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 March or April and would like to have it listed here, please email the information as shown below to editor@theabbey.us by February 18 to be included in the post at the beginning of March. Please note that all times are listed in Central Time.
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.
How Christians Got Jesus Wrong with Reggie Williams (from Center for Christogenesis)
Dates and Times: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $30
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1.5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: Throughout history, shifting social, political, and economic circumstances have brought new interests and anxieties to the surface, shaping the questions each era brings to the story of Jesus. Yet these shifts have rarely been harmless. This ongoing process of adaptation has repeatedly remade Jesus into an ideological avatar, depicting him as one who sanctifies injury and harm—clothing violence in the garments of devotion to God. So deeply has Christianity been entangled with destructive political and cultural projects that confronting harmful ideologies is often perceived as an attack on the faith itself. To break this destructive pattern, we must ask with seriousness: how have Christians come to misunderstand Jesus so profoundly?
Comments: The Center for Christogenesis provides engaging, sometimes provacative, but always high-quality programs in our experience.
Reggie Williams is Associate Professor of Black Theology and African American Studies at St Louis University in St Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance, which was selected as a Choice Outstanding Title in theology, in 2014 (revised edition, 2021). The book examines the impact of exposure to theology in the Harlem Renaissance on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was killed by the Nazis in 1945 for his resistance. Dr. Williams is currently work includes a story of a complicated Christian response to fascism, and a study of ethics for better response to social injustice. Dr. Williams’ research interests include Black Theology, Black Studies, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Studies, and Christian ethics. Dr. Williams is a board member of the English Language section of the International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society, former board member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Society for Christian Ethics.
Gospel of Thomas Lectio Divina, Winter Series (from Wisdom Waypoints)
Dates and Times: In progress through 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, In progress through 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.
What the Mystics Knew About Dark Times: Night School (from Spiritual Wanderlust)
Dates and Times: Feb. 7 – Jan. 9; Classes: Saturdays 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Small Groups begin 15 minutes after, from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $27/mo. (Self study); $47/mo. (Learn in Community); $197/mo. (1:1 Spiritual Direction); Scholarships available
Frequency: Monthly
Duration: 1 year
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: There’s a name for what we’re living through. The mystics called it the Dark Night–a season of uncertainty, descent, and holy unraveling.
But this isn’t a detour. It’s the path.
Night School is a twelve-month journey through the Dark, offering the rituals, practices, and companionship humans have long relied on in times of deep transformation—whether the descent was chosen or unchosen.
Across twelve live gatherings, elders like James Finley, Christine Valters Paintner, and Ronald Rolheiser will invite you into three essential thresholds:
* befriending the dark (shadow work, embodiment, nervous system wisdom),
* transforming what hurts (grief tending, spiritual poverty, holy longing), and
* discovering Night’s gifts (wonder, play, rest, creativity, dreams)
Comments: Over the years we have really enjoyed programs from several of the teachers in this “Night School” and think it looks to be an enriching program. It is is a year-long program, but the website looks like payment can be made monthly or all at once. We wish it was possible to select individual months or sessions to register for, but it looks like that is not an option here.
Wisdom Introductory Frame Drum Zoom Circle with Laura Copeland (from Wisdom Waypoints)
Dates and Times: Friday, 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.
Jesus in Galilee with Dr. John Dominic Crossan (from Homebrewed Christianity)
Dates and Times: Lenten Study, Ash Wednesday – Easter; Asynchronous class
Registration: Open
Cost: Pay what you can
Frequency: Self-paced with weekly livestream
Duration: 5 weeks
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: For over five decades, Dr. John Dominic Crossan has been one of the world’s foremost scholars of the historical Jesus—rigorously reconstructing the life, teachings, and world of a first-century Jewish peasant who proclaimed God’s Rule in Roman-occupied Galilee. His work has shaped an entire generation of scholarship and transformed how millions understand the figure at the center of Christian faith.
This Lenten class begins where all of Dom’s work begins: with history. What was actually happening in Galilee in the 20s CE? What did Herod Antipas’ transformation of the “Sea of Galilee” into the commercial “Sea of Tiberias” mean for peasant fishing communities? Why did Jesus emerge from John’s baptism movement proclaiming God’s Rule through parables—and what made that medium so perfectly suited to that message?
Only by understanding what Jesus’ parables meant then can we wrestle with what they might demand of us now.
Comments: For individuals as well as church groups who want to participate together. We could not find specific dates for this program on the registration site, so check for updates. It may be that once you register you get the schedule. Since it’s an asynchronous class, dates aren’t as important except for the stated “weekly livestream” where there are currently no dates listed.
The Christ and the Buddha and the Apocalyptic Rise of the Sacred Feminine (from Menla, a project of Tibet House US)
Dates and Times: Thursday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $249 (full course); $149 (full course student and senior rate)
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 1 Weekend: Thursday evening – Saturday evening
Format: Online
Recording Available: Unknown
Description: Led by Andrew Harvey and Robert Thurman, great old friends who have been sharing their insights and passions for over 30 years and who taught a very galvanizing course on the Shift Network on the Buddha and the Christ. Both of them are aware that humanity has come to its defining evolutionary ordeal manifesting through its narcissism and hubris a ferocious global dark night which threatens its extinction. Both are also aware that this terrible situation, unprecedented in its intensity and scope, offers extraordinary possibilities for radical spiritual growth and for a creative re-visioning of all human structures through the next level of embodied divine consciousness.
In this weekend retreat, Bob will present the vision that he has brilliantly revealed in book after book of how the teachings and practices of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism help us to create a new way of being and doing everything. He will speak of the great transformative ideal at the heart of Mahayana Buddhism—that of the Bodhisattva, an enlightened being who dedicates his or her whole life, in life after life to the liberation of all sentient beings.
Drawing on three decades of exploration of Christian mysticism and his own visionary relationship with the greatest Christian mystic of the 20th century—Father Bede Griffiths—Andrew will present his profoundly aligned vision of the message of Jesus as a call to all beings to embody Christ consciousness in its grandeur and passion and put it into dynamic sacred action. He will also explore the great secret at the heart of Christian mysticism, what he calls the transfiguration process that is the divinizing of heart, mind, soul and body lived by Angelus Silesius, Sarafim of Sarov and Father Bede Griffiths himself, among many others.
In this retreat, you will receive three divine gifts: a vision of engaged enlightenment to aspire to with your whole being, maps towards that enlightenment derived from the deepest Mahayana and Christian traditions, and sacred practices both simple and transformative that you can start using now to inspire yourself in our grim age to be joyful and compassionate agents of transformative change.
Comments: We’ve done programs with Menla and the teachers Andrew Harvey and Robert Thurman. One of our favorite ways to learn about Jesus is through Buddhists. The topic is compelling. In all candor (and with a smile), we are curious about a program on “the rise of the sacred feminine” led by two men.
Black Contemplative Prayer Virtual Summit (in partnership with Awakenings, Inc.)
Dates and Times: Saturday, Feb. 21, 8:45 a.m. – 3:50 p.m. – Sunday, Feb. 22, 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $125
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 2 days
Format: Online
Recording Available: Yes
Description: This summit is designed for everyone, regardless of race, background, or experience level in contemplative practices. It aims to diversify the contemplative space by elevating Black voices and perspectives. The Summit includes a variety of speakers and a Keynote by the Rev. Dr. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones, an Episcopal Jamaican priest at Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City.
Comments: We think this is an interesting opportunity to learn about contemplative prayer through a different lens. While we are not as familiar with the Awakenings organization, it is led by Pastor Tia Norman and we have enjoyed hearing her speak at other events.
Love is the Most Powerful Force in the Universe (from Garrison Institute)
Dates and Times: Saturday, Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $155
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 5.5 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: Unknown
Description: Mindfulness teacher Sharon Salzberg joins with Atman Smith, Ali Smith, and Andres Gonzalez of the Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) to offer a program exploring the depths, capacity, and meaning of love. Love is the most powerful force in the universe.
Learn to get in touch with and share the infinite love inside of you with meditation, yoga, and additional contemplative practices.
We will explore a myriad of practical tools to promote greater love in life.
• Connect with the reservoir of love within you
• Learn greater self-love and self-acceptance
• Learning to love with appropriate boundaries
• Cultivating greater love for others through loving kindness meditation practice
• Yoga and breathwork to ground ourselves and reduce stress, to better receive love from others
Join us for this virtual retreat to develop the skills needed to better love ourselves, the people in our lives, and the world. No prior meditation experience is necessary to attend.
Comments: The topic seems especially timely and in many ways comforting. We always enjoy programs from Sharon Salzberg and her work with the loving kindness practice. The Garrison Institute is a well-established resource.
A Look at Thomas Keating and Full Contemplative Engagement: An Online Retreat with Cynthia Bourgeault (from The Contemplative Society)
Dates and Times: Saturday, Feb. 28, Noon – 2 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $65, or “pay from the heart”
Frequency: One-time event
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: This online live seminar recaps Cynthia Bourgeault’s recent work on the evolution of Thomas Keating as a modern-day mystic, and explores how his prophetic last words challenge us as contemplatives to step outside our comfort zones into full engagement with the world.
Cynthia will explore the implications of Keating’s directive to meet the world guided by the truth of silence and science, and filled with creativity and compassion. She will consider the invitation to step outside of religious and political boundaries; and what it might mean that we choose to leave ourselves open to the “inspiration from the heart of God.”
This seminar will build on the evolution of Thomas Keating’s thought, and take a further step into the application of his “last words” to the world in which we live. Cynthia will address the necessary and painful kinds of maturation which the contemplative community needs to undergo in order to hold a collective Wisdom presence for the fracturing world in which we live.
We invite you to participate in this live seminar teaching time as joined together with others in your contemplative community. The Contemplative Society will be providing a series of reflection questions for small groups to ponder “in real life” after the Zoom presentation.
Comments: If you haven’t had a chance to hear Cynthia Bourgeault speak about her recent book on Father Thomas Keating, this is a great opportunity to hear a recap.
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.
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.
March
Poetry for the Present Series (from Eremos)
Dates and Times: Tuesdays, March 10, June 9, September 8, Dec. 8; 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Registration: Open
Cost: $30 per session or $100 for all 4 sessions
Frequency: Quarterly
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Online
Recording Available: No
Description: As Eremos explores 30 Years of Light as our programming theme in 2026 in honor of our 30th anniversary, so too will our quarterly poetry sessions welcome in the light, even as each facilitator acknowledges what is present in the world and our lives in the moment.
Each session will include experiencing a selection of poems curated by the facilitator, time for personal reflection, and an invitation to write and share in small groups (breakout sessions via Zoom). No prior experience reading or writing poetry is necessary. Sharing your thoughts and writing is always by invitation.
Comments: This is a wonderful opportunity for poets and aspiring poets alike. Eremos does a great job with programs like this–they are accessible and enriching for all levels. The facilitators are Cathy Capers, Julie Bowman, and Beverly Voss.
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. We are currently reading Living in the Light of Death by Larry Rosenberg.
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 (from Contemplative Outreach)
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).
One Response
Love this resource! Thanks so much.