Let's just say that I'm the type of person who thrives with different cultures. I love to learn about them intimately through real conversations, real learning of their everyday life, cooking with them, eating with them, attempting to work with them, and most of all: praying with them-learning about the role Christ plays in their lives. How does the church, prayer, religious community, music, gospel- get them through the day.
There is always a curiosity to learn about how people accept their religion into their life. Whether it's a Hindu temple, a Mosque in Morocco, a Buddhist temple, or a Church- There is full commitment to being present and learning through ritual ceremony. I don't just float into take photos rather I want to be present for their religious experience to feel what it's like.
When it comes to the Church, it's my number one place and my favorite place to visit. To see how beautiful God's presence can be in a small space, a big space, a historic space, a fancy space-what matters is how people are interpreting this space. How are they internalizing the message, the Eucharist, his spirit, the music, the Pastor etc. It's just a beautiful time to feel the moment and internalize what is being said.
What if you cannot understand what is being said? It does not apply because you are still focusing on what you're feeling, observing, your senses and taking in the surrounding. If you see the church committee smile and carry in the flower arrangement- you can see the love and the joy in their expressions. When you hear the Pastor's voice elevate and his tone of expression shift higher and lower, you can learn to identify what he is referencing. It just takes active listening and a positive attitude and will to learn.
Over the years, I have attended services in French, Spanish, Bulgarian, Italian, Russian, and English. In Morocco, I had an option to attend English services and I decided to attend French to learn and I felt connected to the French choir and my lovely Pastor. It just felt so right even though I only understand bits and pieces of the service. What felt right was the overall religious experience. It does not matter the language or the country rather it is how you connect to the overall experience with your observations, senses, and connecting with people and spirit. It's not about hearing the historical text and knowing exactly what was said, but in this new experience.
There is always a curiosity to learn about how people accept their religion into their life. Whether it's a Hindu temple, a Mosque in Morocco, a Buddhist temple, or a Church- There is full commitment to being present and learning through ritual ceremony. I don't just float into take photos rather I want to be present for their religious experience to feel what it's like.
When it comes to the Church, it's my number one place and my favorite place to visit. To see how beautiful God's presence can be in a small space, a big space, a historic space, a fancy space-what matters is how people are interpreting this space. How are they internalizing the message, the Eucharist, his spirit, the music, the Pastor etc. It's just a beautiful time to feel the moment and internalize what is being said.
What if you cannot understand what is being said? It does not apply because you are still focusing on what you're feeling, observing, your senses and taking in the surrounding. If you see the church committee smile and carry in the flower arrangement- you can see the love and the joy in their expressions. When you hear the Pastor's voice elevate and his tone of expression shift higher and lower, you can learn to identify what he is referencing. It just takes active listening and a positive attitude and will to learn.
Over the years, I have attended services in French, Spanish, Bulgarian, Italian, Russian, and English. In Morocco, I had an option to attend English services and I decided to attend French to learn and I felt connected to the French choir and my lovely Pastor. It just felt so right even though I only understand bits and pieces of the service. What felt right was the overall religious experience. It does not matter the language or the country rather it is how you connect to the overall experience with your observations, senses, and connecting with people and spirit. It's not about hearing the historical text and knowing exactly what was said, but in this new experience.
How Do You Feel?
What Do You Feel?
What is The Feeling?
Why Do You Feel This Way?
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