Donald R. Schwartz, internationally recognized equine artist, local resident and Co-Founder of the Chapel of Awareness Spiritual Church of Encinitas, California passed way on September 7, 2010. At the time of his death he was in the care of San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care as well as many loving friends.

Donald was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA in 1931. From an early age he had a love for animals that began to express itself through art. Though it was not clear then that he would become an artist, he won a lifetime membership in the Humane Society of America for a picture he composed when in the Fourth grade. Don said of that experience, “My heart was moved by a picture of a dog which had been injured by a car. I painted a picture of the dog and entered it in a contest with the title ‘Please Care’ and I won.” He went on to share, “I was always full of love for animals. They are so vulnerable to the whims of their owners, and yet are so loyal and forgiving. I wanted to speak for the little animals that need someone to care for them. I still do.”

After high school he spent time pursuing a career in other vocations, eventually becoming competent in flight theory and aircraft mechanics, qualifying for a pilot’s license, and joining the U.S. Air Force to work on rocket design. While in the Air Force he was stationed at Edwards Air Force base and worked on the X-1 experimental jet plane. Following his discharge Donald attended the prestigious Art Center School of Design in Los Angeles where he initially studied automotive design under the tutelage of the man who designed the first Corvette. He later switched to product design because “Detroit does not have a Pacific ocean to swim in!”

While visiting Pasadena one day he saw a ‘Help Wanted’ ad in the office window of an optical firm and stepped inside saying, “I’m here for the position.” Dr. Eugene C. Larr, owner of Larr Optics, hired him on the spot and their professional relationship became a fast and enduring friendship that lasted until Dr. Larr’s death in 2006.

In the meantime, Larr Optics relocated to Denver, Colorado and Donald began working with fiberglass, designing domes for aircraft radio telemetry, telescope housings, and even children’s toys. His unique skills, combined with those of Dr. Larr, enabled them to participate in the design and manufacture of the optics for the Pioneer 11 spacecraft. Its encounter with the rings of Saturn in 1979 resulted in the first close-up images of Saturn’s rings and eventually images of the outer planets as well.

While living in Denver, he began to focus more and more on his artistic interests. It crystallized when he saw a book in the public library on “sporting up” and a painting of a dappled grey horse by the late Sir Alfred J. Munning (1878-1959). It made such a lasting impression that Donald traveled twice to Munning’s home in Dedham, England. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Donald’s work was his ability to capture the individuality of each animal with its unique structure and musculature. Of himself, he said, “ I am still learning, of course. I still look to Munning for my chief inspiration. My oil paintings are usually quite realistic and tightly detailed and I always strive to paint every horse as a living, vibrant animal and to capture the individual characteristics of each one. Yet I admire Sir Alfred’s ability to capture a horse, a sky, or a group with just a few strokes. I want to move in that direction from being able to paint a ‘tight’ realistic portrait to a looser, more impressionistic work. There is always more to learn and it is good to offer a choice of styles to an owner who wants a famous horse painted.”

In the mid 1960’s Larr Optics closed and the two friends re-locates back to Southern California. In 1968 a spacious house in Encinitas was found that would accommodate their diverse interests and needs. For Donald, who was focusing on horse portraiture, it provided proximity to Los Angeles and the race tracks at Del Mar and Santa Anita. For Dr. Larr, an astronomer, it provided proximity to the California Institute of Technology, the Palomar telescope, and the clear night skies of rural North County which are well suited for viewing.

In 1971, Walter T. Foster asked Donald to compose equine art for a new how-to-do book for which Foster is famous. Still available today, Donald’s book, “Horse Heads in Oil and Pastels” and #135 in the series, has sold over half a million copies world wide. It continues to be a classic and standard used throughout the world as a teaching tool.

In addition to being an inspiration to many evolving artists – from 8 yr olds to a 70 yr old paraplegic – Donald touched and greatly influenced many around the world. Most of Donald’s paintings were commissioned and included works for Desi Arnez, Dick Van Dyke, Mrs. Paul Getty and William Shatner among others. His works hang in galleries at the Del Mar and Santa Anita race tracks and others among his numerous commissioned works include: “Juniperus” – a head sculpture in bronze commissioned by the Del Mar National Horse Show for the Hap Hansen Perpetual trophy; “Tinner’s Way” and “General Challenge” – $1,000,000 winners of the Del Mar Pacific Classic and commissioned by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; and “John Henry” – retirement portrait commissioned by Mr. & Mrs. Sam Rubin.

To the end of his life Donald was always at work on 2-3 projects with others in the concept and planning stages. For example, a life-long love of Egypt led to 4 trips to study and enjoy its antiquities, eventually combining his fiberglass and mould-making skills with his attention to detail to create large Egyptian plaques. He also developed instructional videos and DVDs on painting both horse head portraits and the entire horse. He successfully published an updated version of Painting Horse Heads and was in the development stages on a book about painting wild animals. His last great passion was painting the beautiful mare, Zenyatta. The beauty, artistry and diversity of his work can be viewed on his website at: www.drs-studio.com.

While Donald is most well known for his beautiful paintings, he was just as passionate about his dog, Suzy; about model airplanes and gliders; politics and the treatment of animals; and a continuous variety of home projects. No picture of this remarkable man would be complete without acknowledging that he was the co-founder with Dr. Larr of the Chapel of Awareness Spiritual Church and School in Encinitas, California (www.chapelofawareness.org) Begun in 1972, it is the oldest, continuously operating California school teaching psychic and spiritual development. As one of its teachers, he focused on healing – helping others to contribute to their own healing and to healing others. Many a person and wounded critter came his way and he always had time for each.

He will be dearly missed and our lives were much richer for his presence in it. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Albert F. and Barbara Schwartz of Batesville, Indiana and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on October 23rd at the Chapel of Awareness Spiritual Church, 560 Third Street, Encinitas, CA 92024. Questions may be directed to Rev. Nell Smith at the Chapel by calling 760-436-4104 or her cell at 619-672-6600. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Donald’s name to your local Humane Society, San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care, or a non-profit organization of your choosing.

The Chapel of Awareness Spiritual Church is very sad to announce that Rev. Donald R. Schwartz, an ordained healer and the co-founder of the Chapel (along with Rev. Eugene C. Larr), crossed into spirit September 7th at approximately 12:12 pm.

Donald was in hospice, in the care of many long-time friends and Chapel members, and comfortable at the time of his crossing. Many at Chapel have spoken to Donald since his crossing, and he is enjoying his new-found freedom. His great sense of humor is intact, he is clear, and he has been enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, including Gene.

Donald did not want a formal memorial service. Per his wishes, a Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled in October. Chapel will announce the date once it is final. If you wish to share anything about Donald’s life, including pictures, stories, and memories, please let us know.

Sincerely,
Rev. Don Miller, Pastor

Introduction

The life of the Chapel of Awareness and its school is maintained through the voluntary efforts of its many Ministers, Ordained Healers, and Staff Students. We would like to share with you a bit of ourselves and our many Spirit friends. Thank you for visiting with us.

Rev. Eric Berg began his studies at Chapel in 1982, was ordained in 2003 and continues to be an active staff member. He holds a Ph.D. in High Energy Physics and lay minister’s papers in Theravada Buddhism. He enjoys Ashtanga Yoga, backpacking and his cat, and is available for readings, counseling, and healings when he is not in working in Washington State (a few months a year).

The Value Of Chapel
In life we may find community in our family, work, school, neighborhood, hobbies and interests.  The setting for us to be social, to share our stories for fun or support, is also provided by churches.  But the main purpose of a church is typically more; to guide people to live according to a philosophy.  It may be obedience to God, adherence to absolute morals, participation in a structured tradition, education about the meaning of life, or just to be better people.  So what does Chapel offer a person?  First off, all that Chapel offers is free from coercion, guilt, and judgment to the degree that all of us have a good sense of personal space – our choices are our responsibility. Chapel is only here to help.

You can come to Chapel and get a message from spirit. Like going to any number of fortune tellers, this can almost be cheap entertainment, where you only hear what you want.  Spirit messages are just the commercials for what Chapel really offers: a path for personal development – meditation and spirit guidance through your own communication.  Development of one’s sensitive skills has been the core part of Chapel’s program.  Such a place was very rare in the 1970’s, but now there are a variety of options.  Still, Chapel is a world-class institution of high quality.

Beyond a non-coercive community and one path for personal development, Chapel offers one thing more of even greater value: an environment to practice your own spirituality –to be a better and happier person. You may find a good example in a person or a good idea in a conversation, but you definitely are with people who value the same thing – learning to think, speak and act harmoniously.

Harmony doesn’t always mean peaceful and inactive, it means in accordance with the circumstances and free from interference, distraction and excess. So whatever brings you to Chapel, please be sure to stay focused on your own harmony and not be distracted by the imperfections in life.

All my love,
Rev. Eric C. Berg

by Rev. Sharon Regnell-Gaskill

How open are you to accepting new things?

I have found that when we close down our senses (awareness) and our acceptance to new things, we miss so much in our life. The level of our awareness about ourselves and of things around us make all the difference in how happy we perceive ourselves to be.

Have you ever played a little game with yourself such as reminding yourself that today I am going to learn something new or today I am going to really listen to what others are saying? When we focus outside ourselves, there is a whole new world out their waiting for discovery. Now I am not suggesting we should forget who we are and what is important to us, but rather we should be extending our awareness to a broader circle other than our own thoughts and feelings.

How would you rate your awareness? Say on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being not aware and 5 being very aware), ask your such questions such as:

• Did I notice the sunset yesterday?
• How often do I smile in a day?
• Do I listen to what people are saying?
• Did I hurt someone today and not notice?

To receive what the Universe is giving us, we must have an open mind and we must listen carefully. I love this quote by James Thurber. “Do not look back in anger, or forward in fear, but around in awareness.”

Paying attention to the now, and not being immersed in the past or the future, brings us opportunities to more fully understand all our difficulties and problems so that we can transform our life into one that is more pleasing to us. To make that transformation, we must be aware of our thoughts and actions.

Our lives with one another are linked inseparably together.  Whatever we do affects and rebounds upon us. If we are not happy when we are around others, they will feel that unhappiness, if we are happy, they will feel that happiness. Thoughts and feelings are things and people pick up on that particular vibration. Be careful what you put out there.

Kind thoughts and acts are contagious! Challenge yourself by having more positive conversations, and doing more kind acts for others and you will see how wonderful it is to have positive, loving experiences in your life.  Make an effort to be aware of what you are doing each and every day, for in doing so, your life can come alive in a beautiful way. Remember, it is you who starts the ball rolling, don’t wait, do it now. The rewards are great!

May love always guide you,
Sharon

Consider each thought as stated and use them for contemplation.

• “A fragrance once sensed is always remembered.”
• “Sit still and then with silent mind ask.”
• “Do not be concerned with time.It was invented by men.”

• “The wind rustles the leaves. Do you hear their singing?”
• “To love Nature is to hear her speak to you.”
• “Walk softly. Your steps may disturb.”

• “Are you truly who you think you are?”
• “How old are you? Ask a star and ponder.”
• “Through the thunder of the mind nothing can be heard.”

• “There are only three important questions. Know their answers.”
• “Listen to the symphony, it is all around you, now.”
• “You can’t pry open a flower bud. Let it open itself, to perfection.”

• “Hold love in your hand, if it struggles release it.”
• “Hold love in your hand, if it struggles release it.”
• “Only the blind of mind can not see the beauty of truth.”

• “Each creature has its place. Mankind will one day find his.”
• “Within the mind is the Universe. Or is the Universe the mind?”
• “Walk with knowing or do not walk at all.”

• “Walk more each day with the knowledge of knowing.”
  • Know who you are and where you are going
• “Greet each rising sun with happiness.”
  • Be thrilled, inside by the beauty the new day will bring
• “Go through your day with a light and fulfilled heart.”
  • Find love and let it fill your heart, fulfilling all your thoughts and actions
• “Seek rest when it would be pleasing to do so.”
  • Take time to be still and rest. Don’t push beyond your limit
• “Talk to nature in your unbusy times.”
  • See the harmony and beauty in all of nature
• “Before you close your eyes to say good night acknowledge the beauty of the day.”
  • File away in your memory only the good and beautiful
• “As you drift in sleep, do so with peace.”
  • Allow your mind to be peaceful and at rest
• “These seven bits, are the key to total happiness.“

This website is being designed to attract new & younger members, accommodate community out reach and share Chapel Philosophy for those who knock. In other words, have the Chapel’s Front Door be globally available.

Cheers,

Terry Hall, Brigette Callahan & Suzy Sisler

Rev.Don Miller graduated from San Diego State University in 1983 with a degree in Journalism. He founded Homes For America, a nonprofit company that rehabilitates housing for low to moderate-income earners and first time homebuyers. Happily married to his wife Kathleen, Don has lived in Southern California since 1965 and enjoys surfing, meditating, biking, and hiking.

The quintessential American inventor, Don has developed and patented numerous practical inventions, including the revolutionary NuVinci™ technology. An avid cyclist, a gifted inventor, Rev. Donald C. Miller epitomizes American ingenuity and entrepreneurship. Rev. Don Miller began his studies at Chapel in 1986. He was ordained 2006.