Communal Sensing

One of the things I have noticed throughout the course is how when reading the same books we are drawn closer together by our shared learning and experiences, despite the fact that, quite obviously, the books will be read alone! Not rocket science I know, but then I got to thinking about how this effects community, how despite leading separated lives we can be drawn together in this common experience.

Steve Taylor is exploring this avenue at the moment and has shared some of his thoughts here and Chris Curtis shares hear some of his experiences on his blog.

But can this benefit  be applied to all the senses?   

This got me to thinking about how this could work for those who don't like to read or find that after a day of computer screens and words they simply don't want to read anything else (I count myself in that category at times ).  What about those who are much more influenced and inspired by image and sound, what happens there.

What about all listening to a song or a piece of music that is in unison with a  piece of scripture or a photograph or series of photographs depicting scenes (or emotions etc) from scripture, to reflect on, pray about, simply focus on during a busy week. Could this have the same effect or a more positive effect?

I had a heartwarming comment form a now adult, who I hadn't seen for a long while (away at university), who was part of a youth group I used to co-lead. One of the things I enjoyed doing for that group was putting CD.s together of music that tied into thoughts, feelings, emotions that were being addressed throughout our explorations in the group. By and large the Cd's seemed to go down well but I never really knew what the power of those Cd's (if any) was. And this is where the now adult comes back in, this person made reference to the fact that they still listen to one of the Cd's and take great comfort from not only the music but how the music draws them back to those sessions and discussions and how that helps in the more difficult times.  I can't help but thinking that pieces of paper wouldn't have the same effect!

Image courtesy of Matt's Blog