Lesson Video and resource links below…
“There is more than me within me…It is I but at the same time much more than I.”
-Andre Rochais, founder PRH International
The first evening of Way to Being introduced 3 foundational practices for this series: creative expression, reflective writing, and speaking and listening in-depth.
“What is my heart’s desire?” and “Where am I on my spiritual journey?” guided the opening meditation of a quiet, retreat-like evening. The PRH Diagram of the Person was defined along with the 5 pivotal centers that influence the individual choices of color, line, and form in creative expression. Students were encouraged to let go of any performative motivations or interior critiques that can inhibit their growth, freedom, and play.
Individual time for painting was followed by the instruction and practice of reflective writing. Small groups allowed an opportunity for each to speak and listen in-depth to themselves and to one another. Before closing the evening, the large group gathered for remaining questions, comments, and graces received.
Between now and next time:
Dedicate a place and time for creative expression. Keep your materials easily accessible.
Sit in silence and breathe, letting go of distractions, relaxing muscles, setting aside feelings. Take time to be,
Allow what emerges to lead your steps in creative expression. Experiment with color, line and form,
Stand back from your work and study it. Notice your interior shift. What is your work telling you about yourself today?
Remember to title, sign, and date your works.
Additional Resources:
Persons and Their Growth – The anthropological and psychological foundations of PRH education (pdf.) Purchase here.
When Life Breaks Through – The Dynamics of PRH Helping Relationships (pdf.) Purchase here.
Catch-up or Re-visit:
Painting with Color
This practice begins slowly, taking time to contemplate the presented theme before making any choices about creative expression. The quiet space allows for the mind to notice a felt sense, a response to the theme from the interior life that is “below the neck,” guided by a body sensation. The choices of color, line, and form follow. Stepping back from the work can deepen the meaning and invite further exploration, “What does this expression reveal to me?”
Materials:
Simple, easy, and inexpensive, meant to encourage freedom and use, located in or around home or found at a local drug store or craft shop. Please do not feel pressured to go to any significant effort or expense to prepare for this program.
- Tempera paints in primary colors or a simple watercolor set;
- Paint brushes of any size;
- Paper, tablet, sketch pad, or unlined journal of any size;
- A large yogurt container for washing brushes;
- A plastic lid for a paint palette;
- Rags or paper towels for spills;
- A board or flat surface for working, protected as needed by newspaper, brown bags, or sheet.
Session One Lesson Video
Catch-up with Way to Being Session Two
Catch-up with Way to Being Session Three
Next session, February 9 at 6pm PST, via Zoom. Register here.
Our second evening will include the introduction of a new theme and art medium, a time for quiet work, reflective writing, and sharing in a small group.
Our Guide:
Carla Orlando, M.Ed, is an educator and spiritual director who teaches discernment, reflective writing, and contemplative prayer at Seattle Pacific University and at the Grunewald Guild for art and spirituality. Carla’s ministry includes Spiritual Direction Services at the Ignatian Spirituality Center, the Spiritual Exercises of Everyday Life retreat, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and the Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative. Carla’s somatic method, training, and supervision with PRH (Personnalite et Relations Humaines) International School of Adult Development is integral to her personal approach and guides her work with university students, faculty, organizational professionals, and people of faith.
Questions? Email Sylvia Sepulveda.
Contemplative Creativity meets the the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm PT, via Zoom.