Visio Divina: Hope & Disappointment

For the week of February 18, 2024

1. Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Fill your lungs as deeply as you can. Do this 3 times.

2. Simply look at this image. What do you see first? Stay with that for 10 breaths. Try not to let your eye wander and if you do, it’s ok: gently bring your focus back to that first thing.

3. Next, look at the whole image. Let your eyes wander as much as you’d like, slowly and intentionally.

4. Take a moment to process note how you’re responding:

   1. What do you see? Note generals or specifics. (e.g., an atmospheric painting, an orange dot, etc.)

   2. What do you feel, emotionally or physically? Whatever comes up is okay!

5. Consider these questions as you look at this artwork:

   1. When was the last time you were disappointed?

   2. When was the last time you hoped?

   3. How did you heal from both of those experiences?

6. Conclude with a moment of silence. If you feel led, offer a prayer of gratitude or help.

Sketchbook response

Represent your relationship with hope and disappointment as a set of tree rings. These are both integral parts of your growth as a human, your history. Slowly draw the rings and allow whichever memories need bearing witness to in the moment. Hold them tenderly, honoring that they are part of your journey to here.

---

Want more prompts for this season? Check out my Art Out the Dark series here: https://goldenrepair.substack.com/t/art-out-the-dark

---