- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
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Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
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Living with cancer blog
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May 1, 2012
Creative process helps cancer survivors with overall well-being
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Mandala is an ancient Sanskrit word meaning circle. It has a long history as a sacred art form and is recognized for its deep spiritual meaning and representation of wholeness.
It's been used across several faith traditions and is often reflected in the entrance to sacred spiritual places and in spiritual imagery (above the entrance to churches, within the dome of the church, Celtic crosses and other symbols).
The circle with a central pattern is the basic structure of creation and can be represented in a mandala. The idea is that we're made up of tiny cells which form our body, which exist within the world and also within the larger universe.
It also represents life and our connection to others around us such as our circle of family, friends and community. The concept of a mandala helps us to see that we can look outward and inward for a connection to the whole.
Today, the mandala continues to be embraced as a tool for well-being. The creation of the mandala, this sacred circle, offers many benefits to the healing of body, mind and spirit. It's a mindful, creative and reflective process that can increase self-awareness and self-understanding. The process of creating a mandala helps to release tension, anxiety, and fears, and can have a very calming and peaceful effect.
To help you visualize a mandala, close your eyes and picture this idea ... a work of art that starts with a dot or circle in the middle with the design flowing out from the center. The design can be free flowing or geometric. The concept of a mandala reflects what is in the world around us — our cell structure, the solar system, and nature (think of a sunflower, snowflake or seashell).
As you work with a mandala, you can meditate on the beauty of the details while setting your intention for what you need from the creative process, such as healing, strength, gratitude and peace.
If you would like to experience the making of a mandala, visit the Mayo Clinic Cancer Education Center in Rochester, Minn. We have a mandala creation in process. You can participate individually or collectively in this creative and spiritual process.
Visit the Cancer Education Program — Mayo Clinic Facebook page to see images of past mandalas that have been created together by patients, family members and health care professionals. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Share your experiences with mandalas with each other.
Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.
5 comments posted
June 9, 2012 7:02 a.m.
i have a christian belief, which has helped me these three months when i was diagnosed with cancer. nw i am living with cancer lke many others, i, believe my focus on christ cross of calvary evey day is my mandala. god bless all suffers of this disease, and for all those good people that researches possible cure, one day at a time.
- joanna
May 4, 2012 12:55 a.m.
I just closed my eyes and tried this and it truly gave me a feeling of peace...and connection.Had stage 3A breast cancer with mastectomy, chemo/ radiation, other physical problems/surgeries and now have soft tissue and osteoradionecrosis. I have been feeling very 'DIS' connected from life even though I keep on trying. I finally am having reconstructive surgery in June after 3 years but was worrying and felt alone. The circle/mandala...such a simple thing, yet enormous ramifications...just trying to say that it showed me how to remember, know and feel how incredibly interconnected and beautiful life is. Restorative!
- Hope
May 3, 2012 4:17 p.m.
When I was at Mayo for my every 3 month checkup I spent some time in the Cancer Educ. Center and worked on the Mandela. I was suprised with the emotion it brought out--bottled up emotions that most likely needed to be released.
- Angie
May 3, 2012 1:47 p.m.
I have had melanoma skin surgery about 1 month ago. I had not realized how extensive it would be. Just a little black dot, and boom I was into surgery within a week. They had to take out the surrounding area, it took three days before it was closed up. Since it was along where my knee bends, it limited my walking for a while, and still is not completely healed. I have more spots to come.
- Betty
May 3, 2012 1:27 p.m.
While on chemo, I taught myself to crochet. When making a hat, it's sort of the same idea as a mandala. Start with a small circle and enlarge with each round. Some patterns are plain, some are open and lacy. While at first, it takes more concentration, eventually it gives a peaceful feeling. The results can be comforting, not only for myself, but hopefully for whoever wears the hat.
- jan
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