The purpose of this Caritas Coach project was to experience the unknown by being open to my previously unknown artistic gifts. This embodies Caritas Process #10 - opening to the spiritual, mystery and unknown, allowing for miracles.

1. Kaiser Permanente, Northern California
Caritas Consortium 2013
Journey of Self-Awareness
Caritas in Action
How Caring Science informs and inspires KP caregivers and affirms our commitment to provide our
patients and their families exceptional care

2. Journey of Self-Awareness
Intent to Contribute Statement:
Purpose: My purpose was to experience the unknown by being open to my previously unknown artistic gifts.
Project Description: I started my Caritas Coach Program Learning Activity Guides (LAGs) after returning from
Boulder, and began the process of preparing for my mother’s breast cancer surgery. There were also major changes
in my job. The LAG’s were more invasive than I was prepared for, and for a while I was not inclined to do them. The
opportunity to do something I’d never done before presented itself and I decided to enroll in a painting class. I
started painting after returning home. I was painting 3-5 pieces every 3 days! I painted all hours of the day and
night. Through the reading and writing assignments, I found that I was fighting the process of opening up and
dealing with issues that I tried to hide from myself. My artwork released hidden emotions and I discovered that I
could no longer be a victim! I had to look at how I participated in, manipulated, and deluded myself into believing
my story! I had to forgive myself and the people I blamed. As I accepted responsibility for my actions, I felt the shift
in my spirit as my soul was satisfied and my heart was opened through the miracle of the art!
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3. Journey of Self-Awareness
Con’t:
Project Outcome: Today, I have 82 paintings created in 4 months!!! The outcome of the project to date is the
beautiful paintings that reflect my journey to self-awareness. It has also empowered me to be a role model, to
guide, educate and empower others on the difficult journey to self-awareness thru the expressions of art. Everyone
has been impressed with the quantity and quality of my work. My art teacher calls me a natural. James Gayles, an
Emmy awarding winning artist from Oakland calls me rare and prolific! I have a gallery showing on August 30, 2012.
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4. Journey of Self-Awareness
Inspired Contributor(s) 1 :
Angela Simms – Caritas Coach

-----Service Area: East Bay
Medical Center: OAK
Affiliation: PCS
-----Year Shared: 2013
Venue: Caritas Consortium
Format: Poster
ID #: n/a
1
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Names as listed in Lotus Notes, otherwise personal e-mails indicated
Keyword TAGs:
Identifier
 Consortium2013-July, East
Bay, Oakland, Poster, Caritas
Coach, Patient Care Services
 Healing Modalities, Self
Descriptor
 Healing Arts, Self-Care

5. Journey of Self-Awareness
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6. Angela’s Exhibit at Caritas Consortium
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7. Angela’s Exhibit at Caritas Consortium
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8. Angela’s Exhibit at Caritas Consortium
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9. Angela’s Exhibit at Caritas Consortium
Angela presented
this painting as a
gift of appreciation
and inspiration to
Jean Watson
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