Visit the Abbey of the Arts online retreat platform to access your programs:

Visual Meditation: Gathering Flock

Creation tells me a story – this is what beauty is for it whispers, to soothe your wearied spirit, to enliven you, to invite you into dancing once again, to imagine gathering with a whole flock of kindred spirits who journey alongside you in grief and delight, who don’t ask you to be anywhere other than where your pulsing heart carries you right now.

Sabbath begins for me this evening, a time when I can surrender into the restoration this time offers, a time to simply be and delight in my flock.

Shabbat Shalom to all of the kindred souls who gather here virtually to find refreshment.  May the spirit of restoration knit itself deep into your bones until you find yourself dancing again.  May your wings carry you to the place where your heart sings.

May the peace of Sabbath be yours and flow out into the world like the power of a hundred beating wings.

* * *

Oct 23 2009 0230001

Oct 23 2009 0219001

Oct 23 2009 0160001

Oct 23 2009 0265001

Oct 23 2009 0282001

I took these photos last October while on pilgrimage in Ireland.

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Janeen Adil

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Janeen Adil’s reflection and poem on home. Home. In any language, it’s among the most evocative of words. My own memories and

Read More »

12 Responses

  1. ahhhh, yes. i am transported back to that magical place and can see you with camera in hand focused on the wondrous flock. it’s a delight to see the results. shabbat shalom, friend.

  2. A moment in the sacred changes us. Mary Oliver is never a disappointment. The blackbirds adorn the bare trees and stir my soul. That they “irish”, tee-hee, thrills me even more.

    Thank you for a moments journey.

  3. Christine, Before you begin your Sabbath, I just wanted to let you know that this morning I found out about Michael Meade (Mosaic) by clicking a link on your Facebook page. My husband and I listened to some of his audio samples on his Webpage and ordered one of the CDs. Reminded us of Joseph Campbell.

    Peace be with you during your sacred rest!

  4. Lucy wrote today on taking 10 minutes for oneself. Ten minutes here, just resting eyes on those images, and reading Mary Oliver’s words and meditating on them work wonders.

  5. thankyou for the sabbath blessing which i will hold close to my heart this day

    in your sabbath rest may you find nurture and sanctuary with those who don’t ask you to be anywhere other than where your pulsing heart carries you right now

  6. Your thoughts and images are always beautiful, Christine.
    Keep writing while you have the time.
    I hope I can do a little of that, later.
    Joys and blessings for the weekend!

  7. Everything here – the words, the poetry excerpt and the photographs – has just filled me like a long glass of water. Beautiful. Thanks, Christine