I was not raised in a religious family and I rejected any concept of divine beings. As I grew and encountered the world religions via school or media, I began to study their origins. This opened my horizons enough to recognize the core values behind the rituals and religion, and seemed to speak to me, and pull me closer.
I always loved drawing and was involved in early art studies. I learned that there is a special way that artists see the world and how to cultivate this way of seeing. In high school and college, my technical art skills were honed. My great joy, then and now, is to have shared this growth with my wife Lelia who sees things very creatively. She also helped awaken my faith.
I always had a sense of the presence of unseen realms. Part of this came from being an identical twin and the connection with my brother, including our thoughts, physical feelings, and even a language. I also believe I had an out of body experience as a child. These and other factors expanded my views.
As an adult, through Grace, I did come to embrace the ministry of Jesus.When I am meditating or praying, I focus on my breathing and often see patterns (in my mind) and hear tones as I let go of thoughts and worries. I try (without trying) to enter a zone and enlarge my spirit-light body. It’s the same with art, or music. The artist enters a zone where time and cares fade away. When I am involved in a creative endeavor, I let go, trusting my eye and hands, and surrender to what happens. This process is based on years of training and knowledge which is still operating on some level, but when I let inspiration flow through me, whether joyful or sorrowful, that is very fulfilling.
This ties in with my spirituality. I open myself to let God in. I remember the lessons of Jesus who modeled the power of love and said that we all have access to the same healing and creative powers. I try to let spirit flow through me and then act upon that.
I believe that science and spirituality can be expressions of the same source of energies. There is a loving power woven throughout the universe, within nature and in all people. I find it so important to focus on positive energies and keep in touch with the natural world and with people who are likewise loving and supportive, though it is challenging these days. Just North church is an important part of my artistic and spiritual nourishment.
peace
Thomas Ventling