Looking into the Light is an outgrowth of my professional and personal experiences during the past 40 years. My work as a pastoral minister, jail chaplain, psychotherapist, addictions treatment program director, high school and college instructor, and visual artist, radically altered my thinking about spirituality–how to define it; how demographic, social, and cultural variables influence it; and the meaning and consequences of religious cruise control. Where there is understanding, growth is possible.
Being spiritual is living mindfully—being conscious of one’s consciousness.
To be spiritual is to be grounded in perceptions gleaned from one’s own experience, not in standardized opinions on the essence of reality. A spiritual state of mind requires no prerequisite beliefs, structured claims, or historically systemic contexts for entrance. A framework of specific claims about the universe and the purpose of human life steers one’s thoughts, and can be a constraint to a free and self-responsible inner self quest. These personal explorations and understandings are how we get to know ourselves, and realize our universality with others.
To foster a mature spirituality is to understand the human condition without desires or fears—nothing can disturb your peace of mind. It is the capacity to be silent and at ease with the unknown; to be aware of what you are, and what you are not; what is real and now, and what is ideal and longing. Contemplating mystery is a source of strength. Spiritual growth requires living with the questions that arise from the inscrutability of life.
What matters is simply the intention in your heart, the awareness of your mind, and the quiet of your soul. The sensing heart lives in wonder. The conscious mind lives in questions. The receptive soul lives in silence.
I invite you to be open to thinking about your beliefs and to not be fearful of questioning, exploring, observing. The result: intellectual integrity and the discovery of dazzling reality. If the entire planet practiced this approach, the whole world would be on the same side.
“We are constantly invited to be who we are.”
— Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
Always interesting to reflect with you on such great aspects of religion/spirituality and their differences. Will look forward to finishing the book — well, reading it, if not necessarily thinking about it. Thanks for the reflections.
An entertaining wake-up call. Spiritual searching requires looking at deeper questions. You challenge AND give hope. Keep writing.
As a soul-at-large, I find all this thought provoking. I am eager to read the whole book.
I enjoyed reading the exerpt from your upcoming book. Please let me know when it is published so I can be one of the first to buy it. The puzzle of religion has been a fascinating topic since the beginning of time – and I, like most of my species, find it complex and worth exploring. Although I intellectually know there is no right answer, “areas of grey” never appeal to someone searching for answers. Your inspiration and hope are a welcome addition to the literary world.
As others have commented, I find Mr. Perrault’s writing to be extremely thought-provoking and deeply engaging. The concepts that he is exploring are deeply personal, and yet universal … We need more intelligent discussion about these eternal questions, and I am anxiously awaiting my copy of this book!
I am one of the lucky few who has had the pleasure of reading Steve’s complete manuscript. (You should be jealous.) I loved it. This book is heartfelt, hilarious, kind, charming, intelligent, insightful, gently scathing and very wise. There is so little in the current glut of self-awareness literature that can both illuminate and entertain. (The best religious books have always been stories.) Steve’s collection shines a warm, loving light on the oldest of human questions and fractures stale interpretations of spirituality like a kaleidoscope. And he does so in the context of charmingly realized characters who live in the real world. You have probably met several of them, and if you haven’t, you will want to. It is a great read. If somebody doesn’t publish this manuscript soon, I suggest, dear reader, that you send Steve a check and ask for a Xerox copy.
Mr. Perrault’s expanded website provides only a glimpse of his artistic talents and intelligence. The book excerpts are both insightful and entertaining. His thoughtful writing draws direct parallels with his visual paintings. I love his creative art and can’t wait to read his entire book.
Keep writing Steve! Thank you for sharing your creative zone with us.
I’ve followed Steve’s artwork for many years and have enjoyed watching it evolve. However, I am thrilled to learn of his book. In fact, I just read parts of it on this site. As many of the previous bloggers stated, his work and writing complement one another encouraging the viewer/reader to exam oneself and gain greater reflection into their own meaning of rarely examed questions about the ‘here and there’ of existence. I, too, join a growing list of individuals who patiently await the next evolution of a thought-provoking, creative genius.
A great read, Steve. Gives you a great deal to think about.
I so agree it is all about love and personal morality and charity and I long for the increased knowledge of this truth in the world. I am eager to read the rest of the book. I am so lucky to have the Seat of the Soul in my home and the friendship with Steve in my heart.
Stephen, I have just been introduced to your work by your partner Ski. The link between your soul and your expressions on canvas and on paper mirror a person that truly is, as you coined the phrase, a “soul-at-large”. Having followed a simular journey studying for the priesthood and then becoming a psychotherapist, I find many parallels in our life experiences. I am still looking for the right place to settle in, however. Your writing and your art work helped stimululate the emotion in me to identify stronger with the core of my being and to stay on target with my mission to find peace in my life through my professional and personal expressions of love. I would like to read more of your writings. I look forward to seeing your art work in person this weekend in Houston at the Dean Day Gallery. Warm regards, Frank, Soul-at-large.
Steve Perrault has such a wealth of life experiences to share with us and his writings are a true gift. I have read “Living in Real Time” from cover to cover and I am honored to share my appreciation. The stories are filled with Steve’s unique insights, humor and real experiences of living life. The reader will be able to share in the journey while reflecting on personal beliefs and opinions. Life is worth living and each day will find many pleasures to enjoy. Steve Perrault’s book is among the pleasures!
February 11, 2011, 11AM
Just read Stephen’s exerpt from the book I have been waiting so long for.
Insightful and reminding me how easy it is to be both deep and light throughout this wonderous journey.
Thank you Stephen. I may have to get that Xerox copy.