Why call stone carving a Spiritual Discipline?

• The sculptural form comes from within. What would feel beautiful? What would be pleasing? What feelings will be worth expressing? What shape presents the stone in its best light?

• The process is slow. One cannot rush. There’s plenty of time to stop and meditate and rejoice as the form emerges step-by-step. Carving is not enjoyable when done under time pressure. Stone carving is an invitation to relax and contemplate.

• The carver and the stone form a mutually respectful relationship—both listening carefully to the other. The stone is loving. It will give everything that it can, but if the carver insists on asking the stone for something it cannot give, the sculpture will fail. Carving requires coaxing, not clobbering; honoring, not overpowering.