In this in-depth conversation, she shares her personal and spiritual journey as explored in her book, Wonder and Beauty: My Journey from Heartbreak to Healing through the Wonder of Horses. Her work invites us to rediscover the magic of healing, the beauty of resilience, and the power of self-discovery through the connection between people, nature, and animals.
In this episode, Carla explains how she found hope and restoration after profound loss. Through her experiences with equine therapy, spirituality, and self-expression, she learned that beauty is not merely a reflection of appearance — it is a reflection of the soul. Her message encourages others to embrace wonder, find meaning in everyday life, and allow healing to emerge from within.
The Origins of Carla’s Spiritual Life
Carla’s spiritual path began early in her life. Raised with a deep sense of faith and intuition, she learned to listen to the subtle whispers of her inner voice. This awareness became her compass during times of struggle, including her painful experience with parental alienation and the abduction of her son. Through grief, she turned inward to reconnect with her spirit and find peace. Over time, this inner journey became the foundation of her healing work.
Her spiritual evolution was not tied to any single belief system but emerged from universal truths — love, forgiveness, and connection. She discovered that spirituality is not about escape but about presence: learning to sit with what is, breathe through pain, and trust in the process of becoming whole again.
The Connection of Wonder and Healing
Throughout her life, Carla noticed that moments of wonder — whether watching a sunset, seeing a horse run freely, or witnessing a small act of kindness — brought her back to her center. She describes “wonder” as a sacred portal that opens the heart to healing. Science supports this concept; according to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, feelings of awe can reduce stress, increase well-being, and promote emotional connection.
In her book and interviews, Carla shares how embracing wonder helped her see the beauty in imperfection. She reminds us that the path to peace is rarely straight—it is a winding road filled with lessons disguised as challenges. Yet, through wonder, we rediscover gratitude and begin to see life as a gift again.
Transforming Through Art and Beauty
Before she became an author, Carla worked as a professional makeup and hair artist in Hollywood and beyond. Her artistry allowed her to connect deeply with clients, helping them see their beauty and confidence reflected back in the mirror. Over the years, she realized that makeup was more than a cosmetic—it was a transformative tool.
Carla’s career gave her firsthand experience with the healing power of self-expression. According to Harvard Health Publishing, self-care and grooming rituals can enhance self-esteem and lower stress. Through this work, she began blending beauty with mindfulness, creating rituals that encourage self-acceptance. Her approach became the foundation for a community and movement dedicated to nurturing both inner and outer beauty.
The Healing Power of Horses
Carla’s turning point came when she encountered horses during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. After years of legal and emotional battles, she discovered equine therapy — a form of emotional healing that involves connecting with horses. As she spent more time with these powerful animals, she began to experience profound calm and clarity.
Research from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and the National Institutes of Health confirms that equine-assisted therapy helps regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and promote trust. Horses, being sensitive and empathetic creatures, mirror human emotions. They teach presence, patience, and authenticity — qualities Carla now integrates into her coaching and healing work.
Courage and Transformation
Transformation often requires courage, and Carla’s journey is no exception. Her story is one of resilience — the ability to rise after being broken. She emphasizes that healing doesn’t mean forgetting the pain; it means learning from it. Her strength lies in her willingness to be vulnerable and share her truth with others.
Her journey echoes findings from the American Psychological Association, which notes that resilience grows through connection, purpose, and self-awareness. By sharing her experiences, Carla inspires others to face their fears and trust that light can emerge from even the darkest times.
Life Lessons from Horses
Through her bond with horses, Carla learned lessons that go far beyond the barn. Horses taught her the importance of presence—the ability to be fully in the moment without judgment. They showed her that healing happens when we slow down and listen. In her own words, “Horses don’t need you to fix them; they just want you to be real.”
Equine therapy practitioners agree. The Equus Foundation highlights that horses help humans reconnect to their intuition and build emotional awareness. For Carla, they became sacred companions on her journey back to herself, teaching empathy, humility, and unconditional love.
Writing as a Path to Healing
Carla’s foray into writing began as a personal form of therapy. Journaling her thoughts helped her process emotions that were too heavy to speak aloud. Eventually, those reflections evolved into chapters of her book, Wonder and Beauty. She describes writing as a mirror of her soul—an act of surrender and courage.
According to the Positive Psychology Center, expressive writing can improve emotional well-being, reduce symptoms of depression, and increase self-awareness. Carla’s journey as an author not only healed her but continues to inspire others who are seeking hope after loss. Her book is now read by people across the world who resonate with her message of love, faith, and renewal.
Vision, Values, and Self-Discovery
In her workshops and coaching sessions, Carla often speaks about the power of vision boards. She believes that setting clear intentions helps align our actions with our goals. Creating a visual representation of one’s dreams can strengthen focus and motivation. Studies from TIME Magazine have explored how visualization activates the brain’s reward system, increasing our ability to manifest meaningful change.
Equally important to Carla’s philosophy are her core values: compassion, authenticity, and creativity. These principles guide everything she does — from her artistry to her healing practice. She teaches that when we live according to our values, life naturally unfolds with harmony and purpose.
Embracing Change and Renewal
Over the years, Carla’s life has evolved in unexpected and beautiful ways. What began as a painful story of separation has transformed into a journey of reunion, growth, and service. She has reunited with her son, found new love, and continues to inspire people through her workshops, retreats, and podcast appearances.
Her message is timeless: change is not the end — it is the beginning of something new. As Psychology Today notes, embracing change is essential for emotional growth and adaptability. Carla’s story reminds us that even the hardest moments can lead us toward our true purpose.
A Legacy of Wonder and Beauty
Carla’s work continues to expand through her website, and her retreats that combine equine therapy, mindfulness, and beauty practices. Her legacy is not only in her words but in the lives she touches — those who find hope through her example.
By integrating art, spirituality, and compassion, Carla Miller lives her message: that beauty heals, wonder transforms, and love restores. She continues to teach that we are all capable of creating lives filled with purpose and grace.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jEbNAYi7vw
