Loving the World: Photography as Spiritual Practice

This past week I had the privilege of learning from Paul Kimmerling at a retreat held at the Order of the Holy Cross in West Park, New York. It re-enlivened in me my love of photography and the discipline of looking for and find the sacred and holy through the lens of my camera. The passion has always been there; but it had gone somewhat dormant. I had forgotten how much life, spirit and energy I get when I go out and "make" photographs of what I feel, see and experience. Thank you Paul for that!!

And what a glorious sacred and holy space to rekindle the passion and discipline of photography and spirituality. The monastery itself is so full of images that engage from the icons to the porch with rocking chairs to the cloister to the grounds to the shore of the Hudson River. There's no end of the ways to be drawn into an experience of the holiness and sacredness of God.

The question that always the hardest ... of the just over 300 images that I have ... which ones to share.

I was drawn with a desire to sit on this bench. As well as the stunning sunrise behind it, there was an equally amazing view of the sunset in the other direction too. What impressed me, though, was the invitation to come and sit; to take the time to stop and enjoy this moment; and to receive the grace that God was offering in the gift of a new day and the glorious colors painted in the sky. This was an excellent way to begin my retreat time. And the days that followed, although I didn't get up again to greet the rising sun, brought invitations to similar moments of holiness and beauty.

Celebrating the Eucharist is so central to my own spirituality. All is now prepared; the credence table is set; the wine and water is poured. Now to wait with anticipation for the words of blessing; "This is my body"; "This is my blood". This sacrament of Christ's living presence that is tangible and real provides such comfort and grace beyond what I can imagine. It's more than ritual; it is communion with God and with each other gathered around the table and with the whole body of Christ. Truly I experience is as a gift for which I am grateful to receive. 

The Holy Spirit is always with us as Jesus promised she would be. One thing I entered into this retreat with was a desire for discernment; that God would speak words of wisdom and encouragement about my faith, vocation and ministry. I experienced that in so many ways. This image, though, really struck me. I call it my "Burning Bush"; just like what Moses experienced. God spoke to him; and I believe that God spoke to me too through images, individuals I had conversations with, worship and in the stillness and quiet too. 

As a regular part of my personal spiritual rhythm, I hope to share again more regularly in this forum.