I've been an active healthcare provider in western medicine for over 20 years. Initially starting my career as a trauma ICU nurse I became a natural support for patients and their family during the most critical times of their lives. I continued to advance my career and for the past 12 years I've practiced as a nurse anesthetist providing anesthesia. As a practitioner in anesthesia my patients enjoy the wonderful emotional benefits of decreasing their anxiety and pain in a clinical setting. These benefits are temporary however, and seeking long term use of Western medicines can be impractical and in some cases harmful without proper management & maintenance.

On a personal note, I am a wife married over 10 yrs and a mother of two beautiful children. I have an endless juggle of work life passion balance that gives me personal fulfillment. In May of 2015 I gave birth to my son Kai and the moment I held him in my arms, my understanding of the world changed forever. I felt an overwhelming level of love, responsibility, and fear that would turn into what most medical practitioners would diagnose as postpartum depression. The days were going by fast; all the smiles and greetings from friends & family forced me to suppress my feelings. My dark sadness, loneliness, fear and anxiety was a battle left for me to fight alone. I struggled. I mean really really struggled! The first year of my son's life was a blur of endless exhaustion while tending to his needs and laying in my sorrow. Throughout the years Kai has grown and his life story continues to unfold. He has overcome multiple surgeries, learning challenges and upgrading his status to big brother. Some days I fear the future but most days I enjoy our connection together and have mastered a healthy self care practice worth sharing. 

In the midst of my self guided treatment I dove into spiritual understanding, self awareness, and active participation into self healing. I created a plan incorporating exercise, seeking out knowledge with a deeper understanding, and a daily practice of mindfulness & meditation. To my surprise, I found that mindfulness & meditation was the most profound part of it all.  Meditation was the foundation to building the new me. Meditation was the key point to my healing! Meditation allowed me to relax, connect back to myself and awaken my inner being. Within weeks of establishing stillness and inner connection I gained inspiration, creativity, and guidance to begin the Rising Rose project. 

Rising Rose is my truth; it's my passion; it is my offering to the world and my offering to YOU! My intention with Rising Rose events and discussions is to present you with a gift that has always been there. A gift that was revealed to me with the help of my son. The gift of awakening your inner healer.  Rising Rose uses a holistic approach of mental wellness attention and acknowledging the power of stillness. Rising Rose teaches self guided healing that is available to you anytime, anywhere, and without cost. Rising Rose focuses on you experiencing these methods and learning how to incorporate them into your lifestyle. Rising Rose meditation techniques are guided and use audio, visual and sound healing to facilitate self actualization. Overall, a healthy practice of these techniques provide a powerful tool for self care. There is a perfect place of peace & joy in a universe within one's self. I like to call it the "unscripted" space; the place before your story began. 

I believe these concepts are extremely powerful and can change the trajectory of one's life. I’m moving positively towards a world that recognizes, supports, and embraces mindfulness & meditation as a wonderful addition to our society and daily living. 

Aura Lily