Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Finding Spirituality through Art, Nature and Ritual


I recently heard Reverend Ed Bacon say he believes there are three things that help people find spirituality.

  • Nature 
  • Art 
  • Ritual 

All of those are true for me. And I seek more opportunities for all of them constantly. When I think about some of the most meaningful times in my life they have generally involved one or more of these things. 

Although I am not an "outdoors kind of girl," I do find nature a very moving experience. Being in Muir woods on a beautiful morning, sitting by a stream alone one afternoon, being surrounded by the quiet of trees on an all day excursion are all memorable moments.

 I've had a passion for art since I was in college and "discovered" it. I always say I have to have time to "commune with the art," and that's really what it is for me - a time to interact on a deep level with what I'm experiencing. Monet's work impacts me more than other other, I think, although I love all art.

Ritual is part of what I like about Catholicism. Although I'm not Catholic, I do appreciate that the church has preserved rituals for centuries. I have my own rituals for a variety of things and find them a comfort and a grounding process.

All of these things connect me with something larger than my individual life, and I think that's what we're all looking for - a connection. I need more of all of these things in my daily life.
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