In tune with the mystical spirituality of Francis of Assisi, a troubadour awake to intimacy with the Divine and whose life impacts our world across eight centuries, this first year draws from a rich contemplative tradition. Motivated by a planet in peril we approach an adult spirituality with a longing to live in conscious relationship with all of creation. This first year lays opens a vision of Divinity embedded in the cosmos and in the depth of our own souls.
Weekend One
Beginning with Life: Learning from Experience
Explore the age-old story of our relationship with self, others, God and the cosmos. What is my story? How does what I believe about myself inform my search for meaning, authentic relationships, humility before the Divine and commitment to my life’s work? What wisdom is mine from the spiritual path of contemplatives both East and West? How shall I begin or begin again more deeply the art of contemplative living?
Weekend Two
Growing into Myself: Becoming Who I Am
The art of contemplative living is experienced moment by moment. Learn ways to grow into your true self by listening with the heart, breathing with the spirit, practicing loving kindness and cultivating a disarming hospitality.
Weekend Three
Living our Heart’s Desire: Longing for the Holy
Learn to awaken to the spiritual dimension. Sit, chant, read, walk, listen, breathe: simple practices that reveal an interconnectedness of all life. Out of the quiet grows the truth that the longing of the heart is for deep peace. When you sit in meditation, you contribute to the wholeness of the world.
Weekend Four
Loving Deeply: Finding the Compassionate Center
In silence, you are invited to practice mindfulness, concentration, walking, and loving kindness meditations drawn from the Buddhist tradition as well as from the contemplative practices of the Christian mystics. Experience how the contemplative life reveals Spirit in our hearts and in and through all beings. Daily life then becomes a journey of compassion in tune with the universe.
I’m especially grateful for the three-year program. It is so special to know that there is an on-going group to journey together and expert leadership to introduce us to practices and ways of moving in this life. Thank you for that opportunity. Looking forward to another wonderful weekend.
Vicki W.
Go to:
Spiritual Deepening for Global Transformation