The Contemplative Trove: A Curated List of Spiritual Practice Opportunities

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, in hopes 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 February or March and would like to have it listed here, please email the information as shown below to editor@theabbey.us by January 18 to be included in the post at the beginning of February. Please note that all times are listed in Central Time.

January

And so we begin again. . . 2026: An Online New Year Retreat with Heather Ruce (from Wisdom Waypoints)

Dates and Times: Saturday, Jan. 3, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $26
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: As one year folds gently into the next, we are reminded that while there is nothing particularly rare about the turning of the calendar, it always invites us to pause. To stop, to reflect, and to listen to the quiet stirrings within and the movements of the world around us. In doing so, we nurture our spiritual intelligence, the inner compass that helps us live with depth, presence, and purpose.
This timeless ritual of reflection has taken countless forms throughout human history. When we enter into it, we join the great circle of all who have ever paused to listen for Wisdom between the breaths of beginnings and endings.
This online retreat offers a sacred space to stop, reflect, and listen in a space that we hold together. It is a time to explore what nourishes our Whole selves, what reconnects us to the genuine sources of hope, meaning, direction, and comfort. Through practices, readings, and reflection, we will dwell in quiet and allow insight to arise naturally.
Bring a candle, your journal or art supplies, and, most importantly, an open heart.
Comments: We have enjoyed previous programs with Heather Ruce. This program is a good kick-off for the new year. She is a good teacher and one of the emerging leaders of Wisdom Waypoints, Cynthia Bourgeault’s organization. Ruce often leads Gurdjieff and other embodiment/somatic spiritual exercises at retreats.

The Measure of our Humanity: Actualizing Compassionate Action in These Tangled Times – Special Series (from Upaya Zen Center)

Dates and Times: Noon – 1:30 p.m., Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 29, Apr 12, May 3, Jun 7, Jul 12, Aug 30, Sept 20, Oct 25, Nov 15, Dec 13
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1.5 hours (for each monthly session)
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: In 2026, we take a deep dive with our faculty and global community into confirming what defines our moral worth, what we stand for, how we move forward in our tangled world, and that our true character is revealed in how we interact with and care for others by embodying values like inclusion, belonging, compassion, respect, dignity, justice, and courage. At its very heart, the series is about laying down a path toward a sane and compassionate future.
Teachings will be offered by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Christiana Figueres, Valerie Brown, John Paul Lederach, Tara Brach, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, Roshi Joan Halifax, Rebecca Solnit, Frank Ostaseski, Jack Kornfield, Terry Tempest Williams, and others, to be announced.
Each session includes an introduction by Roshi Joan, a brief meditation, the core teaching, and reflections and questions from the wider community. The series is free, and donations are deeply appreciated to support the faculty.
Comments: The January 4 session is led by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., who did his doctoral work in molecular biology at MIT in the laboratory of the Nobel Laureate, Salvador Luria. He is Professor of Medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he founded the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society (in 1995), and (in 1979) its world-renown Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Clinic.  He is the author of 15 books, the most recent of which are Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief (2023), and a Thirtieth Anniversary Edition of Wherever You Go, There You Are 2024). 

Monthly Contemplative Gathering (from Metanoia)

Dates and Times: Sunday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Once per month
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at the Seminary of the Southwest Chapel, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Metanoia Journey is simplifying its in-person contemplative gathering. We have decided as a community to offer Centering Prayer, followed by Lectio Divina on a sacred text.
We feel that this speaks more to who we are as a contemplative community, founded on silent prayer/meditation, and listening to the Divine to speak to us through sacred texts.
This will also invite more participation from those that attend. We will still conclude our time together by going out locally for lunch to further a deepening personal connection with those in our community.
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.

Gospel of Thomas Lectio Divina, Winter Series (from Wisdom Waypoints)

Dates and Times: January – April 2026; Different groups meet at a variety of times on Mondays and Tuesdays
Registration: Open
Cost: Typically $10 per session
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: This winter, Wisdom Waypoints is pleased to showcase a new series of Gospel of Thomas Lectio Divina gatherings hosted by seasoned Wisdom students within our network.
Why Lectio Divina? Lectio Divina is a foundational practice in one’s embodied, contemplative toolkit. Engaging this method offers a portal to a Wisdom way of reading, listening, and absorbing sacred text. Emphasis is placed on slowing down, listening with the heart, and allowing new meanings to wash over and inside us.
Why Gospel of Thomas? Diverging from the canonical gospels, the emphasis in Thomas is on conscious presence, awakening, and an imperative around transformation of consciousness. These short, koan-like texts are just familiar enough to be reassuring, yet just different enough to wake one up. Repeatedly, readers find that the way to break these texts open is not through scholarly commentary but to inquire: How does this resonate in my own life? What does this touch off for me? And specifically asking, where does this text land in me in sensation — in my heart, in my gut, perhaps a tingling in my hands?
The Gospel of Thomas Lectio Divina gatherings will vary slightly by facilitator but, in general, each session will begin with a preparatory exercise, such as a brief time of Centering Prayer or an embodied practice, before moving into the ritual of praying the text together.
We invite you to peruse the sessions available and reach out directly to the facilitators for questions and to RSVP.
Comments: We’ve participated in one of these groups before and found it to be an engaging small group where discussions range from personal to theological reflections on the text of this Gospel. The leaders are gentle and well-informed facilitators. We find the Lectio Divina practice only increases the depth of the experience. Choose the time/day session that works for your schedule and time zone. These sessions have global participants.

Practicing Spirituality with Pema Chodron (from Spirituality & Practice)

Dates and Times: Monday, Jan. 5 – Friday, Feb. 13, 2026
Registration: Open
Cost: $69.95
Frequency: Daily email, self-paced
Duration: 6 weeks
Format: Online and email
Recording Available: Yes
Description: Pema Chodron, one of our Living Spiritual Teachers, is resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners. She is a very popular Buddhist writer with a relaxed and accessible style. She spices up her meditations with colorful illustrations and always seems to have a fresh way of expressing spiritual subjects.
Emotions play a central role in our lives, and Chodron is especially good on ways to deal with fear, insecurity, being stuck, or feeling abandoned or ignored. In her view, the spiritual life means embracing rather than fleeing from the unwanted, painful, and messy parts of ourselves. She brings the riches of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to bear on these feelings.
This e-course, created by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, consists of: An online Practice Circle where you can share your experiences with others in the course; emails sent daily, building a repertoire of short readings from Pema Chodron’s books; practice suggestions for each reading; a link to the Brussat’s review of the book where they found the readings.
Comments: We’ve read several Pema Chodran books and think this would be both a wonderful introduction to her work as well as a meaningful continuation for those who are familiar with her writing and teaching. We like this opportunity to have a guided practice with her material. As we’ve noted in previous postings, it is great that Spirituality & Practice programs have lifetime access for participants.

Special Presentation with Ilia Delio (from The Church of Conscious Harmony)

Dates and Times: Friday, Jan. 9, 6:30 – 8 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 10, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $40
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hrs on Friday, Jan. 9, and 4.5 hrs on Saturday, Jan. 10
Format: Online and In Person at The Church of Conscious Harmony, Austin, TX
Recording Available: No
Description: Begin the new year with a special weekend of vision and inspiration with Ilia Delio, January 9, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning with Centering Prayer, and January 10, 8:00 am-12:30 pm. Ilia will give us a first look at her upcoming book, The Christian Mutation: The Dynamic God of Jesus in a World of Becoming.
Registrants will be sent a copy of the introduction and first two chapters to be prepared for her talks. The Table of Contents of the Book is Here.
Online registrants will be sent a link the week of January 5
Comments: Ilia Delio is one of our favorite speakers and we are eager to learn more about her latest book. She does an amazing job of making complex topics accessible to all audience members. For those in Austin, this is a rare and wonderful chance to see and hear her in person.

A Dialog on Unity Consciousness with Cynthia Bourgeault and David Frenette (from Contemplative Outreach)

Dates and Times: Friday, Jan. 9; noon – 1 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free; $25 suggested donation
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: In this hour-long Zoom conversation, Cynthia and David will discuss Father Thomas Keating’s non-dual teachings on unity consciousness, exploring how they can deepen our practice of Centering Prayer and enhance our lives. This is a rare opportunity to experience these two wise teachers and longtime friends of Fr. Keating in lively conversation. Time will be provided for some questions.
Comments: We think that for those who love Fr. Keating’s work, this is a much deeper dive and merges meditation practices of other, more Eastern, traditions with Centering Prayer and non-dual consciousness. Bourgeault and Frenette have done presentations like this before which are always very good.

A Light to Our Path: How Holy Places Help Us See, with Tracy Balzer (from Eremos)

Dates and Times: Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $45 (Can be combined with February Book Discussion for $80)
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: Yes, for 30 days
Description: Drawing upon her extensive experience leading spiritual journeys to Iona, Scotland and her work as a spiritual director, author, and pilgrimage leader, Tracy will inspire us to be alert to sacred landscapes where Holy light waits to lead us into more meaningful connection—with God, with ourselves, and with each other.
While she’ll share stories and wisdom gained from her many pilgrimages to Iona and other wisdom from her latest book, A Journey of Sea and Stone, Tracy will also offer ideas to help you create your own local pilgrimage opportunities, whether in a neighborhood park or even your home.
Come, be inspired to immerse yourself in the beauty, wisdom, and transformation of holy places this year. Let 2026 be a year of welcoming light into every corner of your life!
Comments: This program seems particularly compelling because the speaker helps participants see holy places in their own local areas. We like the Eremos programs and the availability of the recording after the program.
Author of four books, Tracy’s newest book, A Journey of Sea and Stone: How Holy Places Guide and Renew Us, speaks to the power of sacred or thin places to support us on our journey. Other books include Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey Into Celtic Christianity, A Listening Life, and Permission to Ponder: Contemplative Wisdom for the Spiritually Distracted.
Tracy’s ministry has been characterized by her calling to listen to God and listen to people. Professionally, she worked in campus ministry and Christian higher education for almost 27 years. Tracy is currently writing an updated version of her first book, Thin Places, which will be released on its twentieth anniversary of publication in 2027.She is married to Cary, a retired theology professor, and together they have two married daughters and four granddaughters who all live in the same neighborhood in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

Wintering: A Creativity & Grief Retreat to Rest, Remember & Release (from Five Oak Ranch)

Dates and Times: Saturday, Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $50 – $100, sliding scale
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: All day, 8 hrs.
Format: In-person at Five Oak Ranch in Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: We’re excited to welcome Robin Bradford, a chaplain, grief tender and artist to lead this workshop.
“Wintering,” is a word coined by author Katherine May in her book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. At this retreat, we will “winter” with the support of guided meditation, learning about grief, silent time, a “letting go” ritual, and by creating a talisman for our way forward.
We will all be making a little something—a poem, a collage, and/or mindful photographs (using your cellphone). You do not need any experience. Every one of us is naturally creative. Just as a fallen tree is fuel for so much life, our grief is a source of creativity and transformation.
This retreat is perfect for you if:
– You have lost someone or something you loved (freshly or long ago).
– Your grief was not met by others; you heard it was “too much” or you “should be over it.”
– You are grieving a person, animal, relationship, job, or your sense of self due to illness or life transition (post-college, mid-life, empty nest, retirement)
– You are grieving our earth due to climate change.
– You are grieving the loss of how you thought things would be—for yourself, for your community, for your country or the world.
– You are a caregiver for a loved one and/or are experiencing anticipatory grief.
– You feel alone on your path of grief.
– You want to learn how to meet your grief with compassion so that you can feel joy, inner spaciousness, and belonging!
– You are 16 years old or older.
Comments: We think Robin Bradford is great and this retreat looks like a safe and gentle space for those dealing with any shape of grief.
Robin Bradford is an experienced teacher and guide. A graduate of the Upaya Buddhist Chaplaincy program, Robin has also studied with Francis Weller, author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief. A longtime practitioner of Zen Buddhism and a trained yoga teacher, she has led meditation and writing retreats and community grief rituals. As an artist, she sews quilts for magic, beauty, snuggling, and to remember. Learn more at Sweet Spot Soul Care. 

Wisdom Introductory Frame Drum Zoom Circle with Laura Copeland (from Wisdom Waypoints)

Dates and Times: Fridays, Jan. 23 and Feb. 13; 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $15 donation requested
Frequency: Two introductory classes, (Jan. 23 and Feb. 13)
Duration: 1 hr. 15 min.
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: As we enter our third year of drumming in community, please join us for a 2-week Introductory Wisdom Frame Drum zoom circle on Fridays: January 23 and February 13. 
It’s easy and fun! We will learn:

• Simple rhythms in the upright and lap style methods set to wisdom chants.
• Ancient Middle Eastern rhythms such as Maqsoum, Ayub, Saidi, Masmoudi and more.
• Tips for your drum practice, warm-up, learning a simple rhythm with a wisdom chant, learning a world rhythm and playing it to music.

After completing this introductory course, you may also join our monthly Frame Drum Circle to practice your techniques and meet fellow wisdom drummers.
Comments: We’ve participated in this program for two years and have enjoyed it very much. At first it seemed odd to us to do a drum circle online, but it works out very well and we continue to practice with the group. The group is welcoming and Laura is a very patient and fun teacher.

Learning to See in the Dark – Opening to Mystical Hope in the Collective Dark Night, A Centering Prayer Summit (from Closer than Breath)

Dates and Times: Jan. 24 – 25; 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $119, with sliding scale and some scholarships available
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 2 days
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: Keynote on Jan. 24 by Cynthia Bourgeault. Over two days, we’ll explore the darkness of our times honestly and gently, while rooting in the quiet thread of hope hidden within.
Together we’ll explore:
– Mystical hope as a lived experience—a subtle current sustaining us even when the way forward is unclear
– The personal and collective “false-self systems” that shape our inner lives and our culture
– Practices that steady the heart, opening inner stillness where divine guidance can arise
– A sense of shared courage and belonging with a global contemplative community
– How contemplative presence moves into compassionate action, allowing love to become embodied care in the world
Comments: This two-day retreat features a wide variety of presenters of different ages and from different traditions–from well-known, experienced leaders to some of the up-and-coming presenters. We especially like that it includes some of our favorite speakers, like Cynthia Bourgeault and Carl McColman.

Winter Programs from Parker Palmer’s Center for Courage and Renewal

Dates and Times: Current Program Calendar includes monthly offerings through February 2026
Registration: Open
Cost: Varies
Frequency: Varies
Duration: Varies
Format: Online and In person programs are listed
Recordings Available: Yes
Description: Visit our program calendar to find a full slate of programs and retreats that can help you build the courage to live more authentically, expand your capacity to listen, strengthen your ability to build trustworthy relationships, and renew your passion for your life’s work.
Comments: We are fans of Parker Palmer’s writing and speaking. The Center for Courage and Renewal was founded by him and includes a wide variety of programming topics and experiences. Too many to list individually–so we linked to the entire calendar for your to peruse.

February

Monthly Contemplative Gathering (from Metanoia)

Dates and Times: Sunday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Once per month
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: In person at the Seminary of the Southwest Chapel, 501 E. 32nd St., Austin, TX
Recording Available: N/A
Description: Metanoia Journey is simplifying its in-person contemplative gathering. We have decided as a community to offer Centering Prayer, followed by Lectio Divina on a sacred text.
We feel that this speaks more to who we are as a contemplative community, founded on silent prayer/meditation, and listening to the Divine to speak to us through sacred texts.
This will also invite more participation from those that attend. We will still conclude our time together by going out locally for lunch to further a deepening personal connection with those in our community.
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.

Imagining New Possibilities:  Making Courageous Decisions in Seasons of Change (from Eremos)

Dates and Times: Saturday, Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Open, with Early Bird pricing through Feb. 17
Cost: In-Person $97 (Early Bird $77 through Feb. 17); Livestream $47
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: All day (5.5 hours)
Format: Livestream and In-Person (Abiding Love Lutheran Church, 7210 Brush Country Rd, Austin, TX)
Recording Available: No
Description: In seasons of transition, after loss or conflict, or when life simply no longer fits, it can be hard to imagine new possibilities and to make the courageous decision to move forward.
Join Rev. Dr. Angela Gorrell for an inspiring day of wisdom, story, reflection, and powerful practices to support your journey forward and to remind you you’re not alone.
Drawing on her own pivotal life changes and stories from people across generations, Dr. Gorrell will guide you through essential steps for making wise and courageous decisions and transitions, even when you can’t sense the new possibilities and the way forward feels uncertain.
This is a day for anyone ready to imagine new possibilities and take the next faithful step in whatever stage of life you are in.
Comments: Eremose always does a good job with these events. For the in-person option, Abiding Love Lutheran Church in Austin is a lovely venue.
A speaker, consultant, and ordained minister in the Mennonite Church USA with over fourteen years of ministry experience, Rev. Dr. Gorrell has taught at schools including Yale University, Baylor University, and Fuller Seminary. Her research has been highlighted by the New York Times, NPR, and the Washington Post among others. In addition to Braving Difficult Decisions, her books include Always On: Practicing Faith in a New Media Landscape and The Gravity of Joy: A Story of Being Lost and Found.

Ongoing

You’re Not the Only One (from Eremos)

Dates and Times: Weekly on Mondays, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: Join us weekly (or as often as you desire) to share how you’re feeling right now about life, what’s unfolding in the world, or whatever you need to speak into the circle.
No fixing, no ranting, no trying to make it better.
Just listening attentively to each other in support and always closing our time together with what gives us hope or what we’re grateful for.
Comments: We’ve met this leader (as a participant) in past programs and have found her to be very thoughtful in her sharing. This looks like an enriching ongoing group.

Meditation Resources for those New to Meditation (from Tara Brach)

Dates and Times: Self-directed, flexible
Registration: N/A – this is a collection of resources
Cost: Free
Frequency: Self-directed
Duration: Varies
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: You are embarking on a journey that can deeply transform and enrich your life.  The most important thing to remember is to approach practice with a friendly, curious, non-judgmental attitude.
There’s no one style of meditation that is “best” or fits all people. We’ve offered you some basic practices below that you can explore to see which serve you well. You might end up with two or three that you use regularly as you establish a practice. Over the weeks and months you’ll internalize the instructions and probably practice more and more regularly without the guided meditation. But at times, you’ll find they will help in gathering your attention.
Resources for those new to meditation or if you’d like a refresher:
Beginner’s Meditation Kit – a introductory mini-course
Mindfulness Daily – a free 40-day online course to help to establish a mindfulness meditation practice
How to Meditate FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to Meditate (PDF)
Comments: This is a wonderful introduction to (or refresher for) establishing a meditation practice. A well-known and respected meditation teacher, Tara Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. The result is a distinctive voice in Western Buddhism, one that offers a wise and caring approach to freeing ourselves and society from suffering. To learn more about her training, background, and leadership, click here.

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.

The Abbey Spiritual Discussion Group

Dates and Times: Tuesdays, 5 p.m.
Registration: Not required
Cost: Free
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Zoom
Recording Available: No
Description: This group reads books to deepen our spiritual lives and to build community among participants. Newcomers are welcome to join the group anytime. Register on The Abbey website and we will send you a Zoom link.
Comments: The group is currently reading Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus, by Elaine Pagels. We enjoy this group and the lively discussion both in small-group breakout rooms and with the whole group.

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.

The Welcoming Prayer – Videos (from Contemplative Outreach)

Dates and Times: Always available
Registration: N/A
Cost: Free
Frequency: N/A
Duration: Varies, from 5 minutes to 1 hour, most are about 30 minutes
Format: YouTube
Recording Available: Yes
Description: A collection of videos on the Welcoming Prayer (34 videos).  There was a series of 8 videos which are part of a larger curriculum for a self-guided online course on this practice, “Embracing Living: The Welcoming Prayer,” which is offered by Contemplative Outreach in conjunction with Spirituality & Practice).
Comments: We regularly enjoy offerings from Contemplative Outreach and are always eager to learn more about The Welcoming Prayer. Some of the 34 videos linked here are from early in the Pandemic (when we were all trying to figure out how to be in community when we couldn’t meet in person), and some videos are more recent.

Mindful Mondays (from the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing)

Dates and Times: Monday afternoons, Noon – 1 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: Free
Frequency: Weekly
Duration: 1 hour
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes, for 1 week after each session
Description: Join the Earl. E Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing for an informal hour of gentle movement and guided meditation. Our experienced facilitators will guide you through a series of mindful movement and meditations that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. No prior experience or special clothing is necessary.
We rotate through various modalities of gentle, mindful movement. Please check the Mindful Monday’s registration webpage to learn the specific mindful movement planned for each week’s session. Prior to each session, as best you can, you may wish to secure a space that will accommodate mindful movement and where you won’t be easily interrupted for the duration of the hour-long session
Comments: This is a new offering to us. We saw a forest meditation video produced by this group, found their website, and thought this would be interesting to explore.

The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path (from The Center for Action and Contemplation)

Dates and Times: Self-paced
Registration: Open
Cost: $100 (or $80 or $60, based on financial circumstances)
Frequency: Self-paced with 9 prophetic themes)
Duration: Varies
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: A self-guided online course based on Richard Rohr’s new book, “The Tears of Things.” Explore the wisdom of prophets from ancient times to modern day, and discover how we can transform our anger into compassion in our modern “age of outrage.”
“The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path” will lead you on a journey from righteous anger at injustice, through grief for the world’s suffering, and—for those committed to the path—finally to grace-filled love for everyone and everything.  
Students will explore themes from “The Tears of Things,” like radical grace, collective evil, and the alchemy of tears. Discover deeper meaning in the Hebrew prophets and find inspiration from today’s truth-tellers like Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Etty Hillesum, Howard Thurman, Joanna Macy, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Oscar Romero. 
This self-guided course offers a flexible online learning experience to explore prophetic themes from the sacred space of your home. You can enroll anytime and access all course materials through CAC Connect, our new online learning platform. Engage with the material in a space that’s safe for questions and deepen your understanding alongside fellow seekers.
Comments: We’ve previously enjoyed many offerings from the CAC and Richard Rohr. This offering is an online, self-paced program based on his new book, but we are not sure if he is speaking in it. There doesn’t appear to be a live portion of this course and we are not sure if there is online interaction (though they usually do offer that).