Eyes of the Heart: Photography as Contemplative Practice
Class will be available for on-demand registration beginning September 13, 2010. Pre-register to begin your course as soon as materials are available.
Course description
Film is a record of the ever-changing face of God. This moment is holy, but we walk around like it’s not holy. We walk around like there are some holy moments and there are all the other moments that are not holy. [But they are] and film can let us see that. Film can frame it so we can see that, Ah! This moment. Holy.
- from the film Waking Life
Photography is a deeply contemplative practice. If we approach it with reverence and intention, it can help us to see the holy moments all around us. In this online class you will be invited to take your camera out into the world each week for photographic journeys based on an adaptation of the ancient monastic practice of lectio divina and specific guided themes. In the process of slowing down and lingering over moments of beauty, you will cultivate sacred seeing, your ability to see the world beneath the surface appearance of things.
Photography is essentially about the play of light and dark, illumination and shadow, much as the spiritual journey is a practice of paying attention to these elements of our lives and how the holy is revealed in each. Photography is also about the choices we make in the visual framing of elements, what to include and what to exclude, whether to zoom or pull back. This is a practice of visual discernment: a way of choosing what is important and what needs to be let go of. We begin to see things differently, and in our images also discover aspects of ourselves and God. In our discussions we will explore how to distill wisdom from the images we receive.
Are you seeking a way to bring more presence and prayerfulness to your creative expression? Are you longing for ways to practice the contemplative life which are more visual and kinesthetic? Would you like to join a supportive online community to offer you structure and encouragement in the creative path?
This class is not about developing your technical proficiency as a photographer - it is about cultivating your ability to see with the "eyes of the heart" (Eph 1:18). In biblical and mystical traditions, the heart is the seat of our whole being. To see with the heart, means we bring the whole of ourselves to whatever reality we find ourselves in. We will explore photography in service of expanding our contemplative practice and compassionate presence to the world and to ourselves.
How the course works
- Once you register you will be subscribed to the daily emails which will arrive every day in your in-box for the following six weeks (starting September 13th if you pre-register – you can begin the class anytime after this date). Each email contains a quote, image, and question to encourage you along the creative and contemplative journey for continued inspiration and support.
- You will also receive access to a password-protected web page with the weekly lessons in PDF format and the three podcasts with guided meditations for downloading.
What's included
- Weekly written reflection including a photographic journey exploration, reflection on the week's theme, and questions to ponder
- Daily quotes sent by email with images and questions for inspiration and encouragement
- A podcast every other week (three in total) with guided meditations
- A Flickr group will be set up as a place to share your images with others who are or have participated in the class
What you need before the class begins
- Register for the class online. (checks also happily accepted)
- A commitment to yourself and your creative process
- Computer with email access and the ability to download PDF documents and play audio files
- A digital camera to take on your photographic journeys (expensive or high end equipment is not necessary, a simple point and shoot will do!)
- A Flickr account if you'd like to post images
Sessions outline
Week One: Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart, Photographic Journeys, and Lectio Divina
Week Two: Exploring Shadow and Light
Week Three: Framing: What is Hidden and What is Revealed?
Week Four: Reflections: What is Mirrored Back?
Week Five: Self-Portraits
Week Six: Discovering Images of God
Cost and payment
To register you can pay by credit card either through Paypal or Google Checkouts using the link below. Your email included with your payment will be where your class materials are sent unless you notify me otherwise.
Please note – if you pay through Google Checkouts sometimes your settings mask your email address so make sure to send me your contact information directly in addition to payment.
Program fee $90 – 
To pay by check please mail to Abbey of the Arts, PO Box 23160, Seattle, WA 98102 and send me an email to Christine@AbbeyoftheArts.com to let me know to expect your registration.
Policies and FAQ
Please read the Class Policies and FAQ page before registering.
Your guide for the class
Visit the "About Christine" page for more information
Feel free to email me at Christine@AbbeyoftheArts.com with any questions or concerns.
Praise for the class
I have grown and been stretched, inspired, challenged and incredibly blessed by Christine's teaching, encouragement, modelling, support and understanding as we journeyed together for six weeks. Her faith, creativity, artistic expression and insights and all the incredible photographs shared have changed the way I "see". I had hoped to receive much but find in fact I received even more than that! I know I will benefit as a result for the rest of my life. Rather than being finished, this class has whet my appetite to learn more and to incorporate all this learning and experience into my being. Thank you, Christine, and God Bless all your future efforts and classes! –Jennifer Longley
This class was an ideal way to experience Lent, for me. The combination of reflections for the week, daily questions, guided meditations, and photography 'assignments' and reflection opportunities created an opportunity of unparalleled richness from which to learn. Thank you, Christine! -Laura S., Portland, OR
Eyes of the Heart was just what I needed in my frantic search for a practice which would combine my artistic passion and the contemplative life style. It has become a useful path which I can practice every day and embrace as a way of life. Thank you for making it a great experience. It was the best on-line experience I have ever had. -Susan Hedge