"In such cases it is easy to see how the severe pattern imposed by a circular image of this kind compensates the disorder of the psychic state - namely through the construction of a central point to which everything is related, or by a concentric arrangement of the disordered multiplicity and of contradictory and irreconcilable elements. This is evidently an attempt at self-healing on the part of Nature, which does not spring from conscious reflection but from an instinctive impulse." - Carl Jung
My Story
As a nurse with 30 years of experience and a mother, caregiving has always been at the heart of my life. I’ve dedicated my career to supporting people during life’s most profound transitions—welcoming new life and guiding patients and families through the end of life. Over 20 years of my career were spent in maternal and newborn care, with additional years in hospice, helping individuals find peace and dignity in their final moments. My personal life, however, has been shaped by challenges that deeply influenced my understanding of healing and resilience. In January 2020, my life was turned upside down. I unexpectedly lost my partner, and just a day after his passing, I learned from his best friend that he had been in another relationship during our time together. The pain of grief, compounded by betrayal, was overwhelming. As I tried to process this devastation, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, isolating me further and plunging me into one of the darkest periods of my life. Amid the grief, I sought solace in the small joys that connected me to my partner’s memory. Hiking was something we often did together, and as I returned to the trails, I began painting rocks with intricate designs to leave along my path. This simple act of creation evolved into drawing and painting mandalas, eventually leading to dot painting mandalas on canvas. Over time, this practice became an integral part of my healing journey, and I have since created over 300 mandalas (you can see their evolution HERE). Mandala painting became my refuge during the pandemic, offering me moments of peace, mindfulness, and restoration. I painted daily, often for hours, losing myself in the process and finding purpose in sharing these creations with friends, family, and coworkers. Inspired by my experience, I enrolled in a holistic nursing graduate program the following summer. There, I explored the history and meaning of mandalas, discovering their deep connection to spirituality, healing, and self-discovery. Learning that Carl Jung had used mandalas as a tool for his own recovery and with his patients was a profound moment of validation for me. It became clear that mandalas were not just a creative outlet—they were a transformative pathway to healing, one that I had instinctively embraced. With my background in nursing, my certification in holistic nurse coaching, and my personal experiences with grief and resilience, I created Mandala Minds & Wellness. Our modern healthcare system often falls short in addressing the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing. My mission is to fill that gap, empowering others to reconnect with their authentic selves and experience the peace, wholeness, and growth they deserve. If you’d like to learn more, please click HERE.