by Marie Spodek

One morning during the Costa Rica conference I was drawn out of my room by the allure of a lovely covered patio in the courtyard between our bungalows. I brought my “journal” book, which I carry with me in which I ponder life, occasionally with written comments, but more often with “mindful sketching.” Within minutes, five women surrounded me asking what I was doing. With very limited common language (which has never stopped me in any of our travels), I explained “mindful sketching.”

Of course, they all wanted to try their hands at drawing. Fortunately, I had paper and pens for everyone, so we set our minds to the task. We silently sketched for about fifteen minutes and then sat for a “photo op.” Each of us had totally different, uniquely personal sketches & doodles. Later, several women shared that they want to continue the practice.

Mindful Sketching only requires paper and pen and quiet time. It is a zen-like, doodling exercise where one shuts out conscious thoughts as much as possible and simply focuses on the tip of the pen... letting it wonderously wander. We didn’t know what each of us is thinking but it was clear that on this occasion we all felt a commonality that didn’t require explanation.

Marie Spodek is a long-term US Servas member and emergent fiber artist. She lives with her husband, Bill Magargal, in Philadelphia, PA.