Visio Divina

Our world and lives are often defined by what it is we see. Many of our most visited destinations are museums. There is something in us that draws us to the arts, and to appreciate what we can see with our eyes. Our God tells us that creation is good, and that all of creation exists within of Him.

Letting ourselves meditate through our eyes is a little different. We can use our eyes to bring our body, mind, and spirit to focus on something. From this central reality, we invite God to guide us. As we look upon art, we invite God to draw our focus into the work, ourselves, and our world. Allow yourself to drift upon the waves that the art and the Holy Spirit set you upon. What do you find yourself thinking about, and how do those thoughts relate to the subject before you? Let yourself pay attention to your body, your emotions, what you are feeling, and the space you are in during this experience. How does this art invite the world within you to meet the world beyond you? To meet the world of the artist? It is in the wandering meditations that we become open to new depths of appreciation for the art, ourselves, and our God. As you conclude your time, give thanks to God for the art, the artist, those who have conserved the work, and that your life allowed you to see it.

For some, the world of art can feel intimidating and exclusive. There is no one who can decide that something is or is not art. It is all subjective. There will never be works of art that appeal to everyone. There is a beautiful uniqueness to you that lets you see and experience life in a way only you can. All art is an extension of the artist, their life, and the way they exist within creation. Allow yourself the time to find art you enjoy. Let yourself ask questions of artists, curators, and others. Finding work to enjoy for Visio Divina is much more difficult and time-consuming than selecting a passage for Lectio Divina. It is okay to spend time with some art and then decide you want to look for something else. This is never a judgment on you, the art, or the artist. Accept the freedom to step away from the art you were looking at.