The Dove
The Dove The graceful, slender-tailed, small-headed dove is common across the continent. Mourning Doves perch on telephone wires and forage for seeds on the ground; their flight is fast and bullet straight. Their soft, drawn-out calls sound like laments. When taking off, their wings make a sharp whistling or whinnying. Mourning Doves are the most […]
The Hummingbird
Art song. Hummingbirds are small, with most species measuring 3–5 in in length. They are specialized for feeding on flower nectar, but all species also consume flying insects or spiders. Each of the 17 hummingbird species that breed in North America builds slightly different nests in various habitats although all hummingbird nests have much in common.
A Jelly-Fish
“A Jelly-Fish” is a short poem by Marianne Moore (1887-1972), one of the foremost poets in the modernist movement emerging in the early part of the 20th century. The poem contains elements of the fragmentary, disjointed verse style that was poetry’s equivalent of the cubist paintings of Picasso.
The Garden of the Self
In this poem the garden, or nature is used to illustrate a deeper meaning – to give us insight into our essential Self.
Song of the Sea amd Sky
Song of the Sea and Sky, by Alexandra Dickerman During this past year of quarantine and isolation, we have been going to Ocean Beach , especially when the big waves are forecasted—for fresh air and long walks, and to feed the birds. Recently, I was struck with the sense that we’re all in this together.
Invictus
Invictus ” Invictus” is a short poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903). It is an example of the Victorian attitude of stoicism, which is often considered a British character trait. Invictus is a cultural icon.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
This little poem by Robert Frost is filled with vivid winter imagery. The words have a gentle rhythm and a soft rhyme, It is about an experience in nature where the poet would like to linger and enjoy the beauty of his experience, but he must return to his life of duty and responsibility.
Tyger Tyger
The Tiger by William Blake 1757–1827 Blake, an English Romantic poet,lived in London at a time of great social and political change that profoundly influenced his writing. In this poem he seems to question everything, including, perhaps, his faith.
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
Written by William Wordsworth in 1804, it is a classic English Romantic lyric poem about an experience in nature which brings us comfort (“the bliss of solitude”), when we’re alone. I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud (also known as Daffodils) is one of the best-known and most loved poems in the English language.
The Road Not Taken
This famous poem by Robert Frost is about the paths we choose — the turning points we reach and the decisions we make that can determine the course of our lives.
Gravity’s Law
This poem by Rainer Maria Rilke is about accepting and appreciating nature (gravity). The poet recommends that we learn from, and respect the wisdom of the natural world, rather than fighting against it.
Second Coming
This poem by William Butler Yeats, written in 1919, seems strangely prophetic today, at a time of plague and political unrest.
I am the One
Hildegard von Bingen, a mystic and visionary from the Middle Ages, wrote beautiful songs, chants and poetry. This is one of our favorites — crafted into a visual meditation with beautiful and evocative imagery.
The King’s Robes
Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem, The King’s Robes from his Book of Hours, is one of his “Love Poems to God.” It reminds the reader to avoid worshipping false images.
Embracing Our Vulnerability
Visual translation of Rainer Maria Rilke poem. Perhaps all the dragons in our lives….
The Beauty of Creation
A TRIBUTE TO FR JOE Here is the first of a series of our favorite Fr Joe videos in tribute to his memory.
Graced with Light- The Ribbons at Grace Cathedral.
In 2013 Grace Cathedral selected Anne Patterson to be their Artist in Residence. Anne produced a wonderful installation of hundreds of colored ribbons that hung down from the rafters of the cathedral. This is the story of that creation. (34 min.)
Beauty and the Five Senses
A TRIBUTE TO FR JOE Father Joe talks about engaging all the senses in order to fully experience the beauty of creation.
A Beauty Workshop
Fr Joe answers the question: “Why to take a Beauty Workshop?” Click the “Class” button at the top of the page for more information on the Beauty Workshop.
The Gift of Suffering
Fr. Joe shares his humanity—his courage and his faith, as he tells us about the gift he is able to find in his battle with cancer.
Living in a Task Garden
Fr Joe talks about how the beauty he finds in the world can be a source of healing and hope.
Beauty – The Journey (10)
Experiencing beauty calls us further into itself, and it leads us deeper into love and gratitude and a sense of meaning in our lives; we need to reclaim it.