of all this stimulus. I create and sell magnets, gift cards and prints of my photography, paintings, drawings and mixed media. Click on the link "Art" to learn more.
Nature Connection
We long to connect to each other, for close bonds bring meaning and value to our lives. We must first connect to ourselves through a spiritual and mindfulness practice.
A first step is connecting to nature. Rhythms and patterns are everywhere in nature. It comprises aesthetics of fractal geometry and mystery of spirituality.
When we observe nature, we see all the cycles of life happening at once and receive teachings and insights that can be articulated in words or just "known" from being its witness. Learning about natural rhythms and how they apply to our day to day life for greater efficiency and flow, can help you feel more at ease and accomplished in your affairs.
Experiencing people-plant connections and reverence for all sentient beings builds compassion and non judgement. These experiences lay groundwork for greater connection with humanity and ultimately our own Divine Self.
From my early roots in herbalism and horticulture therapy, to spiritual and ethical approaches toward our environment through permaculture and biodynamics, I offer a unique approach to nature awareness and connection. I can help you learn sustainable practices and build a deeper relationship with the natural world. Email me to learn more.
Spirituality & Flow
Spirituality and our connection to a higher force is behind everything. Everything is energy vibrating at different frequencies. With this awareness, we can change our vibration to live a life we want.
Living a spiritual life, is a magical life where everything just flows. What seems like a miracle is actually us lining up our energy with what we want by living a life of ethics, values and following our passion.
This is what it means to be in the flow. Opportunities appear that were previously disguised, and things happen effortlessly. The difference is we are now clear and aware. We see connections all around us because we know what we want, and are conscious of when Spirit is lining up our next move toward success!
As we remove blockages, layers and charges that make us reactionary and stagnate, we become brighter and more beautiful than ever before.
We feel connection to everything around us and discover there is no separation. In this new understanding, we magnetically attract positive and expansive experiences because we're on the path of releasing negativity and shining brightly.
To conclude, art, nature and spirituality are one. Nature expresses itself artistically through fractals and sacred geometry. It is spiritual and whole. We are spiritual and whole. Everything is connected.
Come join me on the path of spiritual unfoldment and self realization. Discover all that's in store as you peel away the layers and shine your own Divine Light! View "Public Classes and Instruction" or "Calendar" for my current schedule. Click "Lightwork and Spirituality" or send me an email to learn more.
Dahlia Mandala Logo
The Dahlia Mandala logo was designed by Dahlia and is a simplified stylized version of the dahlia flower. As an artist and designer, Dahlia celebrates sacred geometry by including eight primary petals from single row dahlias, backed by another eight secondary petals for depth, all enclosed by a circle for continuity and wholeness. Given Dahlia's life passions of aesthetics and art, nature and spirituality, her mandala is a perfect symbol that comprises it all.
Mandalas symbolize the universe and completeness, while eight symbolizes infinity and the constant exchange of energy and power, self-confidence, inner strength and authority. An appropriate combination for a minister, and eclectic person devoted to self-realization.
To look at the BLACK AND WHITE VERSION of the logo, click "DahliYoga Website" below.
Dahlia's Yoga & Metaphysical education
- Student with Julianne Rice 1995-1999
- Understanding the Tarot with Charlene Roache 1997
- Teacher certification with Erich Shiffmann - Moving Into Stillness 1998
- Ordained Minister - Universal Church of the Master 2000
- Teacher training workshops with Kali Ray 2001
- Iyengar training with Lisa Walford 2002
- Iyengar workshops at Iyengar Institute of San Francisco 2002
- Teacher Certification with Joyce Anue YES - Yoga Education Seminars 2003
- San Francisco Yoga Conference 2010
- Ancestral Clearings with John Newton 2020
- Tias Little of Prajna Yoga 2024
Dahlia's horticulture education
- Certificate in Herbalism - American School of Botanical Medicine 1998
- Associate of Science Degree in Environmental Horticulture and Design - Foothill College 2006
- Certificate in Arboriculture 2008
- Certificate in Permaculture Design 2009
- Biodynamic Workshop Series 2011
- Aesthetic Pruning Award - Merritt College 2012
- Horticulture Thereapy Education Program Certificate - Merritt College 2013
- Food Forest Design Intensive - Occidental Arts and Ecology Center 2014