From the Director

In times of uncertainty, it can be difficult to see a path forward. Yet again and again, I am reminded that healing begins not in grand gestures, but in the small moments that reconnect us to ourselves, to one another, and to the living world around us.

This issue of Mandala explores the many ways those connections support health and wellbeing. From the restorative power of nature and the growing field of nature-based therapeutics, to innovative research that brings whole-person approaches to chronic pain management, our faculty and staff demonstrate that healing is both deeply personal and profoundly relational.

You will also read about our commitment to supporting student mental health and wellbeing. Across the University of Minnesota, students face unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty. Through academic courses, the Wellbeing Enhances Learning (WEL) Model, HeART of Healing programs, and community partnerships, we are helping students develop the skills, resilience, and sense of purpose needed not only to succeed academically, but to flourish throughout their lives.

This issue also highlights the role of food as a foundation for wellbeing, reminding us that nourishment extends beyond calories to include connection, culture, meaning, and care. We are equally inspired by stories of individuals and communities who have found strength through compassion, creativity, mindfulness, and service during challenging times.

At the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing, we continue to advance a vision of health that recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, community, and environment. We believe that wellbeing is not a luxury—it is essential to learning, leadership, healing, and creating a more compassionate world.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a future where wellbeing is accessible to all and where healing becomes a catalyst for individual and collective transformation.

Mary Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP
Founder and Director
Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing