Colleen from @dotsoflovecanada is hosting Canada's second annual in-person mandala retreat taking place in October of 2026. Co-founder Lauren Saunders @loveanddots will be joining us in a supportive role this year as a featured masterclass facilitator, sharing her expertise through two exclusive sessions. Her presence brings a beautiful layer of connection, mentorship, and creative energy to the weekend.
"More Than Mandalas" will be a community and growth-focused 3-day in-person retreat. While we'll spend the majority of our time painting together, we also want participants to come away feeling more present to possibility in themselves, their lives, and their painting practices, accessing new levels of potential in any area of life, art and even business. This immersive weekend weaves together painting workshops, guided breath work, a live henna experience, and a closing mandala altar experience using natural and floral elements.
The retreat is open to and welcoming of participants anywhere in the world, but please note that you are responsible for your travels plans and costs required to get to Vancouver Island.
You can view all necessary information on the retreat here, so that you have ample time to make plans and decide whether you'd like to secure one of the 22 available spots.
Registration is now open!
Meditative Mandala Art, DIY Kits, and Workshops Inspiring JOY
Hi! I’m Colleen Havrilenko, the founder and creator of Dots of Love Canada. I started dot painting in 2021 after finding “kindness rocks” painted in our city during the pandemic lockdowns. Pinterest (or the universe!?) kept showing me dot painted rocks and I instantly fell in love. I immediately started dotting mandalas on every surface available.
I was on maternity leave at the time, suffering from PPD/PPA, had just quit the career I loved and was in lock down with no outside supports or connection. Dot painting Mandala’s became my therapy, my me-time, my safe space. When I was painting, everything else floated away and time stood still. I found a part of me that felt like home and it began giving me so much clarity.
I instantly recognized the JOY painting mandala’s brought me and as I became part of the Mandala community online, the JOY it brings so many. I knew I wanted to start hosting in-person workshops to spark that JOY in others and invite connection after two years of pandemic lock downs. I have officially been teaching in-person workshops for over a year now and enjoying each & everyone!
I now find myself in a transition period where I need to generate income to support myself and my two daughters. Instead of the traditional 9-5 or shift work in Retail Management (my background) I decided to take the leap and fully believe in myself to grow Dots of Love <3
Speaking of my background…I took Business post-secondary and have spent most of my career in Retail Management. There are so many areas I love in retail from training & developing people, visual merchandising, the sales; and of course the customer service. I excel in public speaking, training out new programs/material and connecting with individuals to bring their best self out!
I so look forward to sharing my Mandala Art and all I have planned for 2024 with you!
Dots of Love,
Colleen Havrilenko
Founder and Creator of Dots of Love Canada
Dots of Love Canada
by Colleen Havrilenko
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