In a world that rushes forward, with stress, trauma, and burnout, self-love is like ink flowing effortlessly across paper or the soft hush of a brush on canvas.

Mindfulness invites us to embrace the present moment with grace. Mandala art is a practice that has Buddhist and Hindu origins. It practices calm, presence and healing.

One of its practitioners is Sophie Tighe.

She came across this art form when teaching in Thailand. After suffering burnout at her job, Sophie took up the art form. Now she is teaching it to Fraser Coast locals. These are answers to some of my questions to her.

What made you start this program?

I started this program because I wanted to share a technique that has been life-changing for my own mental well-being. Having faced significant mental health challenges over the years, I discovered that mindfulness through art—particularly mandala design—was a powerful tool for healing.

After teaching high school art for four years, I experienced severe burnout, which led to a late diagnosis of autism. Taking time off work to rebuild my confidence and recover from what felt like a completely overwhelmed mind, I explored various healing modalities, from yoga and breathwork to meditation and hypnosis. While each had its benefits, none created the shift I truly needed—until I returned to art.

Mandala design became my personal access point to mindfulness. For my brain, it just clicked. It was the easiest and fastest way to transition into a state of calm and presence. The repetitive patterns, combined with soothing mantra music, became my self-care ritual. Through this practice, I cultivated self-compassion, broke free from cycles of social anxiety and overthinking, and found a sense of peace I had never experienced before.

How does this program benefit the community?

Mandalas for Mindfulness offers a creative and accessible approach to improving mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle with stress, anxiety, and burnout, often feeling disconnected from themselves and their surroundings. This program provides a space for individuals to slow down, engage in a meditative creative process, and cultivate inner calm through art.

By incorporating mindfulness into the artistic practice of mandala design, participants experience benefits such as reduced stress, reduced anxiety, improved focus, and a greater sense of self-awareness. The repetitive nature of mandala design helps to quieten the mind, making it easier to enter a state of relaxation and flow. This also creates the space between ourselves and our thoughts to bring some awareness to our thought patterns.

Beyond personal benefits, the program fosters a sense of connection within the community. When people come together in a creative space, they share experiences, support each other’s journeys, and build meaningful relationships. At the same time, it is designed to be an introvert-friendly environment—allowing participants to engage in a way that feels comfortable for them. There is no pressure to talk and class sizes are kept small (10max), making it a welcoming space for those who prefer quiet, reflective experiences.

Ultimately, the program empowers individuals with a tool they can use beyond the sessions—bringing mindfulness into their daily lives and promoting long-term emotional resilience.

Why, what is your motivation?  

My motivation for creating the Mandalas for Mindfulness program comes from a belief in the power of art and mindfulness to transform lives. Art allows us to express our inner selves, while mindfulness brings calm and awareness into our busy lives. By merging these two, I want to create a space where people can reconnect with themselves, find peace, and enhance self-awareness through the process of creating mandalas.

What keeps me motivated is seeing participants grow throughout the program. It has been incredible to witness how they develop their own unique styles, improve their mental well-being, and gain confidence in their abilities. Many leave with a sense of pride in what they have created, and the positive shift in their self-esteem is a reminder of the power of art and mindfulness. Every time I see someone light up with newfound confidence or share how the program has made a difference for them, I am reminded of why this work is so meaningful. These moments’ drive me to keep offering this program, knowing how much it can help people build resilience and a sense of belonging within the community.

The next FREE 8-week program will be running on Tuesdays May-June, from the Hervey Bay Community Centre, 22 Charles Street Pialba.

There will be an adult’s group and a women’s only group.