Visio Divina: Sacred Seeing in Modern Art Forms

We believe that there is a healing power in the forest. The trees can speak to our condition and touch our hearts. This was certainly our experience while creating our series of Celtic Saints meditation videos. You can watch the entire series HERE.

When making these videos, we would find a beautiful place, set up the tripod and camera, and open our hearts to the divine presence all around us. All of our footage (with the exception of the wolves, owl, and eagle which were filmed in a nature reserve) is filmed on Manitoulin Island.

Manitoulin Island is a Thin Place.

Manitoulin is actually an English butchering of the Aanishnaabek name Mnidoo Mnising which loosely translates as ‘spirit island’. This holy island is the largest freshwater island in the world, with several inland lakes of its own, nestled on the northern shore on Lake Huron (which is essentially a fresh water sea).

For me, the spirit of this island comes through in our video. Somehow, the camera manages to convey that presence through what is essentially a combination of Visio Divina and Slow TV. The videos in our retreat are sacred windows which give you a glimpse of the spirit of this island.

In the video below we filmed a quiet spot where we knew the deer like to visit. If you are willing to immerse yourself in the stillness of that place, the deer will touch your soul. Watch it prayerfully and see if you can allow yourself to become one with the music, nature, and sacred story which is being presented to you.

If you enjoyed this article please share it with your friends or on your favourite social media. If you would like to explore spiritual direction with Justin then click HERE to learn more about it. If you have any questions then feel free to contact Justin at justin@newedenministry.com or if you are receiving this in an email, simply respond to the email.

Liked it? Take a second to support Justin on Patreon!