Author: susan

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Upcoming Retreat: “Finding Treasure inAncient Practices: Walking the Labyrinth and Making Mandalas”

On December 2, 2023, I will lead a retreat at the Queen of Angeles Monastery on “Finding Treasure in Ancient Practices: Walking the Labyrinth and Making Mandalas”. Here is a summary description. Please contact me for more information about how to enroll and attend. All are welcome!

What treasure do we seek in our lives, and where can it be found?

As people of faith, we seek God, the ultimate treasure.  And our faith tells us that God can always be found, anywhere and everywhere, including within ourselves. “Seek and you shall find,” the Gospel assures us.

The search can be daunting!  We often shy away from the kind of deep introspection that can lead to true self-knowledge and reveal God’s intimate presence.  But remember that the Gospel also assures us: “Do not be afraid.” 

In this retreat, you will learn about two time-honored practices known for their ability to bring us closer to God.  You will discover how to fold these meditative practices into your lives, gently and easily.  You will enjoy time spent walking the Monastery’s labyrinth (accessible alternatives available), making your own mandalas (all materials supplied) and sharing new experiences with others also seeking to find the treasure that is God. 

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“The Virtue of Holy Surprise — What It Means for Your Practice of Joy”

On June 24, 2023, I led a retreat a the Queen of Angels Monastery entitled, “The Virtue of Holy Surprise — What It Means for Your Practice of Joy”. Here is a summary description. Please contact me if you’d like to receive a copy of the script I presented that day.

Whether or not you “like” surprises, have you ever stopped to consider their place in your spiritual life?  Since all things come from God, surprises are potential sources of holiness. Surprises can lead to a keener awareness of God’s presence, deeper self-knowledge and a greater appreciation for the world.  And if you are committed to living joyfully, cultivating “holy surprise” as a virtue can be a source of invaluable support for your practice.   

This retreat will explore the twinned natures of surprise and joy, and the power they hold to reveal God’s truth, beauty and goodness.  Through discussion, reflection, art and writing experiences, prayer, music, other activities and quiet time, participants will learn how surprise and joy can transform … everything.  2 Corinthians 5:17-18: “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.  And all this is from God …”.

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“Enter the New Year with Joy”

On January 7, 2023, I led a retreat at the Queen of Angels Monastery entitled “Enter the New Year with Joy”. Here is the description. Please let me know if you’d like to receive a copy of the script I presented that day.

So many challenges exist in our individual and personal circumstances, and within our families, our communities, our state, our country, our world.

How can women and men of faith enter 2023 with joy and thus know God’s presence?

How can we empower ourselves to live with joy?  

How can we “rejoice always”, as St. Paul urges?

Is it even right and correct to live joyfully, given the “signs of the times” that we face?

This retreat is designed to help answer these questions, and more.  Through discussion, reflection, art and writing experiences, prayer, music, other activities and quiet time, participants will learn how to increase their ability to live in God-given joy — and gain confidence in the power of individual personal joy to transform … everything.  As St. Mother Teresa said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” 

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“Having thought it over …”

After a long period of discernment, I have decided to stop posting examples of my artwork. Not to fear! I haven’t stopped making art. That would be impossible, as making art is as vital to me as breathing. But displaying my artwork, even in the friendly environment of my own website, has become a distraction. Instead, I want to focus on the journey, not the destination; the process, not the outcome. I want to return to, and revel in, the sheer child-like pleasure of … just doing it*. I may change my mind every now and then, and post new images, or I may eventually return to a robust schedule of posting. Whichever, know that it’s all good, that all is well. And thank you for caring. (*Apologies to Nike.)