[Doug1979]

I have a concept that I believe will be good for everyone. I call it “What if I was there”. We take a piece of a Bible story, and everyone tells what they believe they experience if they were part of the story. Add a reference to the bible verse so if someone wants to read the part and visualize from there, they can (feel free to just go off your memory of the story if you want).
 
After the initial post sets the story and the originator’s “experience”, then everyone else can post their “experiences”. You may reference another post (i.e. “My experience is similar to ****** with the exception that the envisioned Jesus was wearing a light gray tunic.”).
 
As for a vague set of guidelines (you can write it as a story, list experiences, etc.[no right or wrong way to express your own “experience”]), first tell where you are in the story and then give what you sense (hear, see, smell, taste, & touch), and then the emotions felt going through the event.
 
So, to start this off:
Story/Event: Shepherds watching flock at night when angels show up to proclaim the birth of the Savior.
Reference: Luke 1:8-14
I am a shepherd watching a flock of sheep.
1.      Sight
   a.      Starlit night with a scattering of sheep in a rolling field of grass.
   b.      I come over to the fire after finishing my patrolling round and hand my torch to another shepherd so he can do a round.
   c.      Several other shepherds are around the fire talking with occasional glances keeping check on the flocks situation and the          patrolling shepherd’s progress.
   d.      As the patrolling shepherd is returning, I notice that one
star seems to be getting bigger and brighter.
   e.      The white light is almost blinding.
   f.        Then I clearly see humanoid in the light and is speaking to me and the other shepherds with me.
   g.      As my vision clears, I notice a blond lady wearing white robes tied with a golden cord around the waist and has giant wings that beat in slow motion keeping them pretty much in the same place (only a slight waver in position).
   h.      After the angel speaks, a couple hundred other angels (dressed the same but different genders and ethnicities) sitting on a towering cloud singing.
2.      Sound
   a.      Voices of me and my fellow shepherds talking (conversation topic forgotten) with some sheep bleating.
   b.      Shocked voices of me and my fellow shepherds followed by the melodic sounding voice of a soft-spoken lady.
   c.      A massive choir with all ranges of voices (harmoniously blended).
3.      Smell
   a.      Fresh air mixed with a smoky smell of nearby fire.
   b.      I assume that the smell remains the same, but do not remember anything in particular when the angels showed up.
4.      Taste
   a.      I don’t have any specific taste beyond normal saliva.
5.      Feel
   a.      Cool light breeze with a little bit of warmth from the fire.
   b.      Feels comfortable (not cold or hot) while the angels are seen.
6.      Emotions
   a.      Content, but a little bit tired since I just finished my patrol.
   b.      Confusion and a little bit of fear at the sudden appearance of the angel.
   c.      Calm as the angel speaks.
   d.      Uplifted/joyous as the angel choir sings.
 
(This may seem long, but I think it “paints a picture” with how I envisioned the event.)

[enchantmentadm]

This is an intriguing idea, Doug. I will have to reflect on this and hopefully will post in the next day or two. Thanks.

[Jericho]

Hi Doug!

I am reminded of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading), Visio Divina (Divine seeing) and the imaginative prayer.

Lectio Divina trains us to understand how God is speaking to us in Sacred Scripture.

Visio Divina trains us to recognize what is God showing us in Sacred Art. For example, if you look at the book cover of the Brothers Karamazov, it shows the younger Son, the Elder Son and the Father from Jesus's parable the Prodigal Son

Imaginative prayer is a great practice to insert ourselves into the story. I also doing this as well.
In your example, you were studying the Incarnation of Christ. It is always interesting to see what would it be like to be there and if we are worthy of holding baby Jesus  

God, in each of these mysteries, touch our hearts in special and extraordinary ways

It is a great exercise you are doing Doug to dive deeper into understanding God

[Doug1979]

Just going off what I have had other people do with me (ask me what I thought they were "wearing", "thinking", etc.) I've always found it interesting to get another person's "painting" of the story is, and sometimes it gives me another way of looking at it. After reading the "Demise of the CM Forums" post, I just thought that it might be good way to get some more people interacting on Catholic Hangout.

[enchantmentadm]

I appreciate this, Doug. I'm still reflecting on this and hope to come up with something in a few days.

[Doug1979]

I appreciate this, Doug. I'm still reflecting on this and hope to come up with something in a few days.

There is no hurry, Armand. It took time for me to type the initial one (many edits as I reread my "experiences"), so I don't expect anyone to respond too quickly. Of course this is your own, so it can be done however you want. Some may also post just one aspect at a time (i.e. what is seen on one post, what heard on the next post, etc.). I look forward to seeing what your post is.

[Elizabeth]

This is exciting. Thanks, Doug for starting the thread. 

Here is what I have always thought of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. I will try to follow your guidelines.

The woman at Jacob’s well John chapter 4.

Sight or scene - I have always pictured the scene to be at our neighbours well. I used to go there to draw water with a jerrycan. The well is down a steep slope. There are banana plants on the right side of the well, a seasonal stream in front of the well and the left is a grass filed and there is a huge indigenous tree. I picture Jesus lying on grass on his side, his face resting on his right hand. I come down for water as usual in the middle of the day and I don’t say anything to Jesus, but his face looks calm and friendly.
The Samarian woman comes for water as well. They start the conversation which sounds strange and confusing to me. I look on and try to figure out the meaning of the conversation. At this point I am not aware who Jesus is, but I know he is special. The disciples come back and ask Jesus why he is talking to the lady. I am just looking on, listening, wondering who Jesus is. The lady leaves hurriedly, running up the slope but I am not sure where she goes. I draw water and go up the slope, pondering what I have seen and heard.
Sound - Its really quiet save for the sound of a few neighbours talking from a distance.
Smell - Just the smell of grass and nothing else.
Taste - Nothing as I am actually hungry, I have not eaten lunch
Feel - I feel the intensity of hot sun on my skin.

[Elizabeth]

This is exciting. Thanks, Doug for starting the thread. 

Here is what I have always thought of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. I will try to follow your guidelines.

The woman at Jacob’s well John chapter 4.

Sight or scene - I have always pictured the scene to be at our neighbours well. I used to go there to draw water with a jerrycan. The well is down a steep slope. There are banana plants on the right side of the well, a seasonal stream in front of the well and the left is a grass filed and there is a huge indigenous tree. I picture Jesus lying on grass on his side, his face resting on his right hand. I come down for water as usual in the middle of the day and I don’t say anything to Jesus, but his face looks calm and friendly.
The Samarian woman comes for water as well. They start the conversation which sounds strange and confusing to me. I look on and try to figure out the meaning of the conversation. At this point I am not aware who Jesus is, but I know he is special. The disciples come back and ask Jesus why he is talking to the lady. I am just looking on, listening, wondering who Jesus is. The lady leaves hurriedly, running up the slope but I am not sure where she goes. I draw water and go up the slope, pondering what I have seen and heard.
Sound - Its really quiet save for the sound of a few neighbours talking from a distance.
Smell - Just the smell of grass and nothing else.
Taste - Nothing as I am actually hungry, I have not eaten lunch
Feel - I feel the intensity of hot sun on my skin.

Hi everyone. 
 I have  read Doug's suggestion again and I realise I misunderstood the instructions. Apologies. 

Please ignore my entry above and carry on with the original Nativity story. I can't see any way to delete my entry above. I will return to this threat and share my thoughts. 
Many thanks and God bless.

[enchantmentadm]

Thanks for your patience. It took me a while to put all this together. Here goes:

Story/Event: The Woman Caught in Adultery
Reference: John 8-1-11

A member of the congregation in the temple listening to Jesus teach.

1. Sight: An angry mob, holding heavy and jagged stones, ready to hurl them at the woman they have accused.
The calm face and gaze of Jesus
The shameful face, filled with terror and horror, of the woman accused
Large pilgrim crowds for the Feast of Tabernacles

2. Sounds: Shouting voices of the mob filled with condemnation and anger. Very loud and almost deafening.
Eventually this turns into silence when the mob is challenged.
Jesus' compassionate voice of mercy and forgiveness.

3. Taste and Smell: The bitter taste of fear.
The taste and smell of dust from the woman being dragged through the streets.
The sweat of the angry mob.
The dry, dusty Middle Eastern air.

4. Feel: The elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, shaking body, and cold sweat I can see in the woman. I am experiencing some of these feelings as well due to excitement and anticipation and the press of the crowd.

5. Emotions: Terror, panic, and humiliation on the part of the woman and terror and panic that I am experiencing as well due to anticipation of the woman being stoned to death.
Relief as Jesus forgives the woman, the woman is spared, and the crowd disperses.
Gratitude for Jesus's mercy and compassion
Introspection, since Jesus' words inspire me to become aware of my own sins.

This is my first attempt at this but I think it is helpful in trying to experience and ultimately understand the passage. I would not rule out another try at this in several weeks as the spirit moves me. Thanks, Doug, for a thought-provoking thread.

[English Rose]

This is exciting. Thanks, Doug for starting the thread. 

Here is what I have always thought of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. I will try to follow your guidelines.

The woman at Jacob’s well John chapter 4.

Sight or scene - I have always pictured the scene to be at our neighbours well. I used to go there to draw water with a jerrycan. The well is down a steep slope. There are banana plants on the right side of the well, a seasonal stream in front of the well and the left is a grass filed and there is a huge indigenous tree. I picture Jesus lying on grass on his side, his face resting on his right hand. I come down for water as usual in the middle of the day and I don’t say anything to Jesus, but his face looks calm and friendly.
The Samarian woman comes for water as well. They start the conversation which sounds strange and confusing to me. I look on and try to figure out the meaning of the conversation. At this point I am not aware who Jesus is, but I know he is special. The disciples come back and ask Jesus why he is talking to the lady. I am just looking on, listening, wondering who Jesus is. The lady leaves hurriedly, running up the slope but I am not sure where she goes. I draw water and go up the slope, pondering what I have seen and heard.
Sound - Its really quiet save for the sound of a few neighbours talking from a distance.
Smell - Just the smell of grass and nothing else.
Taste - Nothing as I am actually hungry, I have not eaten lunch
Feel - I feel the intensity of hot sun on my skin.

Hi everyone. 
 I have  read Doug's suggestion again and I realise I misunderstood the instructions. Apologies. 

Please ignore my entry above and carry on with the original Nativity story. I can't see any way to delete my entry above. I will return to this threat and share my thoughts. 
Many thanks and God bless.

I love your reflection Elizabeth.