An Introduction to Meditation in the Christian Tradition
One-day workshop: Sat 11th Nov 23 (10am – 5pm)
We are faced with so much that makes peace seem almost impossible to imagine.
We see such immense inequality and injustice, continuous conflict and violence in our world. We are the first generation in history to be warned that the sustainability of our planetary home is under threat.
For these reasons and more, there has perhaps never been a more urgent need to discover afresh the contemplative heart within each of us, to establish peace in ourselves and become places of peace in the world.
One-day workshop
At the heart of the Christian contemplative tradition is the deeply counter-cultural message: the ultimate foundation of all we seek is within us, waiting to be discovered, like a precious jewel buried in the field of our life.
The purpose of this one-day experiential workshop is to introduce meditation in the Christian tradition as a simple pathway to liberation, wholeness and peace.
Through a series of short talks, meditation practice and conversation we’ll explore:
- The essentials of the practice
- How our noisy, distracted minds create the illusion that we are separate from God, each other and the world
- How meditation can help us overcome this illusion and form a new relationship with life characterised by greater awareness, freedom and compassion
- The subtle challenges we encounter on the contemplative path and the interior skills to meet them
- Becoming places of peace for the world.
Meditation is not about technique, but relationship. As we are restored to ourselves, we are restored to each other.
We come to see that we are not separate from each other or any part of creation, but one in God’s Oneness.
The cost of the day will be £35 (including lunch). As this day is likely to attract many of you who live some distance from Mirfield, if you would like to stay over the night before, you can book a special inclusive residential package* for £70 in a standard room or £80 in an en-suite room (subject to availability).
(* Friday supper& bed / Saturday breakfast & workshop)
Event Leader
Chris Whittington is the founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to contemplative practice at the age of 19 during a period of formation at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey, after which he studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in India. Chris regularly delivers talks, workshops and retreats across the UK.
What people are saying
“I thought the workshop was exceptional! I cannot begin to describe the clarity and energy I have felt since the session.”
“I just wanted to profoundly thank you for the incredible, enlightening and peaceful workshop. The aura of wisdom, calmness and hope you exude and project through your words and teachings were very exciting and inspirational.”
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“The School of Contemplative Life will surely rate among the most significant responses to the spiritual longings of the people of this nation and abroad through its well thought out programme of retreats, guidance and other opportunities to assist the Christian community to the wellspring of silence and compassion flowing within.”
Martin Laird OSA, Author of ‘Into the Silent Land’
For information about the School of Contemplative Life and free resources, please visit their website:
www.schoolofcontemplativelife.com
