Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Diane Reece, Council Member and active lay member at Bethlehem Lutheran in Wahoo

At the Synod Assembly I was the presenter for a workshop on cell phone photography; “How to Use Our Cameras as a Spiritual Tool.” Many attendees sent feedback in the form of pictures reflecting what we shared. So, now in this month of “Go And… Be Present,” let’s use this tool to help us focus on that theme…

Daily schedules and demands, world conflicts, national uncertainties and personal frustrations often challenge our mindset. Looking at God’s creation with a contemplative vision, can sharpen our ability to experience God’s presence. Your cell phone can be used to help you notice this season in fresh ways, gain new perspectives, and most importantly, be present in the celebration of Jesus’ foretold birth as it unfolds daily.

To use cell phone photography as a spiritual tool,
• Use Contemplative Vision: Be still, mindful and observant. Take time to slow down and breathe. Listen and appreciate your surroundings.
• Mindfulness: Be receptive and let go of expectations. Rather than taking photos, think about receiving photos. Be open for images of God’s holy presence. Photographing in this way can become an act of revelation and trigger a very personal sense of spiritual satisfaction.

• Observe/Notice
close up sideways upside down eye level
black & white shadows patterns textures
colors shapes contrasts metaphors
out of focus parts of the whole stories skylines

Make it happen…
Spend time each day using your cell phone to capture God’s gift of the extraordinary. It surrounds you in the most ordinary of places. Use a contemplative vision not only as a spiritual practice, but as an alternative when harsh and negative images cloud your perspective.

This type of spiritual practice is highly relational –not only with God but with others, even more so during this time of year. Invite a group to participate –sharing a photo daily that is a visual aid to being present. Think how a person could share photos and discoveries with a grandchild? Think of what you could share via photos of ornaments, nativity sets, or even a cherished Swedish angel chime.

To sum it all up, on one hand we have memories preserved. On the other hand we get caught up in the act of taking pictures and may miss the moments. Utilizing photography as a spiritual practice means being mindful. Ask yourself, “How can the photos I take tell the story of the moment, the love, the connections, the history of the people or images in them?”