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 “Comments” with each listing detailing what we as participants have liked. If you know of something coming up in October or November and would like to have it listed here, please email the information as shown below to editor@theabbey.us by September 25 to be included in the post at the beginning of October. Please note that all times are listed in Central Time.
September
Being Awake
Dates and Times: Sunday, September 17, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Donation
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: Yes
Description: Presented by the Upaya Zen Center and led by Frank Ostaseki and Sharon Salzberg. To awaken is to be fully alive. We integrate mind, heart, body and reality. Everything we encounter, even suffering, can support the development of a wise and compassionate heart, so we can become a whole human being. We will explore how we can use challenging conditions, whether personal or social, to cultivate awakening and aliveness, and express that realization through loving action.
Comments: The leaders are favorites of ours and this topic is one we find compelling. We especially think the combination of these two leaders will provide a rich experience for participants. With the Upaya offerings, we like that you can choose the level of participation or anonymity that suits you.
An Evening with Diana Butler Bass
Dates and Times: Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality. She will also join us in worship as our guest preacher on September 24.
Diana Butler Bass (Ph.D., Duke) is an award-winning author of eleven books, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality, especially where faith intersects with politics and culture.
Her bylines include The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN.com, Atlantic.com, USA Today, Huffington Post, Christian Century, and Sojourners. She has commented in the media widely including on CBS, CNN, PBS, NPR, CBC, FOX, Sirius XM, TIME, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Mother Jones, and in multiple global news outlets.
Her website is dianabutlerbass.com and she can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She writes a twice-weekly newsletter – The Cottage – which can be found on Substack.
Comments: Some of us follow her Substack, The Cottage, and have heard recordings of her sermons. She’s a well-respected church historian and scholar as well as an engaging speaker. For those of us in Austin, this is a wonderful in-person opportunity.
Fall Equinox Pause
Dates and Times: Saturday, Sept. 23, Noon – 1 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: Yes
Description: We invite you to wonder before the eternal cosmic dance, expressed on our planet Earth through the two hemispheres complementing each other’s steps. As one moves into Winter (North) and the other to Summer (South), for one instant (Equinox) the sway of night and day comes to stillness, and both contemplate each other in likeness.
This event is free and is led by Marcela Huepe and Carmen Horst. This event is presented by Wisdom Waypoints, a global network of wisdom seekers founded by Cynthia Bourgeault.
Comments: We think this is an opportunity to connect with a global wisdom community to mark the Fall Equinox in a contemplative space. Our experience is that some of these are large and you can be anonymous, some are smaller and more intimate, where participants are invited to engage in conversation or comments. We don’t know which this will be.
Mary Magdalene: Apostle to Our Own Times
Dates and Times: Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Nov. 15
Registration: Open through Sept. 19
Cost: $120
Frequency: Weekly lessons, asynchronous
Duration: 8 weeks
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: Led by Cynthia Bourgeault and presented by the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). An online course designed to challenge and expand your view of Mary Magdalene and her role in the Gospels. Learn what made Mary one of Jesus’ most important and beloved disciples and discover her legacy as an apostle to our times—revealing a path of conscious love that we too are invited to walk.
“Mary Magdalene: Apostle to Our Own Times” explores one of Christianity’s most courageous women and an important disciple of Jesus who truly embodied his non-dualistic approach and deep understanding of the value of the feminine.
Mary Magdalene is commonly misunderstood or even overlooked, but who was this woman who earned the title “Apostle to the Apostles”? While history has often portrayed her—incorrectly—as a prostitute, there is much to discover about this woman who walked so closely with Jesus. This course will explore what her life and example can teach us about the sacrament of conscious love at the heart of the Gospel mystery.
Peeling away centuries of erroneous speculation and conjecture about Mary Magdalene, Cynthia Bourgeault correctly focuses on how Mary Magdalene, above anyone else, understood and lived what Jesus taught.
Comments: Bourgeault is one of the preeminent scholars and teachers of Christian spiritual practice and mysticism. Her book, The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity, has become a foundational text for those who want to learn more about Mary Magdalene. This course would be an even deeper dive than the book. At The Abbey we have profound interest in feminine spirituality and this is right in that wheelhouse.
Stories that Wound, Stories that Heal: An Online Gathering with Brian McLaren
Dates and Times: Thursday, September 28, Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $95, $30, $10, $5
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: Presented by the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). A literary scholar and former pastor, CAC faculty Brian McLaren has identified seven story patterns that appear again and again both in the Bible and our modern lives. Learn how identifying these seemingly hidden story patterns can reframe the Bible as a living, breathing narrative – one that mirrors our experiences, aspirations, and search for meaning.
This online gathering will explore the seven-story framework as a way of interpreting Biblical wisdom for our dynamic modern lives. A detailed agenda and event access information will be sent closer to the event date. Participants will need a device with reliable Internet access, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer to access the online gathering.
Comments: McLaren is emerging as a leading teacher and spiritual voice of the CAC. His book Do I Stay Christian? has been widely read and well-received. This looks like an interesting event with a trusted teacher.
Finding Our Feet, Holding Our World: Wisdom Community Practice Half Day
Dates and Times: Friday, Sept. 29, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Suggested donation $15 – $50
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: With everything that the planet is facing at this time, war, fires, hurricanes, racism, hatred, and so much more, we as Wisdom students are called to find our feet and hold our world. Join us for another Wisdom Practice Half Day which will include a Gurdjieff Exercise, a live talk from Cynthia, chanting, silence, and optional conscious conversation. This gathering is for anyone wanting to engage Wisdom practices with others not only for ourselves and one another but on behalf of the world. Join us for any part of the day you are able! Presented by Wisdom Waypoints, a global network of wisdom seekers founded by Cynthia Bourgeault.
Comments: Rooted in Bourgeault’s “three-centered awareness” practice, “finding your feet” is a touchstone term she uses for embodiment of spiritual practice. This half-day practice is an opportunity to explore this for those who are interested. We like that the presenters are inviting people to join for as much or as little as they can for the live presentation and that there will be a recording of the entire event.
Introduction to Centering Prayer
Dates and Times: Saturday, September 30, 9 a.m. – Noon; Four follow-up Sessions, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: Open; registration closes Sept. 28
Cost: $15
Frequency: Event + 4 online follow-up sessions
Duration: First day – 3 hours; Follow-up sessions, 1 hour
Format: In person (Sept. 30), Online (4 follow-up sessions
Recording Available: No
Description: An in-person introduction to Centering Prayer Class to help participants form a Centering Prayer Practice.Presented by the Church of Conscious Harmony (CCH) in Austin, Texas, the sessions are led by one of the founding (& retired) CCH pastors, Barbara Cook, an experienced facilitator.
Comments: We have found their campus to be beautiful, peaceful, and restorative and really give a sense of having taken time away from the regular world. They have a labyrinth down the hill behind campus and maps that show where it is located. In our experience, retreats are held in the sanctuary with chairs in a large circle. For this type of retreat, they have a custom of removing their shoes before entering the sanctuary – so leave shoes in the foyer (they don’t really post it or announce it but it is their practice when we’ve been in the past.) Usually silence is observed throughout the day except for the opening and closing. In the opening, people may be invited to share in the circle what your intention is for the day and in the closing you can share a word (very brief) symbolizing what insight or gift you may have received during the day. Retreatants usually help put the chairs back into regular worship configuration at the end of the day.
Resilience: Practicing Compassion in a World of Conflict
Dates and Times: Friday – Saturday, September 29 – September 30
Registration: Early Registration ends August 10
Cost: Early Registration $90
Frequency: One-time
Duration: 1.5 days
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: The Upper Room and Africa Upper Room Ministries are excited to offer a virtual event designed to equip us to live compassionately amid conflict. Change, confrontation, and division are all around us, making it easy to feel ungrounded and alone. The challenge of finding places to be heard and accepted is real. In times like these, how are we to live fully and faithfully as followers of Jesus Christ? When our communities are in conflict, how do we find the support of sustaining relationships?
Our virtual event will include storytelling, time for personal reflection and conversation, guided spiritual practice, and worship. This gathering offers time for centering, interaction, and spiritual practices to help you cultivate relationships that endure even in the face of profound disagreement and division.
Here are some examples different practices offered during two Fri. workshop segments:
- Prayer in a Resilient Spirituality
- Writing as Compassionate Practice
- Practicing Compassion at Borders
- Practicing Compassion in Breath and Music
- Compassion and Our Physical Bodies
Speakers and workshop leaders include Bishop Purity Malinga, Nadiyka Gerbish, Ray Buckley, Christopher Carter, Rubén Ortiz, Jane Herring, Jerry Haas, Alma Cota de Yánez, Juliet Windvogel, and Piula Ala’ilima with worship led by Rev. Lydia Muñoz.
Comments: This is a unique event for learning about and participating in a variety of spiritual practices with a focus on compassion and resilience. We’ve found the Upper Room offerings to be well done with a good mix of content presentation and opportunities for interaction–at whatever level you are comfortable engaging.
October
An Introduction to Centering Prayer
Dates and Times: Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17, and 24, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 1.5 hours per week
Format: In-person at University United Methodist Church, 2409 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Join us to learn this contemplative and meditative practice of learning to withdraw attention from our thoughts in order to rest in a gentle, open attentiveness to divine reality. Centering Prayer is about enhancing your relationship with God and transformation.
Participants will need a copy of Thomas Keating’s book Open Hearts, Open Minds. Copies are available in the front office for $15. You’re also invited to bring a wrap or cushion to make yourself comfortable.
Comments: This is a chance for people in the Austin area to learn and practice centering prayer in person. It’s nice to have this as a series which allows a community to develop among participants and to have the chance to ask questions and gain insights through several weeks of practice and learning. The time slot is good for people who work during the day and should make parking easier (the church has a parking lot). Emily Roe, a longtime practitioner, is an insightful facilitator with whom we’ve had rich interactions.
In Person Centering Prayer Retreat – Sacred Embodiment (gentle yoga and stretching)
Dates and Times: Wednesday, October 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Church of Conscious Harmony, 7406 Newhall Lane, Austin, TX
Registration: Open; registration closes Oct. 12
Cost: $30
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: All day (7 hours)
Format: In person
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Led by Sharon Johnson, 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. Space is limited.
Comments: We have found their campus to be beautiful, peaceful, and restorative and really give a sense of having taken time away from the regular world. They have a labyrinth down the hill behind campus and maps that show where it is located. In our experience, retreats are held in the sanctuary with chairs in a large circle. For this type of retreat, they have a custom of removing their shoes before entering the sanctuary – so leave shoes in the foyer (they don’t really post it or announce it but it is their practice when we’ve been in the past.) Usually silence is observed throughout the day except for the opening and closing. In the opening, people may be invited to share in the circle what your intention is for the day and in the closing you can share a word (very brief) symbolizing what insight or gift you may have received during the day. Retreatants usually help put the chairs back into regular worship configuration at the end of the day. Retreatants bring a bag lunch (if doing the full day retreat). The full day retreat will have several sits, usually 3-4, 30 minutes each, and that combined with the silence allows for a deepening of the experience.
Introduction to Centering Prayer with Metanoia Journey
Dates and Times: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Austin, 8001 Mesa Drive, Austin, TX
Registration: Open; registration closes Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.
Cost: $30
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 5 hours
Format: In person
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.
It is said, “When we pray vocally, we speak to God. When we sit in silence, God speaks to us.”
The daily practice of Centering Prayer allows us to step away from the “busy-ness” of the exterior world and “rest in God’s presence” as Jesus did, without the need for words or images or concepts.
The workshop registration fee of $30 includes a copy of Thomas Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart (the comprehensive guide to Centering Prayer), as well as light snacks and drinks. If you prefer to pay by personal check, contact David Wallace at david@metanoiajourney.org for ways to arrange for payment to be received.
Come join us and learn a spiritual practice that has helped transform many lives, including ours. So much so, that we have dedicated our lives to sharing the contemplative dimension of spirituality with our Christian friends, friends of other faith traditions, and those who are unsure.
Comments: This is another local and in-person opportunity to learn about Centering Prayer from Thomas Keating’s text and an opportunity to create a practice of centering prayer. Presented by Metanoia Journey, a newly formed church that meets at different locations in Austin.
The Whole Earth an Altar: A Wisdom Eucharist
Dates and Times: Sunday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. – noon
Registration: No registration required; Zoom link is on event page
Cost: Free
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: An invitation to a Wisdom Eucharist with Rev. Mel King and Marcella Kraybill-Greggo. Please bring some bread and wine or grape juice;
You are also invited to bring a rock or pebble.
We will light our candles as we begin, and you may like to arrive a few minutes early to settle. All are welcome! Presented by Wisdom Waypoints, a global network of wisdom seekers founded by Cynthia Bourgeault.
Comments: This is an online Eucharist, for people who find meaning in the sacrament and who are interested in what it is like to partake of this Christian sacrament in a wisdom community. It is an open table.
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: Learning to Walk in the Dark
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.