Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.
-Bob Kerry.
Zoom for Dummies
Confronted with the necessity of learning to use zoom, and wading through a variety of apps, I managed to install a zero-cost Zoom app on my computer. I had already mastered the skill of opening a Zoom meeting by clicking on the link sent to me via e-mail. I bravely joined a small group of learners in an on-line webinar taught by Sister Kathleen, a patient member of my CSJ community. With some extra private coaching, I succeeded in learning computer etiquette, to check the volume of microphone and speaker, join a meeting, move between gallery view and speaker view, adjust my camera, mute, unmute, leave the meeting, etc. Now I was ready to learn how to initiate meetings - on to the advanced class!
In the first session, I was expelled because I somehow managed to render my Zoom app “encrypted” and the resulting cacophony made the meeting inaccessible to all. My teacher refused to give up; more private tutoring followed. In the second class, I was again invited to exit the session early after a guided exercise in leaving and then rejoining the group resulted in my computer having two almost simultaneous versions of the meeting occurring, not quite synchronously, for all participants. Nevertheless, our instructor has not despaired. More private tutoring and assurances that I could master this next step have given me a modicum of confidence. This evening, I have a semi-private lesson scheduled in which my intrepid teacher will coach another student and me in learning how to invite each other to schedule a Zoom meeting. Fortunately, our teacher can rove between her students’ adjacent locations to coach each of us. I wish her success and hope for a happy outcome.
“Computers are a means of teaching us humility”
In my deplorable state I am encouraged by knowledge if children can learn to use computers then so can I! And I am comforted by a remark from Connie, one of our most accomplished staff members (who has shown remarkable restraint and patience in dealing with my computer woes). Computers, she says, are a means of teaching us humility. Developing a new skill will yield added benefits.
- Sister Patricia McKeon, csj
Art as Prayer
Art does not reproduce the visible rather it makes it visible.
Paul Klee (1879-1940)
The video Van Gogh Exhibition Paris is a must-see. There will not be one iota of doubt for anyone who has eyes to see and ears to hear, that art and prayer hold an intimate relationship. Viewing the video, I was seized by the sheer beauty of massive pieces of fabric printed with Van Gogh’s paintings. They were flowing from ceiling to floor, while well-arranged lights created a moving ambiance. At the same time, filling my ears and heart were the words from the song Vincent, by Don McLean. A powerful and deepening visual and visceral experience reaching to the depths of my soul. What a gift to soak in this art, born through the passion, pain, and spirituality of Vincent Van Gogh.
Paintings by some of the world’s leading artists created centuries ago remain significant treasures today. People travel all over the world to see them, to be in the energy of the original painting, sculptures. Galleries position benches in front of paintings, as indicators/invitations to stop, rest, reflect, soak, breathe, and sink into the mystery of being with the painting and to let it speaks. While not labeled as such, this becomes an experience of contemplation, that leads to stillness and holding the space. There, “behold” the energy conveyed through divine presence, listening to creator God, being Spirit-filled. In creating one’s own art the process invites letting go, emptying, being with the shapes and sharp edges, noticing. What does not feel comfortable? What softens and awakens, brings to newness?
“Both art and prayer are vehicles for transformation of consciousness.”
Both art and prayer, are vehicles for transformation of consciousness. Van Gogh was continually in touch with “the vibrating light of God in the world around him” and had an ability “to see God even in the darkness of life, in nature, and to envision and paint the cosmos” (Baerg). Vincent painted from his soul and has enabled us to be more in touch with ours. Painting for him was to feed his soul and ride on the energy of the stars.
-Sister Patricia St. Louis, csj
““There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” -Martha Graham”
References:
Erickson, Kathleen Powers. At Eternity’s Gate: The Spiritual Vision of Vincent. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.
Rachel Baerg. Vincent van Gogh: An Eye for God. http://directionjournal.org/27/2/vincent-van-gogh-eye-for-God.
CSJ Blue Community Update - Summer 2020
This summer, our CSJ Blue Community project has been active in supporting the People's Water Campaign - an effort to connect and strengthen various water justice causes in Ontario.
There have been several online conversations already on some of the key issues: plastics, privatization, and the pending sale of Nestlé operations in Canada to Ice River Springs. These events help us all understand the related impacts of water politics and guide our plans for a more just and beautiful future.
New Posts Available
Our Project Coordinator Paul Baines has prepared 3 new blog posts on the Blue Community website for you to read and share. Each post includes a video recording of the webinar and follow up actions.
Part 1: Plastics and Pollution
Part 2: All Eyes on Nestlé
Part 3: Water Privatization
There will be more events coming for the People's Water Campaign this September, including one by Paul Baines about the purpose and power of various water justice declarations and commitments.
Some Good (Blue Community) News!
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE HUMAN RIGHT TO WATER -- by Vi Bui
July 28, 2020 marks a significant milestone in the fight to protect water. Ten years ago, the United Nations General Assembly recognized water and sanitation as fundamental human rights. Canada joined this international consensus in 2012, however, successive federal governments have failed to provide a framework or legislation to implement or enforce these rights. COVID-19 has made it even clearer that universal access to safe, clean water and adequate sanitation must be a reality to all. Click here to read the full story.
We’re on Facebook!
Did you know that our Blue Community project now has a Facebook page? On it, you will find related news items and recent project updates. You can join and invite others to join here:
https://www.facebook.com/bluecommunitycsj/
Upcoming Events & Gatherings
In-person events will likely not happen this fall so the CSJ Blue Community Steering Committee is helping Paul plan at least one online gathering. Here, you will be able to ask questions, connect to the growing water justice movement, and dedicate the upcoming Season of Creation to the life of water.
Stay tuned…
You can always connect with Paul Baines directly:
