My name is Jane Dawson. I work with David Sherwin as the Arts Programmer for Faith and Arts Ottawa.
What should I tell you about me? I agree with the idea from Carl Jung that “you can’t understand the world if you can’t understand paradox.” In light of this, I have been trying change my mental habit from “but” to “and”. So…
I love poetry…and I don’t read or write it as much as I would like.
I am not a painter or an actor or a musician or a dancer…and I am gladdened and inspired by people who have these gifts.
I love yoga…and I am not very disciplined about practicing on my own.
I love meditation…and ditto about practicing on my own.
I love biking, running, reading mystery novels, eating sushi, traveling, canoeing, quiet time, and taking naps…and the minor matter of making a living makes my access to these pleasures less regular than I would like.
I was born in Vancouver, lived in Nova Scotia for many years, and now live in Ottawa where I am still coming to terms with winter.
I used to be a full-time professor of adult education but left academia to follow a call to become a spiritual director and help people – regardless of belief – explore the nature of spiritual experience in their lives.
Which brings me to Faith and Arts Ottawa. I believe the arts are the language of the soul. When people have a chance to express the creative possibilities within themselves they are closest to the pulse of creativity that infuses the universe. I am excited to be in a role where I can help make such opportunities happen!