



-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
(photos taken over the Christmas holiday while at Whistler, British Columbia)




-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
(photos taken over the Christmas holiday while at Whistler, British Columbia)
Christine Valters Paintner had a conversation on Creativity, Chronic Illness, and Contemplation with Mike Petrow on his podcast The Healer with a Thousand Faces (also available through audio podcast channels). Joins us in Lent 2027 for the retreat The Wisdom of Our Wounds: Chronic Illness
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jaqui Eicher’s reflection and poem. After reading Christine Valters Paintner’s poem, “St. Gall and the Bear,” I responded in writing to the prompt:

For Deeper Gratitude*Spirit of Generosity,we come to you with heartsoverflowing with gratitudefor your abundant creation.As we awaken each morning,help us to rememberthis day is a gift,this breath is a grace,this life a wonder.Remind uswith every flower we see,every act of kindness,every moment of connectionto something
10 Responses
Dear Christine, ( Ido not mean for this to be for all, but I have no idea how a blog works so if it does—so be it.)
Please note that I have a new email address and I am now going to give you my new mailing address. My husband and I are getting settled in our new home—Panorama city—–a retirement community in Lacey. We have been here less than a month and are finding much to be excited about.
Please keep me in your loop as I continue to yearn to write more poetry and so always think of you as being so encouraging that I plug on—–
The photos are lovely—-in faith, judy
The winter scenes seems so peaceful. It’s inviting to carve out a space for creativity. Thanks for the gentle reminder to be creative within the stillness season. New life does emerge gently in unexpected places. Thanks for sharing. Sister Bea
thanks Simone and paula!
Lovely. Peaceful. Refreshing to see this day. Thank you.
Stunning photographs. Happy New Year
Thank you dear ones. The image on the bottom was indeed taken with a zoom lens, but it was funny, when I first saw this beautiful creature approach us I was nervous because we had Tune with us and I did not want a dog fight. But this dog/wolf eventually lay down in the snow and just observed us, I am pretty sure it is a domesticated animal because as I watched longer and closer I realized it had a very gentle temperament.
Dawn,
That is so true! I laughed out loud when I read your comment, as I live in frigid Minnesota. Lucy, I am glad I am not the only one that wondered…what is it, and how did you get so close, Christine…or is this the magic of lens?
They are truly beautiful…what an eye.
Lovely photos!
i agree with dawn :-)
i’d love to know more about the dog/wolf.
The cold never looked so good.