My name is Jason Gonzalez

I've been on the rat race for a good chunk of my existence. I thought that life had to be ridiculously fast and that the goal of work is to 'climb as high as you can.' 

It was only when I encountered a mindful way of living and the science of happiness that I began to laser focus on living well, appreciating what I already have and finding joy in whatever is unplanned.

For 10 years, my wife and I taught Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Leadership. Alongside this profession, we practised what we taught--regularly communing with nature, slowing down and prioritising the present moment, developing friendships, and as best we can, expressing compassion towards those who are suffering.

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Then tragedy struck! Vulnerability became the flavour of every day for over a thousand days. My main job now is to care for two loved ones legally considered people with disability. We can no longer climb the highest mountain every week. We can no longer play six sports as we used to do as our way of keeping ourselves physically fit. We can no longer plant trees and serve in food banks as a means to go beyond ourselves.

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This is why I turned to painting. Painting is a deep and meditative exercise for me. It is my refuge during tough times and a joy amplifier when days come with ease. I never start any artwork just to make beautiful pictures. But I intend to produce beautiful masterful works from a place of vulnerability because I believe that's the place where I can connect the most... and that's the place where beauty springs forth from me. If I can no longer see our beautiful earth the way I did before, I'll paint it. If I can no longer connect with people the way I used to, I'll paint them. Anything you find here then is an expression of my soul and every brush stroke tells a universal story.