Labyrinths and Lenses: Mindful Walking and Contemplative Photography | September 9, 2023
(All Event Times Listed are Central Standard Time)
Sewanee, TN 37375
Labyrinths and Lenses: Mindful Walking and Contemplative Photography
The labyrinth and photography are tools that can be used in a spiritual practice to combine image-receiving with the contemplative nature and open-heartedness of mindful walking. In both cases, the labyrinth and the camera can be used to help guide us to receive that which we pass by or take for granted along our daily way.
During this day-long retreat, we’ll attend sessions, have labyrinth walks, and enjoy periods of time to breathe, to mindfully explore the beautiful campus of St. Mary’s Sewanee allowing a shift of our focus from looking to seeing. The labyrinth sessions will help cultivate slow attentiveness and receptivity. The camera will help us develop a practice of visio divina which is a form of sacred seeing and is essentially an application of the rhythms of lectio to looking with the eyes of the heart. This will be a time for reflections, journaling, labyrinth walks and, of course, making images.
No photography experience is necessary for this Saturday retreat. You are welcome to bring a camera but expensive equipment is not required. A smartphone or iPhone camera will work just fine. As photographer Ansel Adams once said, “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” Bring your openness and willingness to learn to walk and see on a deeper level.
Margy Oehmig received her Veriditas training as a labyrinth facilitator at Chartres Cathedral under the tutelage of Lauren Artress, author of Walking a Sacred Path. She has long been drawn to the labyrinth as a contemplative tool and uses it in combination with her Centering Prayer practice to quiet the mind, still the body and listen to the quiet Voice within. Having an MFA in Art History, she has held various professional and volunteer positions in the fields of art and education in Chattanooga, TN. Currently, she is following her heart’s desire to share labyrinth’s sacred energy with others.
Terry Price, is a Tennessee based writer and photographer, with an MFA in writing from Spalding University in Louisville. He is a former Program Director and current mentor in MTSU Write (formerly The Writer’s Loft) creative writing program at Middle Tennessee State University. (www.mtsu.edu/write). He works with creatives one on one and leads workshops and retreats.
A self-described lifestyle photographer, his portfolio includes street, landscape, and travel photography and his current traveling exhibit features work from Italy. He photos have accompanied pieces in various journals, newspapers, and magazines and sold to individuals.
He is also a labyrinth facilitator and leads workshops on using the labyrinth as both a spiritual and creative tool. His work has appeared in Writer’s Notes magazine, Bloodlotus, The Trunk, The Tennessee Writer, the Timber Creek Review, New Southerner, The Best of New Southerner, and has had both his writing and photography featured in the literary magazine, 2nd & Church. He has had two pieces nominated for the Pushcart Prize. You can find more of his work and how to work with Terry at www.terryprice.net.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies
St. Mary’s Sewanee-Sponsored Programs and Retreats:
Full payment of the event is due with registration. A $25 cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellation made after 3 days of registering. There are no refunds within 7 days of the program and payments are non-transferrable.
Financial Assistance Available
St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center wants anyone who is seeking spiritual transformation here to be allowed that opportunity. If you find it difficult to afford a program, please, contact Reservations for information about financial assistance.
Due to the generous donations of some St. Mary’s Sewanee supporters, there are limited scholarships available and applicable to any sponsored event.
To apply, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org or 931-598-5342 and request an application.
All are welcome here to find Rest, Renewal and Reconnection.