By Melanie P. Moore, et. al.
Each month, we publish a listing of upcoming contemplative and spiritual opportunities recommended by folks here at The Abbey. Many of us have floundered around in the past looking for community and deep engagement with other pilgrims on the spiritual path. Here we share a curated list of what we are finding, hoping you might find some of it helpful on your journey. We’ve included a Comments section with each listing detailing what we as participants have liked. If you know of something coming up and would like to have it listed here, please email the information as shown below to editor@theabbey.us by February 20 to be included in the post at the beginning of March. Please note that all times are listed in Central Time.
February
The Voice of the Feminine Mini-retreat series
Dates and Times: Thursday, Feb. 1, and Saturday, Feb. 17; April 13-14 and 27-28; May 18-19
Registration: Open – register for each event separately
Cost: Saturday portion: $65 ea. (Online), $80 ea. (In-Person); Sunday portion: Free
Frequency: 2 events in each month: February, April, May
Duration: Saturday portions: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday portions: 1 hour at 8:30 a.m.
Format: Online and In-person
Recording Available: No
Description: The program will be introduced on Feb. 1 by Rabbi Shira Stutman who will be talking about “Gender and the Divine – He/She/It/Them/They?”
This will be followed on Feb. 17 with Cynthia Bourgeault, April 13 with Ilia Delio, April 27 with Heathery Vesey, and May 18 with Susan Aposhyan. Click here for more details.
Comments: This is presented by Aspen Chapel and is a new format, “mini-retreat” where participants can join one or all of the sessions. It is offered in-person and online. We are particularly intrigued by the ecumenical nature of the programming and, of course, we like that Cynthia Bourgeault is one of the speakers as well.
How to Know a Person – Winter Book Reflection Series
Dates and Times: February – Four 90-minute facilitated sessions, beginning FEBRUARY 2024 (dates vary by group
Registration: Open
Cost: $50 + book
Frequency: 4 sessions
Duration: 90 minutes per session
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: Join us for four weekly conversations as we discuss the insights shared and seek to become more understanding and considerate towards others, so we see to the heart of a person. And in doing so, we encourage others to see us. From his own heart-opening efforts while witnessing “creeping dehumanization” in the world, best-selling author and New York Times columnist David Brooks has become passionate about the need to develop better social skills. Research shows most of us are woefully lacking in the ability to deeply see and listen to another. This book is an invitation through stories, research, and suggestions to become a better human by being more attentive to another. Sessions include time for silence, reflection, and sharing.
Comments: We enjoy the Eremos online offerings and this series–which participants can register for any or all weeks–looks to be a lovely way to become more attentive to others in our own lives.
Metanoia Journey’s Sunday In-Person Contemplative Gathering
Dates and Times: Sunday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at The Seminary of the Southwest’s Christ Chapel 501 E 32nd St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: The format of this gathering will include 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, a scripture reading from the sacred texts, a “message” offered by the ministers or guest speakers, community communion, and contemplative music. We invite anyone who wants to participate in performing a role to let us know. Otherwise, just come, rest in God, and receive.
This is a “contemplative service,” with 20 minutes of silent, meditative prayer. For those that attend that have not practiced Centering Prayer before, we have a copy of the brief Guidelines to practice the prayer available at the entry to the Chapel for people to follow along.
At this time, we do not have an area for children to gather separately or have a children’s ministry. Older children are certainly welcome if they can rest in silence during that time.
Comments: This is an opportunity to connect with other contemplative practitioners in person in Austin. While these are primarily Christian contemplative services, all are welcome.
Praying with Jesus – The Aramaic Lord’s Prayer
Dates and Times: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $55 suggested offering
Frequency: Weekly in February
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: The prayer that is commonly known as The Lord’s Prayer is one that many memorized as young children. Even though we may recite it often in church as adults, there is more to this prayer than our English translations have to offer. When approached from its Aramaic roots, the Prayer of Jesus reveals a vision and path of following in the way of Jesus that is both inspiring and imminently practical.
Drawing upon the work of Neil Douglas-Klotz and using a balance of teaching, chanting, sacred movement, and guided meditation, this four-week course is intended as an introduction to this deeper work — allowing participants to enter into a deeper relationship — both with the Prayer of Jesus and following in the way of Jesus.
Comments: Led by the Rev. Henry Schoenfield, a trained spiritual director, ordained minister, and an ICF certified professional coach. A lifelong spiritual seeker, he has been teaching and offering spiritual companionship for those of many faith backgrounds and beliefs for over twenty years. Along with his deep roots in Ignatian spirituality and the Christian contemplative path, he has studied in the Thai Forest lineage of Insight Meditation. He works with individuals and groups who seek to deepen their path and lives of service.
Lent with the Mystics
Dates and Times: Wednesday, Feb. 14 – Wednesday, March 27; asynchronous – emails, online practice circle, and March 24 live Zoom with Carl McColman
Registration: Open
Cost: $79.95
Frequency: Intermittent over 6 weeks
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: This course is designed to encourage a contemplative approach to the spiritual themes of Lent, from Ash Wednesday to the middle of Holy Week. Although grounded in the Christian mystical tradition, the themes and practices presented here are universal in nature and appropriate for sincere seekers of any tradition or no tradition.
Carl McColman is profiled in Spirituality & Practice’s Living Spiritual Teachers Project and has previously led four other e-courses here. Carl McColman is a layperson under formal spiritual guidance of Cistercian monks, affiliated with the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. He has written books on Celtic Spirituality and most recently published The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism. His work is characterized by an optimistic, expansive understanding of spirituality, rooted in Christianity while embracing the wisdom of the world’s contemplative traditions.
Join us to explore silence, service, and serenity during the sacred season of Lent. (6 CEHs for chaplains available.)
Comments: We’ve read some of McColman’s books on mysticism and like them very much. This would be a great introduction to the mystics as well as a way for those familiar with the mystics to travel through Lent with the mystics and a trusted guide.
Thursday Afternoon Gurdjieff Exercise Circle with Heather Ruce
Dates and Times: Thursdays on February 22, 29, March 7, 21, and April 4, 11, and 18. A total of 7 times. from 2:00pm-3:00pm Pacific Time
Registration: Open, send email to support[at]heatherruce.com
Cost: $35 – $140 (pick what works for you)
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 7 weeks
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: This circle will be focusing on the book Mystical Courage by Cynthia Bourgeault. Our circle will begin by spending a few minutes gathering our hearts together quietly in some Gurdjieff & DeHartmann music. There will be time to work with a Gurdjieff Exercise from the book and a brief time of sharing our observations from our work with them.
Comments: Heather Ruce is a gifted and experienced teacher of both Gurdjieff exercises and movements. We’ve found her to be a patient and clear teacher which makes all the difference in a group like this. While Gurdjieff is esoteric, Ruce makes it accessible to students who are eager to learn more. This is based on the exercises in Cynthia Bourgeault’s book Mystical Courage.
Metanoia February Book Exploration – Falling Upward by Richard Rohr
Dates and Times: Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 2 hours
Format: In person in Austin and online via Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: For many of us, we experience “falls” in our lives. They come in all different ways. Many are unexpected. Sometimes, choices we make willingly turn out to have unintended consequences. But what we all have in common are times in life when our best laid plans don’t work out the way our “egoic selves” want them to.
Could it be that these very moments of setback and disillusionment are the very stepping stones to discovering who we truly are?
We will read the book individually, and then gather in-person and/or online at David and Anna’s home in Austin on February 29th from 7pm-9pm.
Comments: Rohr’s book is a classic and has been an introduction to Richard Rohr for many people. Whether it’s your first time reading it or you’ve read it many times, exploring this book with the Metanoia community will no doubt bring new insights.
Gathering Dharma Series – The Eight Realizations: The Path to Liberation for All with Roshi Joan Halifax
Dates and Times: Sunday, Feb. 25, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Donation suggested
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: “Gathering Dharma” is about compassion, connection and collective action. It is a time to explore social and environmental engagement and to affirm our vows in a time of great challenge on our earth. During the morning, we will touch into practice, learn together, and open to inquiry.
For each morning program, there will be a Resource Page, and the Zoom video of the morning session will be posted on the Resource Page shortly after the session. We ask that you register for each Sunday you wish to attend, and you will be sent a Zoom link for the gathering and have access to the unique Resource Page. Recordings of the session will be accessible in perpetuity.
Comments: We like Roshi Joan Halifax as well as several of the other leaders who are participating, including Frank Ostaseski and think this series would be a great way to explore compassion, connection, and collective action.
Attending to You: How Paying Attention Like a Poet Can Help Us Listen Better and Deepen Connections
Dates and Times: Thursday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $40
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: Join us for a conversation with poet Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer about how attentive listening, gazing, and sensing—part of a poet’s craft—is vital for forging strong relationships. And it’s those relationships that see us through the wild twists and turns of life.
While her poetry will be a featured part of the conversation, our focus will be on the stories behind the poems that point to the wisdom Rosemerry has gained from the relationships built through everything from momentary encounters to heartbreaking losses shared.
Leave the conversation with: ways to increase your attention to others; inspiration for building new relationships and strengthening existing relationships; creative processes for expanding your sensory awareness of the people you encounter each day.
Comments: We always find it interesting to hear poets talk about the stories behind their work, especially hearing how their perspective focuses attention in unique ways. Learning how poets approach their craft and how that then influences the ways they move through the world and relate to others is fascinating. This is presented by Eremos.
March
Metanoia Journey’s Sunday In-Person Contemplative Gathering
Dates and Times: Sunday, March. 3, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at The Seminary of the Southwest’s Christ Chapel 501 E 32nd St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: The format of this gathering will include 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, a scripture reading from the sacred texts, a “message” offered by the ministers or guest speakers, community communion, and contemplative music. We invite anyone who wants to participate in performing a role to let us know. Otherwise, just come, rest in God, and receive.
This is a “contemplative service,” with 20 minutes of silent, meditative prayer. For those that attend that have not practiced Centering Prayer before, we have a copy of the brief Guidelines to practice the prayer available at the entry to the Chapel for people to follow along.
At this time, we do not have an area for children to gather separately or have a children’s ministry. Older children are certainly welcome if they can rest in silence during that time.
Comments: This is an opportunity to connect with other contemplative practitioners in person in Austin. While these are primarily Christian contemplative services, all are welcome.
40th Annual United in Prayer Day
Dates and Times: Friday – Saturday, March 8 – 9
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: Ongoing for 24 hours, tune in any time
Format: Online
Recording Available: N/A
Description: This is an online; 24-hour vigil around the globe. You can join in silence and community at any time and as many times as you are able. Each hour will include at least 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, followed by an offering from the hosting group, which may include a video segment, the practice of Lectio Divina, selected readings, community sharing, chanting, etc.. This is an annual event usually held around Father Thomas Keating’s March 7 birthday as an homage to his work.
Comments: We like this because some of us have participated before—in person before the pandemic where separate centering groups could gather—and since the pandemic via Zoom. We find it meaningful because it is literally global. Different chapters host different hours. We’ve been really touched by what the different chapters choose to do. There is always a sit but the creativity and affirmation of the connectedness across space and time is very meaningful.
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop
Dates and Times: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Open (registration closes March 17 at 3 p.m.)
Cost: $35
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 5 hours
Format: In person at The “T” House, 12140 Tunnel Trail, Manchaca, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Centering Prayer is a silent meditation method that is similar to mindfulness meditation. However, this meditation practice dives deeper and fosters a deepening relationship with the Divine within us. The workshop registration fee of $35 includes a copy of Thomas Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart (the comprehensive guide to Centering Prayer) as well as light snacks and drinks.
Comments: We’ve participated in Centering Prayer retreats with Metanoia before and found that experience to be meaningful. The setting is peaceful at the T House, right along Onion Creek where there are paths to walk, and has added to the enrichment of the experience for us.
April
Metanoia Journey’s Sunday In-Person Contemplative Gathering
Dates and Times: Sunday, April. 7, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at The Seminary of the Southwest’s Christ Chapel 501 E 32nd St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: The format of this gathering will include 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, a scripture reading from the sacred texts, a “message” offered by the ministers or guest speakers, community communion, and contemplative music. We invite anyone who wants to participate in performing a role to let us know. Otherwise, just come, rest in God, and receive.
This is a “contemplative service,” with 20 minutes of silent, meditative prayer. For those that attend that have not practiced Centering Prayer before, we have a copy of the brief Guidelines to practice the prayer available at the entry to the Chapel for people to follow along.
At this time, we do not have an area for children to gather separately or have a children’s ministry. Older children are certainly welcome if they can rest in silence during that time.
Comments: This is an opportunity to connect with other contemplative practitioners in person in Austin. While these are primarily Christian contemplative services, all are welcome.
May
Everything is Sacred with John Phillip Newell
Dates and Times: May 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., and Thursday morning 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Registration: Open
Cost: $20 per person (Wednesday night), $50 per person (Thursday morning), or $60 for both.
Frequency: One-time events
Duration: 2 hours (Wednesday night), 3.5 hours (Thursday)
Format: In-person or Live Stream
Recording Available: No
Description: How This and Other Celtic Truths Can Help Us Heal the Planet and Connect Soul to Soul. In describing John Philip Newell’s latest book, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World, his publisher makes a bold claim: “The hidden tradition of Celtic spirituality can help us renew our faith, heal the earth, overcome our conflict, and reconnect with ourselves.” What if this is true? What if hearing directly from one of the leading voices of Celtic spirituality today could transform your relationship with the earth, yourself, and others? Come be inspired to live, work, and connect from a place deep within that recognizes one of the key underlying principles of Celtic wisdom: everything and everyone is sacred.
Wednesday night: presentation and book signing.
Thursday morning: Building on the theme Everything is Sacred, John Philip Newell will share the Celtic Wisdom that can direct our effort toward a healthier planet and reawakened soul and Cami Twilling, Director of Earth & Soul, will invite participants into a soul-nourishing spiritual practice.
Comments: We like John Philip Newell’s work and this is a great opportunity to see him in person in Austin. The event on Wednesday night looks like more of a presentation followed by a book signing, and the Thursday morning portion provides a chance to step through a spiritual practice. This is being presented by several local churches in Austin and will likely be very well attended.
Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program
Dates and Times: Starts in June 2024 and runs to May of 2025
Registration: Open – Deadline to apply is May 1
Cost: $1,300 with $500 deposit due with application
Frequency: Bi-monthly (see details here)
Duration: 11 months
Format: Zoom with 2 in-person retreats
Recording Available: N/A
Description: This is a year-long ecumenical program that shares the theology and spirituality of creation care. Learn to encounter the sacred in nature, interpret that experience, and reflect on its implications for your own life, your church, and society. Immerse yourself in the contemplation of nature in company with other participants, based on classical monastic spiritual formation. Study the integral relation of creation to the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. Create a rule of life for yourself based on a right relationship with God and the glorious elements of God’s world.
Comments: We are familiar with the leaders of the Center for Deep Green Faith and have found them to be very compelling in presentations we’ve seen. They are well-informed environmentally and theologically.
Ongoing
Contemplative Chant
Dates and Times: Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Ongoing
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: 30 minutes of contemplative chant from Wisdom Waypoints, with chants led by Susan Latimer and Elizabeth Combs. Chanting is a wonderful practice for bringing both the Moving Center (body, breath, tone) and the Emotional Center (open heart) online. It is a spiritual practice that opens our hearts, nourishes our nervous systems, prepares us for prayer and meditation as a bridge into stillness, and connects us to our innate joy, courage, steadfastness, peace, beauty, truth and goodness. In times of great uncertainty and change, we find chant to be one of the things that most grounds us. These sessions draw chants from Wisdom Schools, various spiritual and religious traditions, sacred texts, old hymns and poetry. Because of the limitations of synching sound on Zoom, all participants are muted except for the one leading. This allows everyone to chant along in their own space. (Great if you are shy about sharing your voice! Fun if you like to try harmonies!)
Comments: Some of us join this contemplative chant weekly and enjoy it very much. We find it a wonderful contemplative practice. Wisdom Waypoints is the wisdom community started by Cynthia Bourgeault, one of our favorite wisdom teachers. Note that this is a small and warm group of regular participants. Therefore, it can be more difficult to participate anonymously.
The Abbey Tuesday Morning Meditation and Book Discussion: Leaving Church
Dates and Times: Tuesdays at 8 a.m. (Meditation at 8 a.m., optional book discussion at 8:30 a.m.)
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: Ongoing
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: A 20-minute sit, followed by discussion of Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark.
Comments: Of course we love this meditation group! It’s The Abbey, our own contemplative community.
Word of the Week
Dates and Times: Emails sent on Sundays, meets each Tuesday at 8 a.m. and Wednesday at 5 p.m.
Registration: Sign up for weekly emails here.
Cost: Free annual subscription (with recommended donation of $95/yr)
Frequency: Weekly, per above
Duration: One hour
Format: Zoom – link is sent weekly in the email on Sunday
Recording Available: No
Description: A beautiful email is sent on Sundays with the reading of Lectio Divina that will be done. There is a sit and then the Lectio Divina.
Comments: We like this because it’s a chance to revisit the reading for the week—and they always include beautiful artwork (it’s Lectio and Visio Divina!). We like the sense of community. It’s a pretty stable group and there’s a chance to share. We also like the balance of it—they are very mindful of the time, it’s just an hour. There’s a rhythm of it that we like. We read the emails each week and appreciate having the email in advance to sit with it a little before the group reading. There are also opportunities to interact online with the group during the week. We will note that it can be difficult to find the link for the Zoom in the weekly email; it is also spelled out here—the third bullet has link to the zoom with poorly brown highlighted “Click on this link,” but it also provides the zoom code and passcode in the email.
Wisdom Waypoints Daily Centering Prayer/Meditation
Dates and Times: Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m.; Monday/Wednesday/Sunday 6 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.
Registration: No registration required, join via website
Cost: Free
Frequency: Daily, per above
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: A collective wisdom pause for “Silence and Stillness.” Wisdom members lead each sit with a brief reading, chant, and meditation/stillness.
Comments: We like this because it is a way to maintain our personal practice alongside others with the degree of anonymity (or not) with which we are each comfortable. Wisdom Waypoints is a part of Cynthia Bourgeault’s network of teaching and practice resources.