Being in God's Presence: A Multimedia Contemplation
Introduction
This 30 minute multi-media post was first an exercise for our blog team in July 2020. Because it generated creativity in each of us and it was also restful, even inspirational and meditative, I offer it here to help you get quiet, to listen for Spirit's voice and to remember who you (really) are. I have created space for silent reflection, song, and poetry. My own yoga practice has informed each step outlined below. Perhaps yours will too. You may want to move your body or do a particular yoga posture that is calling to you. If so, please feel free to move. Let the Spirit of God speak to you in this created and creative space.
Click here for the video version.
If you would like to share this with others, here is a script.
To begin the practice:
Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. Notice your feet on the floor. Notice where you are sitting. Are you on the floor, a chair, or something else? Are you comfortable? Pay attention to the next few inhales and exhales. No need to change how you are breathing, simply notice that you are. Let yourself settle, putting aside your work or other tasks for a few minutes. Now gaze at this beautiful sacred space. (This image is one I took in 2018 in the chapel at Villa Maria - the last time we met in person for a retreat.) Take another deep breath and slowly let it out.
Notice where there is sensation in your body right now. Whatever arises arises. Don’t feel like it has to be “productive” as in producing a result. Though if it does, that’s ok too. It’s fine to simply be in God’s presence.
Photo by Joanne Spence
From @whitrsimpson on Instagram; Quote by Flora Slosson Wuellner
Now, ponder this quote from Whitney R. Simpson:
“There are no easy, glib rules and answers. Our understanding and awareness of our bodily selves unfold slowly as we grow, learn, and mature within God’s embrace.”
Flora Slosson Wuellner
Now listen to “I Am Light” by India Arie.
I encourage you to listen deeply from your heart, perhaps even place your hand over your heart and breathe in and out through the nose as you listen. Alternatively, if movement feels better to you in this moment, stand and clear a space so you can move intuitively to the song. Perhaps sway, or gently move your arms. Try to listen to what your body wants you to do. Listen as a prayer.
In the “songversation”, Arie says,
“I am light, it is the truth of who we are.
Light as the opposite of heavy
Light as in the best word in the English language to describe the soul.
Quantum Physics teaches us we are mostly space.
Light as in the heat and fire given off by the crucible of hard times.”
Silence perhaps for 30 secs. Amen.
Now, I will read the following poem twice contemplatively; meaning I will read it slowly twice. The first time, listen to take it in and simply rest in the words. There will be a minute of silence. On the second reading, see if a word or phrase stands out to you.
The Living Testament by Gil Headley
Your body is a holy book, a scripture –
the pages of your flesh are marked
in exquisite detail
with the finest hand,
inscribed by spirit
with the poetry
of love,
lessons of mercy,
miracles,
angelic hosts,
and the story
of your life
perfectly told,
an illuminated manuscript
of a sacred writing
epic in scope,
majesty
and grace.
Every hair
on your head
and line on your face,
every rushing tide
of wind and wave
moving you
from within
this living testament
bear witness
to the truth
layered
within you—
Study this text
with conviction then,
reflect with care
upon its meaning,
and enjoy
the divine
Inspiration.
Silence for one minute. Read the poem again.
The next part of our meditation is a reflexive writing exercise.
The only rule is to keep your hand moving. We are going into silence for 10 minutes. Keep time yourself if you are not using the audio/video prompts. (If you are leading others, tell them you will ring a chime after 10 minutes.)
Writing prompts for you to consider:
You can ponder or jump into writing or both. Pick one or two.
What did the song stir in you?
Describe: How are you light?
What did the poem stir in you?
What is a truth that your body revealed to you as you listened to the song or the poem?
This completes the contemplative session. I hope this time was generative and restful for you.
Chapel entrance at Villa Marie 2018. Photo by Joanne Spence.
I would love to hear how your soul responds. You can email me at joyogi5@gmail.com or www.joannespence.com. The poem The Living Testament is used with permission from the author. Find out more about Gil’s work at www.gilheadley.com. Here’s my favorite Gil talk: “The Fuzz Speech.” You can view India Arie’s website here.
