Creativity as a Spiritual Practice

In her book Visual Journaling, Barbara Ganim shares about the healing aspect of creative expression.  She uses the acronym ART to make her point,

Access

Release

Transform

Imagine taking 15 minutes to sit with a blank piece of paper and a box of new crayons (has anyone ever actually finished a box of crayons before buying a new box??)  and identifying shapes, colors, lines, and/or images that depict the impact of chronic disease on your life in that very moment.  Accessing an emotion and releasing it to paper through image rather than a stream of words carries the power to transform the emotion in that moment.  

For anyone who longs to engage in creativity, but simply doesn't know how to begin, I will be facilitating a nine-week series, "Creativity as a Spiritual Practice" offered through The Spirituality Network.  Although this event is not targeted solely toward those impacted by chronic disease, it will certainly serve AWBA's audience.  Sometimes it is helpful to take our focus off of the intensity of living in this hard place and divert our attention to a creative venue.  Allowing ourselves to wonder and play can  transform a hardship we have been carrying - to see it in a new and creative way.  The retreat takes places on-line (similar to AWBA's on-line retreat experiences) in addition to a closing retreat for those in the Hocking Hills area of Ohio or willing to travel to the area.  Visit Creativity Retreat for more information.   Space is limited to 10 and the deadline to register is April 1.  Expressing one's creativity is a powerful force for healing.  Those impacted by chronic disease may find this experience very helpful.  Registration takes place through the Network.  (NOTE - This workshop filled very quickly and registration is now closed.  If you are interested in something like this in the future, please email me at director.)

A Horse Tale

Soon after graduating from the spiritual direction program, Wellstreams, in January 2007, I came across the opportunity to participate in a three-day equine retreat for spiritual directors.  Before I go on to tell you how important this experience was and before I lose readers who do not consider themselves a "horse person," let me quickly tell you with 100% certainty, "I am not a horse person" by any stretch of the imagination.  My paternal grandfather lived in the country and was a veterinarian.  I would visit the dogs and cats in his vet office, but the farm visits with the large animals I left to my younger brother. Other than riding in a small cart pulled by a horse my grandparents owned for a short time, my horse experience was limited to carousel rides, and a memorable trek on horseback through Grand Teton National Park as a child that left me unable to walk or sit the following day.  

I am not sure what led me to register for this particular retreat decades later other than a temporary sense of being someone who wanted to explore uncharted territory and face her discomfort, if not fear of the unknown.  The smiling face you see below with "Lily" is authentic and the picture of a newly-minted, happy horse person from June 2007.  I share this with you because the woman who facilitated this event, Dottie Kluesener, has been so gracious to AWBA by offering equine-learning events for those impacted by chronic disease.   AWBA sponsored a group at her farm in Johnstown, Ohio last year.  This year we move to Gilgal Farm in Lancaster, Ohio on Saturday, May 18 where Dottie will serve us alongside Chris Harnden and Beckie Boger in facilitating a three-hour equine learning event for AWBA.

Judy and Lily, Sugar Lump Farm 2007

For myself, Dottie's skillful and gentle presence, the supportive community of other participants and horse handlers, and the wisdom of the three horses the group bonded with provided insight that continues to serve me today.  All of the exercises were done on the ground.  No riding was involved.   I experienced working in partnership with things that seem bigger than I, a willingness to try a different approach when the first attempt did not work, believing in my innate abilities, knowing what is mine to tend to and what is not, and sharing my burdens with another.  For those impacted by chronic disease, the diagnosis and all that goes with it can often feel like a large, lumbering animal that has more control over us than we do over it which is why we have partnered to bring this event to AWBA's clients.

I invite anyone with a chronic diagnosis, personal caregivers and professional caregivers to consider this unique experience.  The generosity of financial donors and our facilitators has allowed us to offer this event at a reduced rate of $35/person.  Space is limited to six people with limited additional space for a companion to accompany you at no charge as an observer and/or support person.  Those who utilize a wheelchair or other mobility aid are encouraged to participate as well.  Just let us know when you register.  Visit information to learn more about this event and feedback to read what some of last year's participants experienced that day.

I don't anticipate riding horseback anytime in the foreseeable future, but hugging a horse and gazing into those wise eyes is top on my list of life-giving opportunities.

My Journey With SoulCollage

"The Artist of Luminous Darkness"

I am one who creates a window in the darkness to a new way of being when a door to the old closes.  What I want from you is a heart seeking God's light.  What I have to give you is the capacity to  creatively hold light and dark for self and others. 
 -- Judy Smoot

I created a series of SoulCollage cards over a six-month period as I was transitioning from the familiar life I had known to the new life awaiting me through AWBA.   Although the SoulCollage process was simple, the impact for me in the process of creating the cards, the journal prompts that helped me understand what God might be trying to teach me in that moment, and the way these cards have revealed deeper truth over time have been anything but simple.  The power of the arts and creativity is that we are invited to access a deeper place beyond analysis and quick, easy answers.    What I continue to appreciate about SoulCollage is that it is a an easy "go to" project when I know something is asking to be brought to the surface but I do not know what it is nor how to speak it.  I let the image come forth and, eventually, the words come.  Join us on March 9 for an "Introduction to SoulCollage."  During this four-hour workshop, facilitator MJ Abell will offer

~ a full explanation of SoulCollage and the different types of cards

~ ample time to make cards and gather images to use later on your own time at home

~ abundant supplies and images from which to choose

~ a list of SoulCollage resources (books, YouTube videos, websites, etc.)

~ a safe environment in which to create

In addition, the Worthington Hills Country Club will offer a lovely, private setting in which to create and a light lunch of quiche, vegetable and fruit trays, dessert and beverages.  Click the above link for registration information or visit our Events page.  A reduced rate of $55 is available through February 25 with registration continuing until March 1.  Space is limited to 15.  This event benefits AWBA's programs and services and is open to the community.  If you would like to support AWBA's ministry but are not interested in this event personally, consider gifting a friend or family member!

Crossing Thresholds

In her book of daily readings, In the Sanctuary of Women, Jan Richardson offers the blessing,

In the beginning,

in the ending,

in the beginning again:

May the God of the threshold

encompass you in every turning.

and the following day,

When all about you lies in pieces,

may the Holy One make of them a passage. 

I am captured by the theme of threshold, that in-between space where we sit with the past behind us and the future not yet clear.  Our lives are a series of beginnings and endings which can be simultaneously frightening and exciting.   It seems we grasp this process intellectually as a necessary function of change to become more fully who we are to be within current circumstances.  But, when it comes to living it out in our own personal experiences, we often fight against it and believe something must be terribly wrong since life seems in such disarray.   It becomes an act of quickly fixing the dis-ease rather than living in it until we sense clarity for the next step.

When I read these two blessings recently, a resounding “yes!” bubbled to the surface.  Always We Begin Again was born in my personal journey of broken pieces through which I came to see God creating stepping stones to bring me to a place overflowing with purpose for my life and for the way I am to serve others.  On reflection I can see the twisting and turning of a 15-year journey that brought me to this place.  While I was in it, life just felt hard much of the time.  I became so accustomed to the discomfort and unfamiliarity that I  assumed this was the way life would be going forward - get used to it.  There were attempts to “fix,” none of which worked long-term.

Then came the watershed event, the definitive threshold to be crossed, the hard decision to make.   Did I believe that broken pieces were all that awaited me, or would I cross the threshold from the past into a new future following the stepping stones laid out by God, not myself or others?  There is a long story embedded in that process for which words are terribly inadequate.  It is too deep and wide for human language.  I suspect that many of you have had a similar watershed moment that goes beyond language.  

Christians enter the Lenten Season next week - a reminder of releasing the past to make way for the future.  It is the mystery of death, waiting and resurrection.  Brokenness must be allowed to occur so that new life can rise to the surface.   There is the invitation to faith in a new life and a new way of being.  This message is so true for those impacted by chronic disease.   Chronic means that the diagnosis is a part of our present and our future.   It is not, however, the final word.  How might the Holy One use your broken pieces as stepping stones to the future?  

~~ Some pieces will, by design, remain

broken and part of the past.  

Release them.  

~~ Some pieces will have their rough edges 

polished to a smooth finish by God’s skilled hands.  

Carry faith and trust in the process.  

~~ New pieces will be added.  

Take courage.  

God made a passage for me that includes broken pieces refined by the Spirit’s tender hands and new pieces created to take me where God knows I can live an abundant life.  The same awaits you.  You might discover part of that path through AWBA’s upcoming program, Soul Collage.  This event is a fund raiser for AWBA and open to the community.  Check it out and let us know if you are interested.  Space is limited to 15.

An Invitation to Gentle Worship

In my ministry with AWBA, I am always looking for resources where people we serve may be directed for additional support.   This can be in the form of written materials, individuals with a specialized service, or churches and agencies offering a ministry that directly serves this population.  The word “competition” is not in AWBA’s vocabulary, and we are eager to learn all we can and partner with others to get the word out where support may be found.

I recently visited a very special worship service in the Central Ohio area.  It was such a powerful experience that I wanted to share it with you.   If you have found that chronic disease or your role as a caregiver has made it difficult for you to attend church, this may be something for you to consider if you live in the Central Ohio area.  

Gender Road Christian Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio offers a monthly “Gentle Worship” service through their Special Needs Ministries.  Held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1 p.m., the 30-minute service offers prayers, a short message, communion, quiet music, and singing together.  The service invites attendees to move about as necessary for their individual comfort, and indicates in their materials that “no shushing is allowed.”  The sanctuary and restrooms are ADA accessible.  Through this ministry, Gender Road offers a welcoming environment for those who find it challenging to attend traditional worship services.  They encourage those with autism, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s as well as those with visual or hearing impairments (the service is interpreted for the Deaf), or those who may have recently undergone medical treatments that have left them with limited mobility by using a wheelchair or walker to be part of this gentle worship experience.  All are welcome.  No one is singled out in any way, and it was apparent in my visit that worship leaders  adjust to the needs of those in the congregation as they move through the service.  

Stop by the Gentle Worship link for more information.    The Special Needs Minister and the Pastor both have blogs that you can link to through this web page.  Be sure to check those out also!

Why would I want to pray with my illness?

AWBA's next online retreat experience, "Praying With Illness", begins February 10 and continues through Lent. I asked the retreat facilitator,  Michael Landon, to share his perspective on why anyone would want to pray with their illness.  Michael responded,

“You have got to be kidding me!”  This was my first thought when several years ago a friend suggested that I might consider praying with my illness.  She didn’t mean praying to get rid of it, or to be miraculously healed… She meant, actually using my illness, my body that I felt was betraying me.  I had a hard time understanding how this trusted friend could suggest such a thing.  She of all people knew the painful journey I had been traveling!  Even she had personal experience with living with chronic disease, so how could she suggest praying with illness? 

We invite you to consider this opportunity to deepen your prayer life during the Season of Lent.  For details visit our website at Upcoming Events.  For those who wonder how an online experience forms community read feedback from past participants.  The registration deadline for this event is January 28. Read below for all of Michael's comments regarding this powerful retreat opportunity for caregivers and those with chronic disease.

What I came to realize is that up until this conversation, I had been limiting my prayers to praying “about” my illness.  My friend’s seemingly absurd suggestion of praying “with” my illness was an invitation to deepen and expand my prayer life, as well as see my illness and my body from a new perspective.  My friend introduced me to a wonderful book, Broken Body, Healing Spirit: Lectio Divina and Living with Illness, by Mary C. Earle.  I had practiced Lectio Divina for years, and had even led retreats and small groups using this prayer discipline.  I knew that Lectio Divina (Holy/Sacred Reading) could be used not only with Scripture, but with any text. I had even known some who used this prayer with art work, but I had never considered the possibility of using my body, much less my illness as the sacred text.

One of the gifts that I received through expanding this prayer form to my body was a change of perspective.  I stopped seeing my body as the enemy, and I stopped seeing my identity as being defined by my illness.  Not that praying about one’s illness is inappropriate or somehow wrong, but I had become consumed by the “about” and wanting it to go away – even though I knew that chronic disease was just that… chronic, and in my case, there was not just one disease process at work, but several – and this was before what I call “the crash of 2009” when my several different disease processes collided into one another, leaving me completely debilitated and ultimately leading to being disabled.  I realized that my friend’s invitation was to discover a new way of living within my body, and to listen to what it and what God might be saying through it.  It was also a reminder that all of our bodies are sacred.

In addition to beginning to practice Lectio Divina in a new way, I found that practicing another prayer form went hand in hand.  The Jesuit prayer of Examen is a way of reviewing one’s day, one’s week, year, life – listening for the places of consolation and desolation, those things that are life giving or life draining.  I found myself returning to a delightful little book, Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, by Dennis, Sheila Fabricant, and Matthew Linn.  Again, this was an invitation to pray with my illness in a new way, to listen deeper, and to be open to the surprises that might be discovered.

One thing I have learned over the years, is that when it comes to prayer, it is not about the “end result,” rather about the process and being open to the experiences the path of prayer brings.  It is not about doing it right, but being intentional in our doing.  Both Lectio Divina and The Examen are invitations to experience at a deeper level.  The circumstances of one’s life may not change, but the perspective does; thus allowing us to embrace life and live it more fully.

The upcoming online Lenten Retreat, “Praying with Illness” will be a time to learn, relearn, or expand upon each participant's understanding and practice of Lectio Divina and The Examen.  I will be drawing from both Mary C Earle’s and the Linn’s books as we pray our way through Lent.  Each week I will share a little nugget from these authors as well as from my own life experiences.  Each week will have a Scripture verse or passage to connect us with the Lenten journey.  I might also share some poems or pieces of art work, or other sacred text.  However, the main text I will be inviting each of us to pay closest attention will be the sacred text of our bodies.  As this is a group experience, everyone will be invited to share from their reflections, so we can learn from one another’s experiences.  I first learned the prayer of Lectio Divina as a small group experience on a week-long retreat.  It is amazing how the Spirit moves within such groups.

I am excited about this opportunity to walk with you during Lent, and to be with each of you in prayer.  A phrase that you will often see me using when I close my thoughts is: “I will be holding you in the healing light of God’s love.”  Healing comes in many ways, but the source is God’s love, and the Gospel of John describes Jesus as “the light of the world.”  So know that I will be holding every participant in prayer and imaging the God’s healing light surrounding you.  A friend recently shared the following quote with me, and I thought it to be very appropriate to share as you consider being a part of this Lenten Journey.

“So don't be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don't know what work they are accomplishing within you?"

-Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Holding you in the healing light of God’s love…  

Michael Landon

Something to Inspire

As I have shared (and you may notice in my profile photo), I am an artist.  I have no professional training and came to it rather late in life.  I have dedicated a room in my home as a prayer studio and begin my days in that space.   Creative expression has become such a meaningful prayer practice that I am now a student in a two-year program that will equip me to use different forms of creative expression in a healing setting for myself and others.

I was led to offer you something inspiring today.  Sometimes we need to be reminded that God comes in the beauty as well as in the hard times.  These are three art-based sites that inspire.  I have previously shared Sacred Alter with you and it bears repeating.  Click on the link below to be directed to the site.

366 Hearts
Jan Richardson
Sacred Alter

For a few months now I have been sitting with Luke 8:45, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Visual art and writings have come through me from that prayer time.  I created the above mandala a few days ago.  I have my own experience of the process   and its end product, and invite you to see what rises for you.  What I love about praying with art is that the image is open for interpretation by the artist and the viewer, and the process is equally or more important than the end result.  For those who do not consider themselves an "artist", that is good news.   Praying with art is expressing what is beneath the words rather than creating something others will admire.

I invite you to take a moment to visit these sites, reflect on the mandala and ask God to offer you a bit of wisdom for the day through creative expression.  God is the original creator and artist.  We are made in God's image which helps me trust the creative prayer process.