

-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts


-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
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
4 Responses
Intriguing idea SS, I won’t try and analyze your responses though (let’s leave that to your wonderful sister!) :-) I think centering yourself on one art form is extremely wise, something I still need to learn!
Very cool indeed! I found myself using the photos like Rohrschach (sp) tests…….I immediately saw female images in two, three hearts in three, and one I’m still studying. The shutter speed practice is an amazing one to me……one I would like to study and use but on the other hand, as I replied to yesterday’s post……I’m trying to center myself on the art that I feel is best for my growth and joy now. So, I’m going to leave that shutter thing up to you and just sit back and enjoy your beautiful results!
xoxo
Thanks Suz, on a very sunny day I can increase my shutter speed quite high which captures the water in a still motion effect. Pretty cool.
You’re welcome!
This is pure magic, my dear. Those pictures…how, where…did you take these? They are the perfect adjunct.
Mary is rockin’ as usual. I have not seen this poem. As usual, I love it. Savored it three times over!
Thanks, once again, for starting my say in such a sacred fashion.