A Young Boy's Compassion and Growing Disillusionment

Growing up in France, my heart was deeply moved by the suffering I witnessed in the world. Animals in particular held a special place in my affections, and my early ambition was to become a veterinarian, dedicating my life to their well-being. This compassion extended to the human condition as well. At the tender age of fourteen, I remember being acutely aware of the wars and injustices that plagued our planet. I felt a profound sense of loss – a loss of human dignity and nobility. This awareness fueled a youthful anger and a desire to see real change.

However, this idealism soon met with a harsh reality. My family was religious, practicing Catholics. The sudden and dramatic passing of my mother when I was fourteen shook my faith to its core. I had been a good Catholic boy, saying my rosary nightly, yet tragedy struck. When I sought solace and understanding from a priest, his explanation of God's will felt hollow and deeply unsatisfying. In my grief and anger, I felt betrayed, and for many years, I turned my back on organized religion altogether.

The Unexpected "Back Door" into Journalism

Life, however, has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths. After realizing that the long years of study required to become a veterinarian weren't aligning with a growing sense of needing a different kind of impact, I found myself in Canada. I didn't have a clear direction, but I knew my French language skills could be an asset. I sent my resume to numerous agencies with "Canada" in their name, and to my surprise, CBC called. They were in desperate need of a temporary French-speaking journalist. With my English being rather poor at the time, it felt like a long shot, but I thought, "Sure, why not?"

That was my "back door" into the world of media, as we say in France. It was a time when such opportunities arose more readily than they do today. I was fortunate to meet wonderful people who took me under their wing, trained me, and ignited a passion I never knew I had. I discovered the profound privilege of being a journalist – of being invited into people's lives, hearing their stories, and sharing them with a wider audience.

The Intertwined Threads of Profession and Spirituality

Years after my disillusionment with religion, I discovered meditation. This practice opened a new realm of self-realization and helped me understand that spirituality transcends the boundaries of any single faith. It became clear that true spirituality lies in human values and a deep connection with oneself.

This spiritual foundation has been instrumental in navigating the often-stressful and politically charged environment of broadcast news. My colleagues often remarked on my calm amidst chaos, dubbing me "the yogi in the room." Meditation and a deeper understanding of me have provided a much-needed anchor, allowing me to respond to the world with greater clarity especially when reporting on difficult and often negative events.

Conversely, my professional life has grounded my spirituality, making it practical and real. The daily interactions, the challenges of tight deadlines, and the responsibility of impactful storytelling have kept me connected to the world and prevented me from becoming detached or overly idealistic. For me, my professional and spiritual lives are intricately braided, each sustaining and enriching the other.

The Power of Storytelling and the Pursuit of Hope

My work with "Images and Voices of Hope" has further solidified my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. I've learned that while it's crucial to report on the realities of the world, there is also a responsibility to seek out and share stories that inspire hope and positive change. The goal should not be to simply highlight what is wrong but to ignite a desire for a better future.

Witnessing the impact that documentaries and personal narratives can have on individuals has been incredibly rewarding. 

Standing here in India, combining my roles as a producer and a spiritual seeker, I am filled with gratitude for the unexpected turns my life has taken. The journey from a young boy wanting to save animals to a storyteller seeking to inspire hope has been a serendipitous one, guided by compassion, a touch of rebellion, and the enduring power of human connection through stories.

ERIC LE RESTE 
National Coordinator Brahma Kumaris Canada