This series of four paintings grew out of an Inner Child Healing Journey that I took myself on many times during my late thirties. Take a look first and then read more.

The Forest of the Invitation

The Room of the Wounding

The Room of the Healing

Mandala of the True Self

Origins

I had attended a workshop with Jean Shinoda Bolen, Jungian analyst and author. She led us on a guided meditation that was very meaningful to me. I took the basic structure and made it my own, continuing to self-guide and go on this journey over a number of months. It was a critical part of inner child healing for me.

The Journey

In the journey, you begin by inviting “the child that you were” to join you — you may take his or her hand. The two of you enter a magical forest where you may find a helpful animal or other gift of nature to support you on the journey. You then go deep into the forest until you come to a healing temple or chapel where you will find some healing.

You enter the chapel and open the door to the Room of the Wounding — and find an image of how you were wounded. You then move on and open the door to the Room of the Healing — and find an image of your healing. You then return, bringing the gifts of healing with you.

The Mandala

My fourth painting came from two dream images and reflects a truth I was coming to believe: the “dark child” who felt rejected or not valued must take her place beside the “fair child” who was accepted. Only then can they hold together the Crystal of the True Self, where it can shine brightly and spread the rainbow colors of the full spectrum of who you really are.

On to the next page…