Nature as Icon Space

July 20, 2006 · by Christine

Sunrise over Georgia Strait, Sunshine Coast, BC

I am up in British Columbia for a couple of days on the Sunshine Coast with a dear friend of mine. As I sit on the deck looking out over Georgia Strait to evergreen covered islands I am aware that nature is a holy text for me, an icon, a window to the divine presence at work in the world. Much as we might spend time gazing upon an icon or our beloved, so too is my gaze drawn to this most holy and splendid of sights. I can spend hours meditating with ocean waves lapping the shore, contemplating the ancient witness of grand red cedar trees, delighting in geese flying in patterns of support.

Gazing is an act of loving reverence, a way of seeing that opens me up to being transformed. We live in such a visual culture that our attention is demanded by so many images, but how often do we really see? Icon spaces invite us to linger, to relish, to be in awe. I imagine those ancient poets who wrote the psalms of creation, celebrating God’s grandeur and mystery. I feel connected to my spiritual ancestors in this moment.

Nature is an icon that slowly shifts beneath my gaze, revealing a God who is constantly creating. As I sit in this icon space I become aware not only of a holy presence at work in the world around me, the Great Artist, but I begin to connect deeply to the divine slowly at work within me, crafting and shaping my life, inviting me here this day to sit in stillness and witness to the beauty of the world.

Is there a place where you can sit and gaze for a while. immersing yourself in icon space? Where are your favorite places to go and be fully present to the holy in nature? Have you had a moment of awe lately?

-Christine Valters Paintner

Posted in Photos, Nature and Creativity |

3 Responses to “Nature as Icon Space”

  1. Songbird Says:
    July 23rd, 2006 at 4:35 am

    Christine, I’m preaching this morning about our need to go to the wide open spaces. Thank you for this concept of nature as icon.

  2. sacredartofliving Says:
    July 23rd, 2006 at 12:10 pm

    Welcome Songbird, thanks for stopping by. I wish I could hear your sermon, I love the image of wide open spaces. Blessings, Christine

  3. brent Says:
    August 11th, 2006 at 8:04 am

    Stars set like jewels in the deep blue black of the heavenly fermerment twitching in the waves of the summer air, gleaming out their life, a song, a sonnet to the wonderous eyes of one who spares the moment to look.Looking is all,seeing is all, feeling is all. Open to the possibilities of the wonderous fortunes in plain view of everyone, but seen by few.
    Brent
    How many of us are here ,you know ones who can sit and wonder at all that is alive and beautiful.I sometimes feel as though I am looking at these treasures of nature alone. While my fellow man is just tuning in some better TV show ,or finding the latest new thing to consume.

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