My latest painting is about Wisdom, yes Wisdom with a capital W. Lately in the world I feel we are sorrily lacking it. I was recently inspired by Oprah's Super Soul podcast interview of Joan Chittister. Quoting Wikipedia "Joan Chittister is a Benedictine nun and an author and international speaker on subjects of spirituality, peace, religious life, and justice for all people, especially women and the poor." I was struck by so many things she said that I listened to it twice, back to back. I particularly resonated with something she said regarding wisdom.
Paraphrasing Chittister: Because our society does not produce anything we have kept our young people out of the workforce by extending their education. We use retirement to get the older people out. Just when people are at their smartest, we quit asking them questions and essentially throw them away. We train our young to get ahead our middle aged to be consumers and our elderly to be silent. And, we wonder why our culture is obsessed with looks, tech gadgets and capitalistic growth.
What we are missing and desperately need is the Wisdom! We've abandoned prosperity for capitalism and growth. It is not good for our souls or the planet. We are lost. We need the Wisdom teachers to show us how to find our way back!
So I am putting out the call to you - our teachers, those that have been around the block. We don't need Facebook rants or more editorializing news reports - we need deep thinkers. Our media (social and otherwise) moves so fast that many thoughts and ideas don't scratch the surface. That is why Wisdom is more important now than ever.
I am calling on those who have, through life experience, gained the wisdom to give us real guidance and solutions, not just opinions. Be silent no more. I, for one, am ready to listen. Wisdom Warriors and contemplatives, your thoughts will bring about our highest change. Perhaps one day we'll all find out -maybe just maybe- you are the pyshic glue holding this whole thing together.
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Do you think society has marginalized the older generations in the name of growth and consumerism? Or do you think our salvation lies in the hope and energy of the young? Maybe it's a mix? Continue the conversation by leaving a comment and letting me know what you think.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post! If you have more time I recommend listening to the referenced Podcast, Joan Chittister is thought provoking, hopeful and Wise.
Today, I am wishing for you the luxury of time needed and the space and peace to be thoughtful!
Until next time, Beth :-)
• LInk to Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Podcast interviewing Joan Chittister, O.S.B
You can also search Oprah's Super Soul Sunday If you have iTunes on your phone or iPad.
• Link to Joan Chittister's webpage
A note about the symbolism of this painting:
The main image in this painting is the Barn owl. From the Egyptians to the Native Americans the owl has long been a powerful symbol in many cultures.The ancient greeks used the owl as an attribute of Athena the goddess of learning. They also used owls to guard the parthenon. Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), J. K. Rowling (Harry Potter) and many more authors continue to reference and associate owls with magic, mystery and wisdom.
The full moon represents the constant and dependable cycles of aging, going from new to full to darkness each month. The constellation in the upper right part of the canvas is Virgo. In astrologic mythology it was believed that this constellation was actually the last God to live with humans. This constellation and symbol of Virgo was associated with a renewal of culture in Renaissance times.
This painting speaks to the interconnectedness of wisdom, cycles of aging and heavenly enlightenment.