This painting, entitled Between the Now and Not Yet, is about journey, movement and being in relationship with others. It is about trying to see through the fog, imagining what lies in the distance and wondering what to do next. Staying on the rock can save the women or immobilize them. Letting go of control and being in the present, or the now moment, is so often what softens us and is what we are called to live out of. In that space of time is the opening to become more deeply aware and awake. Where is the Spirit leading? It is insidious, this invitation to abandon thought and discover Divine Mystery.
Advent likewise invites us to stop, take time to listen, reflect and see through the confusion we often experience in the social, political, economic and religious stressors of our times. I believe the women in this painting are in solidarity. Women continue to be an inspiration to us today as we uncover in our own midst that which stifles freedom and new life. Could it be we roll into Advent differently now, than in the past, because we have evolved in our awareness and relationships, and long to refine our focus/intention for living meaningfully? Indeed. Or, maybe we notice time goes more quickly and life is going faster? I think so.
It is easy to feed into and on the fears generated by the news media. This is the time to stand on the rocks and not to be swept away by the tide and turmoil of our time but rather lean into the wind in solidarity with like-minded travelers from all over the world, open to outcomes leading to greater love and peace in our world, rather than attachments to the world around us.
I want to, and do believe, that just as the ebb and flow of the paint danced unconsciously together to create this painting, we have infinite, hidden, untapped potential to draw from, to spark spirit, life and hope. Also, the Divine life within us and around us is like the water at our feet and the rock that holds us.
Transformative Action:
I look out into the midst and name what gives me hope .......................................................................
The unique spark I offer the world today is .......................................................................................
WHILE WE WAIT – ADVENT REFLECTIONS 2016
Spiritual Ministries Network of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates
of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada – London Site
ART and TEXT: Sr. Patricia St. Louis, csj