It’s an extreme joy of mine to share these monthly creative spiritual exercises with you.

I wish I could get all of you (or “all y’all” as we say in the South) into one big room to journey through these in person.

But for now, I’m grateful for the women with whom I get the privilege of sharing this journey in our monthly Artist’s Way Alumni Group meet-up and I hope these exercises ignite some small spark in you to keep journeying on the path to freedom through creativity.

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So, let’s talk about this month’s creative spiritual exercise: Visio Divina.

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What is Visio Divina?

Visio Divina, or Sacred Seeing, is an ancient Christian practice that uses imagery to seek a deeper connection with God.

It is a form of prayer that allows us to listen to that still small voice inside of us.

This month in the alumni group, we explored the ancient practice of Visio Divina and used a number of images to ask God and ourselves what we needed to see and to turn inward to listen to the deep and quiet voice within.

It was so lovely to see how each image spoke uniquely to each of the women in our group.

I invite you to join with us from wherever you are geographically, creatively and spiritually to explore what these images may have to say to you.

Here are the images we used:

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“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”​
​―Ansel Adams

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If you would like to enter into a Visio Divina practice, here are a few simple instructions.

Step 1

Relax. Close your eyes and focus on your breath to center yourself before you look at each image.

Step 2

Gaze at the entire picture. Notice the shapes, the colors, and the lighting. Notice the detail of both the foreground and background. Once you have visually canvased the artwork, note what has drawn your attention. This is not on accident. You are being invited into this moment on purpose.

Step 3

Meditate on the part of the picture that has drawn your attention. Why do you think you were drawn to this particular part? Is there something there that pertains to your life today? Do you sense an invitation? Is a memory aroused?

Allow these thoughts to move from your head to your heart.

Now, write around this idea … What emotion is evoked? What word or phrase describes your inner stirring as you embrace this feeling?

Step 4

You are now going to respond to the artwork and what it stirred in you. Allow your words to be born in the recesses of your soul. What is your response? You can write this as a prayer, a poem, a mantra. Whatever you wish.

Articulate any yearnings or desires that arise. Give voice to the emotion that is whirling within.

Step 5

Words are never sufficient to express our deepest selves. Turn to silence and sit with all the image has brought up for you.

Visio Divina invites us to slow down and view all of life through a sacred lens. It allows us to see the beautiful mystery and support hidden within all of creation.

As creatives, it reminds us that the whole world is fodder for those deep creative yearnings of our souls. We can remember how supported we are simply by connecting with the world around us in nature, art, music. God has set this beautiful table of creative imagery. Take a minute to enjoy it!

Be Blessed!