Community Group | Art and Soul

​For many of us, the thought of a contemplative practice beyond meditation during Sunday service might seem a little daunting. There is so much in the way-a never ending to-do list, a mind that just won’t be quiet, hands that are itching to do something and be productive-that we convince ourselves it’s not even worth it to try, doubting ourselves before we even begin. 

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Or for others, it might just be that we don’t exactly know where to start; we don’t know what constitutes “contemplation” and what is just forcing our minds to be quiet for a few minutes. We’ve all probably had moments where “clear your mind” becomes our four minute mantra, effectively drowning out any meditation that could even take place. Art and Soul, our new summer community group at Collective, aims to offer a little help with both of these sets of worries. It’s a place to start.

Art and Soul focuses on art as a contemplative practice. We make art together that can also be used as a tool for meditation later on. Using broad themes like identity and gratitude, we also use our projects to hone in on how those themes manifest in our lives and how we can claim and explore them in community. Art and Soul values the journey-the process of creating something together no matter the skill level, as well as gives us a starting point for contemplative practice when everything around us is competing for our attention. We ask good questions of ourselves and seek to articulate our answers through visual and written art forms. From hand-made journals and stationery to identity collages and self-portraits, Art and Soul pushes us to be sensitive with ourselves, to take risks, and to trust our community in new and creative ways. 

In my life, sometimes all I need to quiet my mind is something that focuses my hands. Making art has always filled that role, and at Art and Soul I want those who participate to also have an opportunity to find different, and maybe more colorful, ways to connect with others and with themselves.

If you want to get involved, check in on the app, website, or Facebook for info about our next meeting! We get together every other Wednesday for the summer at 5:30 p.m. at Collective. The remaining dates for Art and Soul are July 12th, July 26th, and August 9th. 

-Erin Wagner