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

Invitation to Photography: Springtime

Welcome to the Abbey Photo Party!

I select a theme and invite you to respond with images.

For see, the winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of pruning the vines has come,
and the song of the dove is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance.
Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one,
and come!

–Song of Songs 2:11-13

Springtime begins in the northern hemisphere on Wednesday, the time of great flowering on the earth offering hope of new possibilities emerging.

This week, go on a photo pilgrimage, holding the start of springtime in your heart, and notice what images are shimmering in the world around you.

(For my southern hemisphere friends, you are welcome to also share images of the arrival of autumn, or the ways you see signs of spring even in the midst of the season of letting go)

You can share images you already have which illuminate the theme, but I encourage you also to go for a walk with the theme in mind and see what you discover.

You are also welcome to post photos of any other art you create inspired by the theme.  See what stirs your imagination!

How to participate:

1. Go to the Flickr Group I have created. You need a free Flickr account first (go to the Flickr home page and click “Sign up now.”)  When you go to the link it will ask you to join the group first before posting.  Share up to five of your images in response to the theme.

2. Leave a comment below this blog post to let us know you have joined the party and what your Flickr profile name is (you must include this to be entered into the prize drawing).

3. Please post the invitation on your blog or Facebook page and encourage others to come join the party!

On Friday, March 22nd – I will draw a name at random from those who participate and the winner will receive a space in one of my upcoming online class Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Contemplative Practice (April 28-June 15, 2013) and a copy of my new book which the class accompanies.

Spring and all its flowers now
joyously break their vow of silence.
It is time for
celebration, not for
lying low.

–Hafiz

You might also enjoy

Monk in the World Guest Post: Sharon Dawn Johnson

I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to the Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Sharon Dawn Johnson’s reflection Yearning For Second Spring. Seasonal Thresholds Aroused at first light, the sun peeps over nearby urban rooftops as

Read More »

34 Responses

  1. my Flickr name is Nurse Booth. I did this walk as an assignment for “Soul of a Pilgrim” , which I am really enjoying, before I read about the photo party. I had to post the photo of myself as I felt my spirit blossoming on this walk despite the heaps of snow still on the ground.

  2. ‘st.jms’ is my name on flickr and I’ve joined the party :)
    deep in snow with a couple days of blizzards blowing in.
    TY for the creativity opps, Christine, and giveaway generosity ! appreciated.
    I’ve shared it on FB and pinned your book link on my Pinterest Never Enuff Books Board..

  3. I’m in! Melanie1439 is my Flickr name. It snowed about four inches so far here in central PA today and it’s still coming down . . . So, I’ve shared a few early spring photos from last year, with a promise to myself to go for a spring photo walk as soon as possible!

  4. Just added 2 Spring pictures to flickr by flowerslady. I ordered the book for my birthday gift to myself—-but oh, how I would love to take the class.

  5. I joined the Flickr group and will start looking for some images to share… My Flickr ID is chimmih77.