Visions 

The Atlantic columnist, David Brooks, relates how when reading a book one day, he looked up and saw his wife framed in the open front door of their house. The late afternoon light was streaming in around her as she gazed at a white orchid that was on a table by the door.

A private moment caught in both the light of the day and in the light of the observer’s gaze.

​

To gaze, to behold, to take in through the eyes. The Christian tradition calls this experience, the beatific vision; seeing God face to face.

 

Gazing at artwork, a piece of human creativity, whether narrative, abstract, sacred or secular, can open up an encounter between the Divine Beloved and ourselves. Orthodox Christians believe icons / sacred images are such passageways to eternity.

​

As part of your spiritual life and prayer, take time to gaze intently at a work of art or nature.

Take in image, texture, colours, & shape. Reflect.

​

What in the artwork or in nature that surrounds us draws your attention?

What emotions arise within you? Name it.

What details, colours or shapes speak to you? Why?

Are there memories or other life connections that come to your mind?

​

Record your thoughts by journaling, photography, or drawing.​

​

What might God be conveying to you through images and nature?

Take time to ponder them. Return to the artwork or nature [a tree, a waterfall, a field] at another time and often.

​​

​​

​On this page you will occasionally find artworks posted for you to gaze upon.

Also check out the LINKS section of the MENU under The Arts and Spirituality.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​