Devotion Through Action

Today’s drawing of Mary Magdalene

I have always felt that true spirituality is about actions rather than just thoughts or prayers: to be kind, to be respectful, to try to see another person’s point of view, to be compassionate, to do something good for another human being. But how can we also be spiritual for our own wellbeing?

During my first cancer treatment, I discovered the spiritual power of painting. One day I was extremely anxious. I remember having a terrible case of hives at the time. I was so nervous, my body was bubbling.

Nothing helped, and the doctors had no prescription for me. I had to find my own medicine so I started painting with my old oil paints from college, and it helped. I continued painting, and it helped more and more until, finally, I calmed, and the hives disappeared forever.

Painting became a way to meditate and pray. It connected the action that I loved with the practice that I needed to develop in order to face life difficulties.

I don’t think painting would work for everyone as a spiritual practice. However, I think there is an equivalent action for every person. When we engage in the process through which we discover it, practice it and develop it into an expression of devotion, we have an opportunity to find the meaning and purpose that we seek in life.