By: Tytianna N.M. Wells Smith
During the Sacred Journey’s session, there were several profound moments that encouraged me to reflect on my spiritual journey as a woman, wife and artist. As I watched and listened to a sincere video presentation of a friend of Thomas Merton who shared personal details about his character as a joyful person who dedicated his life to peace, justice, and civil and environmental rights, I couldn’t help but to feel grateful and thankful for my best friend and life partner, my mother and grandmother and my strong relationships with my biological and extended family. The celebration of Thomas Merton’s lasting relationships deeply inspired me to remember and appreciate the individuals who motivate me as a woman and wife, and empower me as a writer to paint words like:
I need your love when the day is long and the city is loud and angry. Blue light across the sky night is a moon with stars and eyes to count its time…
I must live close to the sun. Let its heat rays soak into my pores and kiss my lips warm orange. I must let you love me. Calm. And Kindness. And Giving. And Empathy. I must let you kiss me well…
Furthermore, the sharing of a picture slide show was also helpful in sharing the life and legacy of Thomas Merton. The slideshow included rare photos and an audio recording of his voice that I had not seen or heard before the session. However, although the presentations were timeless, thorough, clear and insightful, a couple of the presentations could have benefited from shortening their presentation length, adding visual aids and personal pictures of Merton with speaker(s) to show their relationship, and including a combination of music and poetry to diversify the presentations. In addition, depending on the needs of the audience, a sign language instructor, interpreter, and captions on videos might help accommodate individuals with various visual and hearing disabilities/ impairments for future events.
Overall, this session allowed me to think deeply about the role of my family and community who share in my sacred journey to spiritual enlightenment.
During the Sacred Journey’s session, there were several profound moments that encouraged me to reflect on my spiritual journey as a woman, wife and artist. As I watched and listened to a sincere video presentation of a friend of Thomas Merton who shared personal details about his character as a joyful person who dedicated his life to peace, justice, and civil and environmental rights, I couldn’t help but to feel grateful and thankful for my best friend and life partner, my mother and grandmother and my strong relationships with my biological and extended family. The celebration of Thomas Merton’s lasting relationships deeply inspired me to remember and appreciate the individuals who motivate me as a woman and wife, and empower me as a writer to paint words like:
I need your love when the day is long and the city is loud and angry. Blue light across the sky night is a moon with stars and eyes to count its time…
I must live close to the sun. Let its heat rays soak into my pores and kiss my lips warm orange. I must let you love me. Calm. And Kindness. And Giving. And Empathy. I must let you kiss me well…
Furthermore, the sharing of a picture slide show was also helpful in sharing the life and legacy of Thomas Merton. The slideshow included rare photos and an audio recording of his voice that I had not seen or heard before the session. However, although the presentations were timeless, thorough, clear and insightful, a couple of the presentations could have benefited from shortening their presentation length, adding visual aids and personal pictures of Merton with speaker(s) to show their relationship, and including a combination of music and poetry to diversify the presentations. In addition, depending on the needs of the audience, a sign language instructor, interpreter, and captions on videos might help accommodate individuals with various visual and hearing disabilities/ impairments for future events.
Overall, this session allowed me to think deeply about the role of my family and community who share in my sacred journey to spiritual enlightenment.
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