Contemplation-by-Number

Last month, I began painting.  Knowing my limited skill in this area, I skipped over attempting free-style art and choose instead something much less intimidating - a paint-by-number.   Friends, I am here to tell you the paint-by-numbers are not the simple, basic one of the past.  As I looked through the myriad of choices, all of which were beautiful pieces of art in and of themselves, I choose a birch forest scene for my first attempt.  When it arrived, I excitedly opened the box – and gasped.  On one piece of canvas there were THOUSANDS of little shapes filled with millions of numbers!  “Good God!” my husband exclaimed when he saw it, my sentiments exactly.  I took a deep breath, got organized and began my project.
 
Slowly, the paint fills the spaces, the forms begin to take shape, and I realize I love painting!  I quickly found excuses to paint at every opportunity – “just one more number…”.  As I fill in the spaces, all thoughts fade; silence and peace fill my heart and my mind singly focuses on the art.  The scene unfolds before me but more importantly I become more and more aware of the stillness unfolding within.
 
Lent is like that for me.  Coinciding with winter, the season and nature invite me into its quietness and stillness.  Prayer services seem quieter, songs take on a hushed quality and darkness fills that space.  Outside, nature is dormant and the animals less mobile.  And though we haven’t had much snow this season, still the earth seems muffled and quieter.
 
 I usually happily anticipate and welcome the season unfolding in late fall and early winter; however this year I got distracted.  Coming off an especially busy and stressful couple of months, I didn’t realize how far I had strayed from my usual spiritual practices and soul-feeding habits; the busyness of life had taken over and pulled me in a very different direction.  Time spent with good friends and honest conversations helped me realize I had misplaced my peace and joy and needed too the winter’s quietness and stillness to restore my soul.  The simple and mindless paint-by-number was the tool I needed to find my way back to myself.
 
Are you feeling like that?  That you have misplaced yourself in the busyness of life?  That the joy has somehow disappeared?  Maybe we can help.  APTB strives to offer contemplative opportunities where one can reconnect and restore.   Our Drumming Circle, while certainly NOT silent, aligns us deeply with the beating of our own hearts and grounds us in the heart of nature and the world.  Our upcoming Ecumenical Lent Services bring us together into community to explore different ways of being in prayer and contemplation.  Art Nights challenge us to try new and different ways of expressing the creativity inherent in ALL of us.  And our Family Game/Potluck nights bring us together for food, fellowship and fun so we don’t feel so alone on our journey.
 
Contemplation isn’t always about being silent and still either.  Acts of service and giving of ourselves are forms of contemplation-in-action when done from a heart of gratitude and love.  APTB is hosting the Ozaukee Food Alliance Community Meal in March, a lunch for anyone in the community but especially the elderly and those on the margins.  We are looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal.  APTB is also needing volunteers to help with Family Game Nights/Potlucks and Art Nites.  Will you help?
 
I have learned that my spirit – my emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being – is greatly enriched through my times of contemplation.  Whether I am enlivening a nature scene on canvas, weaving life into a piece on my loom, hiking through the woods, serving a meal or sitting in silence and solitude, my soul is nourished.  I hope you also enrich your spirit this Lenten season with contemplation and action and that you find peace and joy in this season.  If there is a way we can support you on this path, please let me know.  I would love to journey with you.
 
Namaste. 

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