Imagination, common sense and contemplatation


One of the ways I find of stilling myself and engaging more deeply with the 'now' is through the lens of my camera, for my first sabbatical a large chunk of my grant was to buy a decent DSLR. This camera continues to accompany me at various points, family holidays, times of retreat or on special occasions. 

Whilst staying at Reflections Hermitage last week I again used it to slow down and to see things more clearly. 
As someone who finds reading hard work I also invested in a memory stick with all the talks from last years Greenbelt Festival on. I've not managed to listen to that many (yet) but have been particularly encouraged and inspired by offerings by Paula Gooder on imagination and scripture and Rob Hilton and the story of building Hilda his shepherds prayer hut.


  
Paula as always spoke powerfully and enthusiastically about engaging with scripture. She shares of one of the key, yet often neglected tools for engaging with scripture common sense! (I know why I used to love Paula's lectures so much back at Queens! Paula is a brilliant academic who has deep respect for the biblical text yet who knows the realities of living faith in the world today and passionate about being followers of Jesus today. 


Paula's reflections flowed from her work on her book  - Phoebe: A story (which does still need to be added to my reading pile!) I don't find imaginative prayer very easy, but do recognise that I frequently use imagination in how I engage with scripture and experience the Spirit's inspiration through doing so. Paula gave me encouragement and inspiration for doing more...



Rob's reflections of being an imagineer and the experience of building Hilda the Shepherd's Hut during his last sabbatical challenged me to return to themes of contemplation and prayer. These are themes that I would often talk of as things I struggle with, yet in his story I noticed reflections of what works for me and how I need to find the places and ways to still myself as well as finding in rhythms of work and rest the presence of God. Rob's talk drew on much from the Northumbria community and one reflection particularly struck and challenged me and I leave it here with a few more images...
"There is a Contemplative in all of us, 
almost strangled but still alive, who craves quiet enjoyment of the Now, 
and longs to touch the seamless garment of silence which makes whole"

(Northumbria Community's book of Celtic Daily Prayer, 1st Ed'n. The daily reflection from day 2)











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