Human beings are storytellers. From childhood we hunger for stories just as we hunger for food. Stories influence our lives, whether in the form of fairy tales, novels, films, songs, news, even if we do not always realize it. Often we decide what is right or wrong based on characters and stories we have made our own. Stories leave their mark on us; they shape our convictions and our behaviour. They can help us understand and communicate who we are. — Pope Francis, Message for World Communications Day 2020
Like physical landmarks that remind us of historical events or point us to a particular destination, certain stories can serve as landmarks in our lives. A “landmark story” can be any piece of art that has played an important role in a person’s spiritual or creative journey. This could be a song that helped you through a difficult time or a novel that revealed a new way of seeing the world. Maybe there is a film that you associate with a beloved friendship or a work of art that made a spiritual truth feel real to you.
What stories have left their mark on you? What books, Scriptures, films and songs are linked to pivotal moments in your personal, spiritual or creative life? How have these works of art impacted your own spiritual and creative journeys?
There are valuable insights to find if we take the time to look closely at the landmark stories that have shaped us from childhood until now. We can apply St. Ignatius’ practice of an examen to invite God to use these stories to remind us of where we have been and to point the way to where we are called to go next.
So, what would an examen of our “landmark stories” look like? The next time you need a little spiritual guidance for your creative life, try praying with these questions.
Place yourself in God’s presence.
Either in person or in your mind’s eye, travel to a place where you can speak to God about your creative life in sacred silence. Perhaps this place is your current writing desk or studio. Perhaps it’s a place where you first heard or answered the call to live a creative life: a home, a classroom, a theater, a museum or a space filled with the beauty of nature. Place yourself in that location by taking note of the things you can see, smell, touch and hear when you are there. Invite God to meet you there.
Review the path you have traveled thus far.
What are some of your earliest memories of your creative life? In your childhood, what stories would you read or act out over and over again? Do you associate any particular stories, songs or Scripture passages with the adults who cared for you as a child? Have you saved any books or other objects from your childhood? Make a list of the stories that shaped your early years.
What book, song, artwork or film made you first think, “I want to make something like that?” Which songs or films have you memorized from your teen years? What type of art did you gravitate toward and what did you like about it? What type of art did you reject and why? Where did you find beauty as a teenager? Who was with you there? Write a few notes about the memories that surface for you.
As you grew into adulthood, what did you listen to, watch or read during times of transition and change? Which pieces of art did you study as examples of what you wanted to make? In your faith life, which Scripture verses or spiritual songs became comforting or meaningful for you? Have any books, films or songs carried you through a time of suffering or doubt? Do any works of art, music or literature remind you of a friendship that has withstood the test of time? Focus your attention on one piece of art and the season of life you associate it with.
Now, what books are displayed on your shelf and what art hangs in your home? Who do you consider a “Patron Saint” of your creative work, whether they are canonized or not? Where do you do the majority of your creative work, and what does that place mean to you? Which of your own creative works are you most proud of? Hold one of these current touchstones in your hands or in your mind’s eye.
Be mindful of memories and emotions.
Pay attention to memories and emotions that surface as you consider these questions. Which works inspire gratitude? Are you surprised by any memories that have resurfaced today? Do you feel comfort or peace anywhere? Do any stories spark feelings of sadness, resistance or regret? Can you trace any themes or patterns in the stories you have considered?
Choose one work to pray with.
Of the works that have come to mind, which one stands out to you the most? Can you remember more details about the work itself? What did the cover of the book look like? What are the first few chords of the song? What is the angle of the opening scene?
How did this story impact you? Did it inspire you to live a creative life? Did it comfort you in a difficult time? Did it begin or strengthen an important relationship in your life? Invite God into the conversation, asking for the grace to know why that work in particular has caught your attention today.
Consider your response.
Where will you go from here in your spiritual or creative life? Do you feel called to revisit a particular work? Find a copy of it and make time this week to encounter it again. Is it time to make something new? Turn to a fresh sheet of paper and sketch out some ideas by hand.
Consider spending a few moments creating something in response to this experience in an artist’s notebook: Record the list of works that came to mind, craft a thank you letter to an artist who made a work that impacted you, sketch how one work made you feel, or go where the Spirit moves you.
Close with a prayer.
God my maker, I give thanks for this life of creativity and beauty. From my first breath until now, you have been with me. Even when I did not recognize you, you walked by my side. Stay close to me now, in the art that surrounds and inspires me, and in the friendships that encourage and support me, as I take the next step in my journey. May all that I do and all that I make be for your greater glory. Amen.