My Journey as an Artist

In these changing times one major focus we have is awakening to greater evolutionary consciousness. We strive to be more open and reflect on how all of life is in oneness, interconnected and interrelated. Art is a wonderful medium for going deeper and engaging in these reflections.

I recall a time, when I was still in grade school and viewing for the first time the art of Mondrian, Klee and Kandinsky. It was a revelation to discover a world where art could be so unusual, profound with radiant new energy and life. Born there and then, without really naming it at the time, was my desire to engage in painting as a spiritual experience, as meditation and an awakening to divine presence.

In approaching the canvas, my goal is to listen within to any movement taking place, and lose myself in the interplay of textures, shapes and colors. It is about entering into mystery and silence, allowing self to discover through the process of painting.

Painting provides space to play with new images, unfamiliar ones, and “invites me to wonder” and to see anew.  

The theme that I continue to explore is based on the story of creation and writings of Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry. Extensive scientific discovery and new science opens new meaning to evolution. I welcome any shift, any expanding of consciousness, and viewing of the world with all its relationships that may result. My intention is to contribute art that builds and heals, art that speaks from the soul.

Connecting through art to the vast original space before the “Big Bang” and the evolving of all life over 13.7 billion of years is an awesome adventure and mystery permeated with the divine energy.

Using traditional art materials I sometimes combine collage with acrylic and work on canvas or very heavy watercolor paper. Sometime I just paint while other times I start with an idea which takes on a life of its own.

While I have taken a number of courses in art, I am largely self-taught and paint intuitively. My interest in science and the discoveries of the universe, stems from my background in nursing plus studies in spirituality and art as a spiritual practice.

In my next blog I will share with you the experience of my very first art exhibit along with some of my paintings.

Patricia St. Louis, CSJ

Ten Commandments of Computing

~~If there is something giving you trouble or not responding right on the computer shut it down and restart. Nine times out of ten this will solve the issue.

~~Do not believe everything you read on the Internet or in emails. There is a lot of useful information out there but also a lot of unreliable and potentially damaging information as well.

~~Do not click on links that are sent to you in emails even if they are from people you know. It’s more likely that their computer has been compromised. If you are unsure ‘copy and paste’ the link into the browser address bar and hit ‘enter’ to determine if the site is valid. Clicking on links directly in emails is the most popular way malware (malicious software) is distributed throughout the world networks.

~~Do not accept phone calls from callers saying that they are from Microsoft or Windows and that you have problems on your computer. They have got your phone number randomly from the phone directory and are scammers and will want your credit card number at some point to steal from you.

~~If an Internet bargain sounds too good to be true……..then it probably is!

~~Keep your anti-virus and operating system up to date. Most updates are done automatically now. This will prevent a majority of problems from happening.

~~Our computers are all part of the World Wide Web through Internet Service Providers and routers. Once you are online you are a potential candidate for all the ‘bad guys’ out there.

~~Email on the Internet travels really quickly. Once you click the ‘Send’ button there is no recall. Think before you click ‘Send’.

~~Financial institutions like Banks and Credit Card companies will never ask for your password or PIN numbers. Never give it out to anyone even if they purport to be a police officer or law enforcement agency.

~~And finally ………..a computer that is turned off can cause no harm to anyone. If you think there may be a problem shut it down and consult a professional.

Guest Blogger:  John Clarke

A review of Atul Gawande's book "Being Mortal"

How do we live a meaningful life when facing debilitating disease or a terminal condition? Gawande takes a very realistic look at our changed social circumstances in terms of life expectancy, movement of peoples and medical technologies/treatments. Through his own reflections, dialogues with colleagues, and study he examines his approach to patients facing difficult health situations. Is he truly dong the best he can? 

When in medical school he was lectured on the differences between a patristic, knowledgeable practitioner and an information giver. Although he leaned towards the latter approach he was finding this did not seem to help his patients. Was there another approach? Perhaps guidance?

As he lives through and shares with us many patient stories, he realizes that he needs to listen and that what patients truly want is often unexpected and attainable. While families want health and safety, patients facing the reality of dying have different desires. So he becomes a guide who can offer information, discuss possible effects of treatments, and listen attentively….he learns to have the difficult conversations. The final ‘case’ he shares is the dying of his own father; his insights and new practices have a profound effect on how this passage takes place.

Hopefully he shares stories of different ways of assisting patients facing their own mortality. There are options if we are willing to creatively explore them.

Relevant to us as Canadians as we discuss the impending legislation about end-of-life, he cautions that countries who have embraced assisted end of life have not explored other options to help people with the limits that end-of-life situations find moments worth living for.

The book is readable, relevant and thought provoking with a most hopeful outlook.

Jackie Potter
CSJ Associate

Misgivings about ISLAM? Read On!

Like the English spelling of Mohamed, Mohammed, Mohamad, Mohammad, Muhamed, Muhammad, all of which I have encountered in my work among refugees, Islam contains a spectrum of interpretations. Like the different Christian denominations living out the Gospels so the Qur’an, is put into practice in a variety of ways. There is the spectrum from extreme conservatism all the way to a more modern and freer interpretation of the faith with the inspired text interpreted according to our times rather than the literal one per se. Furthermore, many different cultural flavours influence Islam throughout the world. Besides, Islam is affected by its Islamic theocracies and every facet of Government alignment with or attempted separation from Islam. 

These varied religious interpretations and cultural influences have some bearing on Muslim women’s attire ranging from the burka, the complete black covering from head to toe, to the niqab, still fully covered but with the eyes showing, to the hijab, the head scarf worn all the time by some women if outside their home, or by others only when praying, to still others attired in ordinary street clothes. Muslims hold Jesus as a great prophet and accept Mary as his mother and thus to be honoured.

In many eras in history, religious or faith paths have suffered from extreme fanatics who have committed heinous atrocities. Like other religions, Islam presently has its fanatical extremists, the “jihadists”, who under the guise of Islam, pursue their own tyrannical drive for a country through fierce combat and chilling executions. ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaida, Al-Shabaad and the Taliban belong to such groups. No true Muslim regards them as believers or followers of Islam! Moderate Muslims are by far the greater majority of believers in Islam, especially in the Western World.

What might one do to understand Islam better and to put prejudice to rest? Start by getting to know at least one Muslim. Nod and speak to the next Muslim you meet in an apartment hallway or on the street in your neighbourhood or workplace. In our time it is not unusual to have a Muslim as doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, etc. Meeting just one Muslim can extend to meeting a whole family. Try visiting a mosque, they often have events open to the public.

My life has been enriched through the Muslims I have come to know. Yours will be too!

Maria van Leeuwen, CSJ

Surprise!!!

Easter Sunday’s surprise snowfall reminded me that life is full of surprises.  March 31^st was my birthday when many years ago, another snowfall greeted me and welcomed me into life. But this Sunday morning, we were celebrating the new life in God brought forth through the Resurrection. I woke that morning to behold God’s marvelous gift to me.  Trees painted in the glistening whitewash of snow with sunbeams bouncing off each branch – talk about a sight to behold! But another reality struck me – others would have to clean off their cars. That was true for friends who were taking me out to lunch to celebrate. Life has many perspectives – one person’s delight could be another person’s trail. If we are the one gifted, do we also have compassion for those who experience misfortune? But equally true to remember is that no matter how we see the world around us and experience what touches our lives, God is always with us. This is such an important part of the Easter message.

So the God of Surprises, walks with us, opening us and urging us to be receptive and sensitive to each other. Learning to live this way then we also grow in our ability to surprise others, and maybe God, too.

Barbara Vaughan. CSJ