Just returned from my morning walk. I often like to go the same route in the morning to discover what’s different today compared to yesterday.
Sometimes I notice something new has bloomed — I might smell it first or see it. If it’s near the sidewalk I’ll often reach out to touch the new bloom gently. I find myself welling with joy at the discovery of this new life.
Today though I noticed an unusual bark pattern on a nearby tree. This surprised me because I’ve walked past that tree hundreds of times the past few years. The bark surely didn’t change — at least that much — from yesterday to today.
I missed it. All those times walking past that tree. And it was beautiful.
This experience stirs me to wonder what else I’m missing each day….
You too?
Tomorrow/Wednesday, Kathy Stockman will share a new program at VITALITY…Visio Divina…an opportunity to spend some time with a painting to notice what it might be offering. The painting above is by Jacob Lawrence, one of my favorite artists. I met someone in Seattle at a restaurant where my sister was working during grad school who knew Lawrence well. He used to go to Lawrence’s house with dozens of artists every Sunday. They’d all talk about painting and share a meal together. I so wanted to join!
As much as I love Lawrence’s paintings, I have skimmed past this one called “The Migration Gained Momentum” (1940-41). I’m not sure why — maybe my love for his other paintings prevented me from seeing this one? I’m excited to spend some time with this one as Kathy leads us to notice our senses coming alive with this painting — much as I do on my morning walk.
I hope you’ll consider joining us.
Visio Divina
…how looking at a painting could inspire a whole new way of seeing/living…
4 Wednesday evenings: March 26 & April 2, 9, 16
6:30 – 7:30pm and feel free to stay after for tea & hummus & more conversation
led by artist Kathy Stockman!
$70 for the series if you book the whole series now,
or come for a $20 donation to the first session (if there’s room, decide later to join all sessions for $85 total)
very limited spaces – RSVP by replying to this email!
taking place in our new center…
1551 Marlowe Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Our new sign coming soon — thank you to so many of you who have made a gift toward the sign — if you’d like to help, we’d welcome your gift!
We’re on a journey, friends. We will need our senses to come alive in new ways to notice the gifts along the way, and the opportunities. I’m grateful Kathy will be sharing her gifts with us!
Brian Shircliff
PS Our monthly Inner Journey journaling is tonight via Zoom at 6:30pm — let me know if you’d like to join!
