A Wandering Mind 

Dana Gayner

I created this drawing while at the 2025 Friends Conference on Religion and Psychology at Pendle Hill, Wallingford, Pa.  Our guest speaker was Tom Holmes, who spoke on the topic of Internal Family Systems. 

When I am listening to people speak, I often draw.  Not only does it keep me more alert, it also is an opportunity for me to listen within for guidance from my "creative muse."  I'll put a line down, and then "listen" for the next line.  Entering into the creative realm, I drop any preconceived ideas and allow the lines to go where they are needed.  Occasionally, my conscious mind will interfere, and I'll put down lines that don't really belong to the drawing.  This practice teaches me to open up to the Divine within.  I believe this is how artistic people make their imagery, whether it is through words, music, paint, or other mediums.   Practicing this method of drawing strengthens my tie to the Divine and reminds me that I need to keep the lines of communication continuously open.  It's far too easy to forget that we are also divine beings and can access the higher realms whenever we need assistance.  Daily life can be a huge distraction, but it is during times of difficulty that we most need to listen within.  

Dana first attended FCRP in 2001 and has attended ever since, has served on the Planning Committee, and has done art workshops for both FCRP and WFCRP.    In 1980, she joined Salem Meeting which is celebrating its 350th anniversary this year.  Dana studied at the Philadelphia College of Art and after giving birth to two girls, she taught art at an elementary school for 28 years.  Although watercolor is her favorite medium she also makes jewelry and hand-made books.   She says retirement in 2015 may have closed one door, but opened many others.