Mae Runions

My Spirit Journeys On & Tree of Life

My Spirit Journeys On (top)

Volunteer Lounge, UBC Hospital, 1992

I volunteered for a few years as a pastoral visitor to the wards including the psychiatric wards, and then as an assigned visitor to a couple of elders in the Purdy Pavilion. This work was sometimes comforting, sometimes unsettling to my heart.

Heaven is my dwelling, before, beyond earth’s hospice home.

My body gives me refuge

While my spirit journeys on

Gaining strength through love ----

you my friend, and God.

Tree of Life (bottom)

Vancouver General Hospital Multifaith Sacred Space, 2020

The Lead Chaplain of the Department of Spiritual Care, Rev Dr. Dale Johnson engaged me to work for this newly formed and decorated space. We chose the theme of the Tree of Life because it is a universal symbol.

The Tree of Life has long symbolized the center of the the world, the Cosmic Center; this ancient and universal idea is found in numerous cultures and religions. In its centrality, The Tree of Life embodies unity and diversity; it unifies heaven, earth and the underworld with its branches, trunk, and roots. It also carries symbols of growth, generation and regeneration.

Used in a reflective setting, The Tree of Life nurtures through many experiences of it. The leaves are especially inspiring as they open to absorb light for sustenance, then reflect it back, shining as moments of awareness, acceptance and hope. Because of the many religious derivatives from this important and universal symbol, we can each derive hope and vitality from meditation on The Tree of Life.