Envision and Embody
God’s Love.
Not sure where to start? Beginning a spiritual journey, or venturing into places unknown can feel frightening, but we are here with you every step of the way. You can even start right now in the comfort of your own sacred space.
Begin by prepping your space. Where do you feel most safe, secure and inspired? Maybe it’s your favorite comfy chair or covering up with a blanket on the couch. Perhaps it’s outside in nature, on a walk, or laying down a blanket to sit at the park. It could just be at the kitchen table or your favorite coffee shop, sipping the best tea or coffee.
Use the senses. Wherever you are in your space, use your senses to create comfort and connection. Light a candle, hold a warm or cool beverage in your hand, add something soft or a texture that is pleasant to the touch, turn on all the lights for a bright atmosphere, or sit under the glow of a single lamp. Bring your favorite fragrance or essential oil to cover your space in a nurturing aroma. This space is yours, you can set it up or step into it with as much or little detail as you’d like.
When you’re in your sacred space and ready to start, begin with a few moments of silence then work through the meditation below. You can write out your experience or spend time quietly reflecting on your own.
Bring your insights to session with Virginia to integrate your reflection experience into your individual spiritual direction.
Visio Divina.
Visio Divina is a contemplative practice of prayerful reflection that guides you in seeing and connecting with God’s loving presence and His direction for you. This ancient church practice can be used today in your sessions or in your sacred space. We find Visio Divina to be a helpful way to envision and embody the hope, light, and love that God’s presence can bring.
Identify your Visual.
Begin by selecting the image you will use for your time of prayer. It can be an art piece you’ve seen recently, an image of nature or scenery you feel connected to God in, or a religious depiction. Find a comfortable position in your sacred space and begin reflecting on your image.
Sacred Seeing.
Glance over the image, the top, the corners, the middle. Notice the light, the shadows, the places where the image is sharp or blurred. While reflecting on your image, where are you drawn to? Are certain parts drawing you in? Do you keep looking at a certain part over and over? Notice these parts of the image and listen to what God is laying on your heart in this moment.
Meditate.
Pause here in the presence of God’s direction. God’s love is here with you in this moment. Guiding your thoughts towards His heart. Sit with the words upon your heart, the thoughts in your mind, the emotions rising up, and the stillness of this present moment as a gift from The Almighty.
Prayer.
What response is in your heart? What outpouring do you want to lay upon the feet of Jesus? Take a moment to write these down, journal, say your prayer out loud, or simply sit in the silence and feel God’s presence.
Access.
God’s presence is always available to you. Whether you feel lost, confused, hurt, broken, or seeking deeper intimacy and connection to God, taking a moment to pause, reflect, pray, and meditate, can help you embody the feeling of God’s presence, knowing His love is available for you to access in any moment.