Angels, beautiful pauses in the whirlwind,
Be with us through the seasons of unease;
Within the clamorous traffic of the mind,
Through all these clouded and tumultuous days,
Remind us of your great unclouded ways.

–May Sarton, from The Beautiful Pauses

We are all feeling the weight of this moment and like you, am heartbroken. Giving expression to my grief through this painting, “Angels in America,” has been a balm for my soul over these months. The Via Creativa born of our awe and love for the world and our despair, is a powerful antidote—and practice—during these dark times. For those who have attended my workshops in the past around the Four Paths of Creation Spirituality, you may recall these mystical teachings (founded by Fr. Matthew Fox) and encourage you to explore a creative outlet as a healing tool. Whatever that may look like for you. We are all creative in some way. I also believe we are witnessing what my late teacher Joanna Macy termed The Great Turning (an inspiring video) and we will need all our creativity to navigate this time of transformation.

In our sorrow, which is a natural response to any loss or trauma, beauty and peace are available to us in the moment. Recently, I had the joy of being in the presence of the Venerable Monks who are on a Walk for Peace through the South to DC. It was a very tender moment when the leader Bhikkhu Pannakara handed me the rose he was holding. The way people are turning out to be witness to their journey, gives me great hope. A shared vision of loving-kindness, compassion, and peace in our world.

About Angels in America: The Capital building dominates the skyline below a blood red moon. Atop is a the Statue of Freedom with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” engraved on its based. Latin for “Out of Many, One.” In the gold background I included a combination of language from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. “We the People, hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, etc.” The rose is the national flower of our country. I chose red to symbolize love. Love of country. Democracy. Love for the Other, the neighbor. Love for all beings and the more-than-human world. Red roses also symbolize loyalty. Fidelity to the Constitution. Faithfulness to insuring a peaceful and just world for all.* May it be so.

“Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
attributed to MLK, Jr and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

May this be your peaceful day to quote the Monks.