Coloring/Doodling_Contemplative Practice for Soulful Living

Matthew Fox reminds us that we all start out as artists.

And somewhere along the way, we sort of beat it out of ourselves or have it beaten out by others as we become self-conscious and judgmental.

And we forget that it is an essential part of who we are.

In fact, it may be a connection to the divine for who is the divine but a great creator.

Now, I'm not asking you to produce some critically acclaimed painting.

I'm not going to ask you to produce anything at all.

You might find a coloring book or just some blank paper.

You might simply scribble.

But I want you to set aside a good 20 minutes or so and simply let your hand go where it wants to go.

Listen to music, sketch, doodle, color, and that's it.

And just be with it.

Don't think it.

Don't analyze it.

Don't try to make something.

Just let go.

Now, a variation on this is to do it with others.

And don't force a silence.

You might be surprised, in fact, how a conversation takes on a different tenor when you're engaged in a creative activity.

So, in fact, welcome the conversation.

And likewise, don't steer it.

Let it just unfold.

So I'll offer you here a short entry into the practice and a blessing.

And then proceed whenever you're ready.

And then when you're finished, close the time yourself with your own prayer.