1. Childhood

Life in the small village of Valkininkai / Varena was a natural paradise for the curious child I was. Roaming the forests was my daily adventure. Alongside a whole bunch of other kids, we explored the wilderness, moving in sync with its natural rhythms. It was pure magic—lush forests, winding rivers, and emerald lakes shaping the backdrop of my childhood. Sadly, many of those forests have since been cut down, claimed by deforestation. The wild places where I once roamed so freely now exist only in memory. (Support Lithuanian old forest preservation)

I’ve always had a soft spot for cats—still do—but my love for animals extends to all creatures.

Summers with my grandmother, whom I secretly believed to be a witch, were filled with myths and stories—especially the dark enchantment of the Brothers Grimm. Those tales wove wonder into my world from an early age. Back then, there was nothing better than a bedtime story, especially in the heart of winter, when the temperature outside was -25°C.

From childhood, I had a relentless urge to explore the world and help others. To follow adventure and mystery. Now, I’m grateful to return to this part of me.

2. Lithuanian Forests

The forests in Lithuania are simply magical. There one might encounter many splendors, from witches, to secret lakes, ruins with histories that span centuries and many wild animals. But best of all, the forests hold much sustenance, to ever hungry explorer that I was. Wild berries, apples (especially the stollen ones from neighbor's gardens) were the best! Oh and mushrooms, yum! Though those you have to cook thoroughly.

3. Scotland

After school, I ventured to Scotland with little money in my pocket but big dreams. There, I began studying Computer Science but later switched to Computing and Multimedia to focus on web applications. My interest in tech stemmed from its creative possibilities—I had spent my teenage years building websites and experimenting with Photoshop. Balancing studies with work wasn’t easy, but I pushed through.

After graduation, I had little knowledge of the real world but was fortunate enough to land a job at a local startup, followed by a position at a bank, where I started gaining momentum. Eventually, I transitioned into consultancy — a five year sentence of madness. The wild creature inside me suffered immensely. I wasn’t listening. My insecurities clouded everything.

The one thing consultancy gave me was financial stability, which became my gateway to self-exploration. It allowed me to confront my shadows, face my insecurities, and slowly find my way back to balance. Let’s just say a significant portion of that hard-earned money went into therapy.

4. Switzerland

The rest of my money went into exploring Scotland—a diamond in disguise, full of untamed beauty and wonder. The wild one in me found its perfect counterpart in nature’s embrace. Scotland boasts 282 Munros, yet in 14 years, I only managed to climb 15. My fellow Scots wouldn’t be too impressed, but they’re a kind bunch, never ones to judge—more likely to have a joke ready when you meet them atop a Munro.

They are deep souls too, keepers of profound myths and stories. Scotland welcomed me, nourished me, and helped me find my footing. For that, it will forever hold a place in my heart—my second home.

Scotland was also the place of my deep spiritual awakening, where I first encountered depth psychology. From my late twenties onward, I have been drawn to the mysteries of the unconscious, learning the language of symbols and connecting ever more deeply to my inner core. Many dream journals have been filled, many tears shed, and many punches buried in my pillow.

After my time in Scotland and later Lithuania, I knew I wanted to follow the threads of the unconscious. Reading and exploring on my own was no longer enough—I needed deeper guidance for the next stage of my journey. That’s when I discovered Analytical Psychology training. It felt like the perfect synthesis of practical work, theoretical learning, and self-exploration. Studying under experienced mentors, analysts, and psychologists felt like a natural step toward an even deeper understanding of the psyche.

The training is intense. One major pillar is individuation—the lifelong process of returning home to the true Self. The other is working with clients as they navigate their own journeys. The first part entails confronting one’s deepest shadows, traumas, and complexes—no ordinary task. It demands preparation, self-awareness, humility, patience, and above all, the endurance to keep going even when no path seems visible. It requires trusting oneself without succumbing to extremes or falling into one-sidedness.

Yet, I feel called to this path—this adventure of slaying the dragon and uncovering the treasure hidden in its lair.

A proverb recited by an Elder in the Andean mountains feels ever so relevant:

"Calm seas don’t make seasoned sailors." — R.H.