In this episode of Everyday Spirituality we talk with April Castoldi. April’s journey towards a daily mandala practice started with an “Artist’s Date” inspired by the book, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. For April, a mandala practice is part meditative, part transformative, but whatever it is, don’t call it ART.

I loved hearing how creativity, spirituality, and justice are so effortlessly entwined in April’s practice. Whether it’s friends on Facebook, spouses of soldiers, or developmentally or emotionally challenged teens, art can bring people together, stand as witness, and be a voice when we struggle to find one.

If you are interested in learning more about April’s mandalas, we published a video where April teaches her mandala practice. You can find it on our website, connect.faith.

To learn more about April, visit her website, aprilcastoldi.com

——

“People cut themselves out of an expression that people can do. If you can make a mark on a piece of paper, you can do it! And it’s fun, too, joy is an important spiritual practice, too. Remember what you felt like when you were a kid and you scribbled with crayons—it can alive and well, please do it—I’ll give you the crayons!”

“I wanted to find something that was more thoughtful than just saying, “Thank you for your service,” and carrying on. So, I tried to do drawings that reflected the particular stories I had heard veterans share. I wanted to contribute to the conversation and communicate that I’m a witness.” 

——

Everyday Spirituality is a podcast from connect.faith; which is a new worshiping community of the Presbyterian Church (USA) unbound by location coming together at the intersection of creativity, spirituality and justice. Learn more about connect.faith at our website – https://connect.faith 

Donate to support our mission.