Leader’s Notes:
In today’s session, we’re going to focus on the theme of Wandering. This might be something entirely new to people. In the film, David spends his time wandering. We encourage you, as the leader, to take some time to reflect on wandering in your own life prior to running this session.
Wandering is a spiritual practice often explored experientially through walking labyrinths as well as pilgrimages (e.g. the Camino de Santiago). Within faith communities, these have been used to represent the pilgrim’s journey. For our Reflection Action, you have two options. One is to go for a walk, and the second is to create a labyrinth. If choosing the second option, this should be prepared before the event, inside or outside the event. Each person in the group should trace their way, one by one, into the centre – and then have a moment of stillness to reflect. A film option is given if a person or the entire group cannot walk.
Reminder, that any words that are italicized are a not meant to be read out loud, and is a note or instruction just for you
Welcome
Welcome to our gathering tonight.
Does anyone have reflections or new thoughts to share about our last time together?
Note: watch your time. You may only have time for 2 answers
In this session, we are going to talk about the theme of Wandering and the role it played in David’s life as depicted in the film.
Breath Prayer
As we move into our time together, we’re going to take a moment to release the day and centre ourselves in the Eternal through breath prayer.
As we breathe, I invite you to let go of your day. Release it. Feel your breath going into your lungs and out. We’re going to breathe together for one minute. If closing your eyes is helpful, you can do that now.
Take 30 seconds for just breathing and then start Shepherd, Guide Me or Yah-Weh breath prayer.
Note: If appropriate, close with a prayer.
Go right into poem.
Poem
This life is not a state of being good,
But rather, of growth in goodness.
Not a state of being healthy
But a period of healing.
Not a state of being,
But becoming;
Not a state of rest,
But of exercise and activity.
We are not yet what we shall be,
But we grow towards it;
The process is not yet finished,
But is still going on;
This life is not the end,
It is the way to a better.
All does not yet shine with glory;
Nevertheless, all is being purified.’
Martin Luther (16th Century).
Introduction
Life does not come with a map. However, it does come with a Guide. Throughout much of the film we see David wandering. He is wandering both literally and figuratively. We observe his mind wandering through his past and into his present and future; wandering – and wondering – about what it all means, or whether it’s all meaningless!
Even as he wanders, David isn’t lost. The Sound of the divine is his ever-present Guide, and we see immediately the moments when David feels deeply the presence or seeming absence of his Guide.
We are all called on a journey with a divine companion. It is the adventure of a lifetime if we have the courage to follow that Guide. It may feel like we are lost. But we are wandering with the best Guide possible.
Film Scene
Watch film clip 9.1 – Wandering
Film Reflection
What is the difference between wandering and being lost? Is there one?
What did you notice about David’s wandering?
Can you think of a time when you thought you were wandering aimlessly but you discovered a sight, sound or view, or encountered a person that gave new meaning to your journey?
Share a personal story about a time you went for a wander and how that impacted you.
Psalm & Psalm Microfilm
Option 1 – Watch the Psalm Microfilm
Today we’re going to watch Psalms Microfilm 84. As we view it, allow yourself to observe and experience the words.
Watch film clip 9.2 – Psalms Microfilm 84
Reflection
What did you notice about the actor Corey in the microfilm?
What words or phrases impacted you?
Option 2 – Read the Psalm
Today we’re going to reflect on Psalm 84. As I read the Psalm, allow yourself to hear and experience the words. If you’d like to, close our eyes as I read.
Read Psalm 84
How lovely is Your temple, Your dwelling place on earth,
O Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies.
2 How I long to be there—my soul is spent,
wanting, waiting to walk in the courts of the Eternal.
My whole being sings joyfully
to the living God.
3 Just as the sparrow seeks her home,
and the swallow finds in her own nest
a place to lay her young,
I, too, seek Your altars, my King and my God,
Commander of heaven’s armies.
4 How blessed are those who make Your house their home,
who live with You;
they are constantly praising You.
[pause]
5 Blessed are those who make You their strength,
for they treasure every step of the journey [to Zion].
6 On their way through the valley of Baca,
they stop and dig wells to collect the refreshing spring water,
and the early rains fill the pools.
7 They journey from place to place, gaining strength along the way;
until they meet God in Zion.
8 O Eternal God, Commander of heaven’s armies, listen to my prayer.
O please listen, God of Jacob.
[pause]
9 O True God, look at our shield, our protector,
see the face of Your anointed king, and defend our defender.
10 Just one day in the courts of Your temple is greater
than a thousand anywhere else.
I would rather serve as a porter at my God’s doorstep
than live in luxury in the house of the wicked.
11 For the Eternal God is a sun and a shield.
The Eternal grants favor and glory;
He doesn’t deny any good thing
to those who live with integrity.
12 O Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies,
how fortunate are those who trust You.
Reflection
What did you see as Psalm 84 was read?
What words or phrases impacted you?
Action Reflection Options
Option 1 – Going for a Wander
Today we’re going to go for a walk. Most of us travel by car, bus, train and plane far more than we walk. Two thousand years ago, in the era of the Bible, people walked great distances. Sometimes these walks were hugely significant, as when two grieving people were joined by a stranger on the road to Emmaus. They were desperately sad after the crucifixion of their lord, without realising that the risen Christ had joined them on their journey.
Note: Give practical information about the walk, including duration and distance of the walk.
I invite you to listen for your Guide’s Sound on your walk and allow your body and soul to respond.
Option 2 – Walk a Labyrinth
Many of you have heard about garden mazes or labyrinths. These could be found not only in the gardens of great country houses (e.g. Hampton Court Palace near London UK), but also medieval cathedrals. There were often simple mazes or labyrinths marked out on the floor as a focus for spiritual pilgrimage.
You may have noticed that I’ve created a maze with tape on the floor – a series of roundabout paths that lead finally to the centre. Each of us will have an opportunity to trace our way, individually, into the centre – and then have a moment of stillness to reflect. Perhaps a thought or a feeling will come up for you as you stand in this still point, or as you observe others tracing their paths.
For those who can’t walk:
Re-watch David wandering, imagine this is you walking. Allow yourself to wander internally as well. Listen for your Guide’s Sound on your walk and allow your body and soul to respond.
Closing Thought
Movement can be an integral way for us to hear and respond to the Sound. In a world where we are continually urged to move quickly, to be fast, wandering invites us to slow down. Wandering invites us to be present with ourselves and in the moment through movement, and present with our surroundings through processing what we see.
Closing Poem
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
J.R.R. Tolkien (20th Century).
Note: you may want to read this quote twice.
Closing Prayer
Give thanks for the time together, and offer a reminder and encouragement to wander with the Eternal.