My first art exhibit! My reflections on the experience abound. How did this whole idea ever get started? The exhibit happened because a woman with passion for art told me to "do it", "get it out there", and she added, "do you realize what you have here?" A few days later an old nursing classmate pointed me to the next step and told me to phone Carly at "the Gallery". Taking her advice, I called Carly and moved forward on the path of another awakening in response to the invitation and insights of others.
Very soon after delivering the art to the gallery I had the strong feeling of having left my child at University. Separation anxiety surfaced. The following day the whole experience felt like a baptism. Two days later, just prior to the opening reception, I was feeling like this was a marriage. It was in fact all of those things. Now it is over and the shock, amazement and disbelief that I actually took that major step and with a spirit of indifference and calmness is overwhelming to grasp.
So what did I learn through this experience? In the final analysis I am convinced the exhibit was not so much about displaying my art in public, but rather of providing a venue for soaking in blessings represented by each of the many fine people who attended. Some I knew, somewere related, others have been good friends along the way, others became my guides and coaches in doing the exhibit and then there were those I met for the first time. As the evening progressed, I witnessed each person become the paint, radiating the colors of their own lives and creating new combinations of color as they mingled in and out of the forty or more other guests. Evolving, was a unique, one of a kind, living, breathing composition that was more sacred, profound and alive than anything that with my own hands and intention could ever have created. It felt like a “Big Bang” moment. 
Earth Mama
The dynamic painting that unfolded in my imagination, had as its source, a steady stream of generosity, outpouring and goodness. From an unconscious hidden Divine source of creative energy, I was taken to a deeper consciousness all because I had opened self to invite friends to experience my art. "Whether we know it or not,” writes Anne Hillman, author of Awakening the Energies of Love “we are already pregnant with fire". An explosion of dancing fire, color, radiating energy is waiting to burst forth within each of us and to move transforming energy far beyond our souls and walls, into our streets, homes and universe. We need but to imagine it. Claim it. Treasure it. Celebrate it.
Patricia St Louis csj
Between Now and Not Yet #2
Evolving Consciousness