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 in May or June and would like to have it listed here, please email the information as shown below to editor@theabbey.us by April 20 to be included in the post at the beginning of April. Please note that all times are listed in Central Time.
April
Eastertide Wisdom Community Practice Half Day with Wisdom Waypoints
Dates and Times: Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. – noon
Registration: Open
Cost: Suggested donation $15 – $50
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: a Wisdom Practice Half Day day amidst the powerful, subtle fifty days following Easter known as the season of Eastertide. Cynthia has spoken about this season as a time when Jesus was back on the planet in his second body, offering his final teachings and transmissions, as well as reminding his students that they already had everything they needed to continue on the path he had revealed to them.
That message is still true for us today.
We have within us a nascent second body that we can build and cultivate “in the womb of our first body.” We can engage this season as a time of fasting as she suggests in her book The Wisdom Jesus, in which we train “exactly like athletic training—so that our whole embodied being can be tuned up to support a spiritual aim we wish to achieve. In the case of Eastertide, what’s at stake-the aim we are striving for—is our physical capacity to be available to truth at a subtle and much more intense level” (p.126). And to be vessels of the real casual energies needed to feed and nourish the planet.
This Wisdom Practice Half Day will consist of practices with one another as well as a talk from Cynthia about the significant invitations of this season “to catch the drift of what Jesus is really inviting us to and to deepen our capacity to receive the intense spiritual energy available to us during this sacred season as a catapult to our own transformation” and to be of service to those energies. The time will be guided by seasoned facilitators and is for anyone wanting to deepen into Wisdom practices with others and to step into the spiritual possibilities of these “exquisitely turbo-charged days” (p.126).
Event Flow: Opening practices, Respite, Talk with Cynthia Bourgeault, Time for sharing and reflections, Closing practices.
Comments: We have enjoyed participating in these half-day events before and they are wonderful–both watching live and watching the recording–or a combination, based on your schedule. It is a treat to do the practices in community and to hear from Cynthia Bourgeault directly when she joins to share teachings.
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.
Sacred Sounds Retreat presented by The Church of Conscious Harmony
Dates and Times: Wednesday, April 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Open, space is limited
Cost: $30
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 6 hours
Format: In person (7406 Newhall Lane, Austin, TX)
Recording Available: N/A
Description: The Church of Conscious Harmony offers a day of conscious listening and healing through sound, along with periods of Centering Prayer. Soup, salad & bread lunch provided. We will engage in practices that invite personal healing through the use of our own voices, listening to ancient sounds of Tibetan singing bowls, and resting in silence and solitude. We wish to acknowledge, and perhaps even welcome what weighs heaviest on our hearts at this moment in time. We ask for our personal healing and offer it all up in prayer to the benefit of all sentient beings, and to ease the suffering of our Common Father. For maximum healing experience, contact with the floor is recommended, either by sitting or lying down on the floor. You are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket and cushions. A list of suggested items to bring will be included in the registration confirmation email.
Comments: The setting is pretty, very connected to nature, just west of Austin and you feel like you really get away without having to go very far. We’ve found The Church of Conscious Harmony to be one of the most consistent places for contemplative practice opportunities. This Sacred Sounds Retreat looks like a unique offering.
Cultivating Contemplative Consciousness – Opening to God’s Being and Becoming Inside You, A Centering Prayer Retreat with Closer Than Breath
Dates and Times: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $45
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available:
Description: Take a day to re-center and deepen your practice as we explore what it means to consent to God’s being (presence) and becoming (action) within. Our time together will include small group sharing, contemplative teaching, and multiple centering prayer practice sessions as well as time away from the computer for reflection.
Explore the “Two Consents” of Centering Prayer: Consenting to God’s Presence: Resting in God as the Being of our being, beyond our busy thinking, feeling and doing; and Consenting to God’s Action Allowing God to unfold in us, becoming the flowing Source from whom our life emerges moment to moment, revealing our authentic and true self.
Retreat Format: Contemplative Teaching: 2 contemplative teaching sessions grounded in moving from the head to heart. Contemplative Practice: 2 Centering Prayer, a silent prayer method that opens the heart to God’s presence. Community Connection: Optional small group sessions for heartfelt sharing and connection with fellow contemplatives.
Facilitated by Keith Kristich, Founder of Closer Than Breath, Keith is a commissioned teacher of Centering Prayer through Contemplative Outreach, trained with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in leading contemplative prayer groups & retreats, and is a certified teacher of meditation & the Enneagram.
Whether you are new to contemplation or wish to deepen your practice, this retreat is for anyone looking to deepen their “yes” to God. This retreat is ideal for both newcomers to centering prayer and seasoned practitioners. While it is not a centering 101 course, those new to centering prayer are welcome. We’ll explore how the practice of Centering Prayer can transform us, opening our hearts to a deeper connection with the divine and our true selves.
Comments: We’ve enjoyed Closer Than Breath retreats in the past. We’ve found leader of this retreat typically follows in the tradition of teachers we admire (e.g. Richard Rohr, Cynthia Bourgeault).
Gathering Dharma Series – The Eight Realizations: The Path to Liberation for All with Roshi Joan Halifax
Dates and Times: Monthly on Sundays, Noon – 1:30 p.m.; April 28, May 19, June 23, July 7, August 18, September 15, October 13, November 3, December 22
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.
The Voice of the Feminine Mini-retreat series
Dates and Times: 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: 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 was introduced on Feb. 1 by Rabbi Shira Stutman who spoke about “Gender and the Divine – He/She/It/Them/They?” This was followed on Feb. 17 with Cynthia Bourgeault. The series continues 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. We’re really excited about Ilia Delio’s presentation on April 13. We think they are doing a great job with this series–it’s long enough to have a good experience, without having to go to a full week retreat.
What Are You Yearning to Grow? Spring Day Retreat with Leslie Wagner and Diana Amorde of Eremos
Dates and Times: Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $75 – $90
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 6 hours
Format: In-person at Still Waters Retreat Center (9409 Grenada Hills Dr., Austin, TX)
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Spring energy is noted for inspiring seeds to be planted, flowers to bloom, and new growth wherever the eye can see in backyards, parks, and the depths of wilderness. Join us for a day to tap into the inspiration and spring vitality of nature.
Step back from your daily cares and to-do lists to pause and ponder what is seeking to grow within you. What needs to be watered and encouraged to bloom?
Comments: Still Waters Retreat Center is a lovely location for a retreat. It’s natural beauty is a wonderful setting for the topic of this retreat. These leaders from Eremos are experienced facilitators of creative and spiritual practice experiences.
Evening of Remembrance
Dates and Times: Sunday, April 21; 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1 hour
Format: In person at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Rd., Austin, TX 78756
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Presented by the Austin Center for Grief and Loss. Please join us for our annual Evening of Remembrance ceremony to honor our loved ones who will forever live in our hearts. Through music, poetry, ritual, and contemplation, our interfaith service celebrates the memory of those we love and have lost. Remembrance Ceremony activities and child care will be available for younger children during the ceremony.
Please bring a small picture or memento of your loved one(s) for our candlelight ceremony.
Comments: We’ve never attended this but know people who participated when it was known as The Healing Place. We think this is a nice opportunity for remembrance.
May
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. The Center for Deep Green Faith is still loosely affiliated with the Episcopal seminary at Suwanee, The University of the South.
Sacred Embodiment Retreat
Dates and Times: Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: Open, space is limited
Cost: $30
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 7 hours
Format: In-person (7406 Newhall Lane, Austin, TX)
Recording Available: N/A
Description: This in-person retreat includes times of Centering Prayer with gentle restorative yoga and stretching. It will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a brown bag lunch. If you have a yoga mat, block, bolster, blankets or evo band, please bring them. Led by Sharon Johnson.
Comments: As noted in the Sacred Sounds Retreat event listed above, this retreat has a setting very connected to nature, just west of Austin and you feel like you really get away without having to go very far. We’ve found The Church of Conscious Harmony to be one of the most consistent places for contemplative practice opportunities. This Sacred Embodiment Retreat looks like a unique offering
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.
“You You You: the address of poetry” – A Craft Talk with Pádraig Ó Tuama
Dates and Times: Friday, May 17; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $35
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: A poem is a word-event going in many directions at once. Sometimes the “you” of a poem is a specific person, at other times it’s the poet, or a general audience, and at times there’s no you at all so the poem addresses itself to the world.
Join Pádraig Ó Tuama virtually for this special Craft Talk, a part of the 2024 Camden Festival of Poetry.
Pádraig presents “Poetry Unbound” from On Being Studios, and lectures and speaks widely internationally. His recent publications include Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World (Norton, 2022) and Feed the Beast (Broken Sleep Books, 2022). Kitchen Hymns is forthcoming from Copper Canyon Press in late 2024.
Comments: We love Pádraig Ó Tuama from hearing him on “Poetry Unbound.” This is a craft talk, but not limited to poets and writers. Anyone who reads poetry may enjoy hearing more about the craft from one of today’s most loved poets.
Courage and Resilience, An Online Gathering with Brian McLaren from the Center for Action and Contemplation
Dates and Times: May 17, 8 a.m. -9:30 a.m.
Registration: Opens April 3
Cost: Sliding scale from $95 – $5
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes; recording available for 1 year
Description: Join acclaimed theologian and podcast host Brian McLaren exploring the “un-peaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling” many of us feel when facing the realities of today’s world. Using the themes of his upcoming book, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (available May 14), Brian invites us to examine feelings of frustration, despair, and anxiety — and discover how we can create a sincere and hopeful commitment to action for the common good.
Comments: Brian McLaren has an interesting perspective, having come from an evangelical background to be one of the leaders of current contemplative spirituality with the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). This event is focused on themes from his new book. We’re eager to participate.
Go to the Limits of Your Longing: An Evening and Day of Contemplative Prayer, Poetry, and Individual Reflection with Judy Beene Myers and Melanie P. Moore
Dates and Times: Friday and Saturday, May 17 (7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.) and 18 (9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Registration: Opens Saturday, April 6, at theabbey.us
Cost: Suggested donation of mutual generosity to The Abbey – donate here
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours on Friday evening, 5.5 hours on Saturday
Format: Friday evening Zoom, Saturday in person at St. David’s Episcopal Church, Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: An evening and day of contemplative prayer, poetry, and individual reflection, sharing in small groups and Circle Practice together.
“If you bring forth that which is within you, then what you bring forth will save you.” (Saying 70, the Gospel of Thomas)
Join us for meditation and reflection as we listen to the Spirit within us and explore creative ways to bring forth that which is longing to come into the world.
Comments: Presented by The Abbey (us!) and led by Austin-based poet and contemplative Judy Beene Myers and sarcastic mystic-wanna-be Melanie P. Moore, this evening and day of contemplation and reflection is a great introduction to contemplative creative practices as well as a chance to pause and look deep within yourself for what longs to come forth.
June
American Teilhard Association Annual Event: Sacred Earth Sacred Soul with John Phillip Newell
Dates and Times: Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2
Registration: Open
Cost: $200 – $310 (in person); $20 (Zoom)
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 3 days (Single session registrations possible)
Format: In-person in Paoli, PA; and online via Zoom
Recording Available: Yes
Description: The American Teilhard Association invites you to join us at the Spirituality & Retreat Center at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA for our annual event featuring speaker John Philip Newell, Canadian and Scottish teacher of Celtic spirituality. He will be presenting via Zoom.
For those gathered in-person at the Abbey, we will prepare for Newell’s presentation by discussing the chapter on Teilhard from Newell’s most recent book, Sacred Earth Sacred Soul. The rest of the weekend will be dedicated to enjoying one another’s company, group discussion, contemplation, prayer, socials, and meals.
Comments: We like that this wonderful speaker and the event are being made available via Zoom at such a reasonable price. This would be a great introduction to the organization and speaker as well as a good experience for those familiar with Newell’s work.
July
Wild Goose Festival
Dates and Times: Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14, 2024
Registration: Open (as a reader of Practicing Presence, use the code ABBEY at checkout to save 20%.
Cost: Winter Special $269 (ends March 19); Spring Special $299 (ends June 20)
Frequency: Annual event
Duration: 4 days
Format: In person, VanHoy Farms, Union Grove, NC
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Wild Goose Festival is a transformational community grounded in faith-inspired social justice. At our nationwide festival, we learn and grow by co-creating art, music, story, theater, and spectacle, engaging in a wide variety of robust, courageous conversations with each other and with thought leaders and artists from other communities. We are welcoming and hospitable to people of all faiths – or no faith – who join us in seeking the common good. We fully affirm and celebrate people of every age, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual identity, education, bodily condition, religious affiliation, and economic background, particularly those who are most often marginalized. We are rooted in progressive Christianity. For us this means moving beyond belief to center ourselves in justice and compassion, to walk toward those in need and to solidarity with the marginalized and the oppressed, acknowledging our own privilege and actively working to use our power to alleviate suffering and achieve wholeness.
Comments: We look forward to attending and have heard wonderful and affirming things about this festival. For example, in 2022, Diana Butler Bass’s sermon at the festival went viral as she shared Elizabeth Schrader Polczer’s groundbreaking work on Mary Magdalene. This year promises to be another rich experience of speakers, musicians, co-creators, and personal transformation for those who attend.
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
Dates and Times: Tuesdays at 8 a.m. (Meditation at 8 a.m., optional 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 a brief reading and discussion.
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.