Audio Divina: Introducing a Contemplative Practice for Contemporary Times
Rankin, Mary Terry - Volume: 9
This article introduces Audio Divina (sacred listening), a contemplative practice created in response to the needs and desires of contemporary spiritual seekers. The quality of a contemplative silence can be influenced by the sounds that lead into it and the sounds that lead out of it. This music listening experience effortlessly guides listeners into a silence that is inviting yet well contained. Audio Divina has been developed by integrating knowledge from two sources that address interior states of consciousness. Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian prayer form that includes contemplative silence, provides the basic structure. The use of classical music developed in the Bonny Method of GIM is the foundation for creating Audio Divina musical sequences that incorporate periods of silence. Audio Divina has the potential to initiate interest in a regular prayer or meditation practice by providing an easily accessible experience of deep silence.