The Contemplative Society

Cynthia shares about silence, reflections on these COVID times, and more: https://encounteringsilence.com/cynthia-bourgeault-silence/

On this Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, we share this blessing offered by Victoria-based poet and writer Rachelle Lamb.

Read this guest post by Linda Coggin, who recently participated in our virtual retreat on Julian Norwich led by Rev. Matthew Wright. Julian teaches that the Goodness of God keeps us in all circumstances, in woe as well as weal. Love is the ground that holds both. In my own experience of woes and weal, I can trust that unfolding. https://www.contemplative.org/remembering-the-goodness-of-/

Read this beautiful reflection by participant at our recent online retreat with Matthew Wright: Sacred Virtual Retreat Space Reflection by Martha Keller https://www.contemplative.org/sacred-virtual-retreat-space/

Many in Cynthia’s community and beyond are turning (or re-turning) to this book to navigate current concerns and challenges, and finding it a source of deep spiritual sustenance. https://www.contemplative.org/mystical-hope-vital-sustenan/

Cynthia Bourgeault joins Terry Patten to explore what it is to live and imagine from the eye of the heart in a seemingly apocalyptic world. They reflect on how each of them is relating to death and also discovering new strength and guidance by keeping the company of saints, sages, and our courageous ancestors one of the most important spiritual fruits of awakening into the imaginal realm. Cynthia suggests we aspire to live the laws of the next world, like those who began building great cathedrals they knew they wouldn’t live to see completed. Listen here: https://newrepublicoftheheart.org//045-cynthia-bourgeault/

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Bible, NRSV John 13:34 Image by Anne Voegtlen

As many in the Wisdom Community revisit Cynthia’s timeless guidance in her 2001 book Mystical Hope, Laura Ruth provides this profound introduction and overview of Chapter 1: https://northeastwisdom.org//mystical-hope-chapter-one-aw/

SEPTEMBER 2020 UPDATE FROM TCS PRESIDENT & BOARD Here at The Contemplative Society, we have been prayerfully discerning our future path through the challenges and opportunities during this tumultuous time Please read the full message from TCS President & Board here: https://www.contemplative.org/september-2020-update/

Cynthia Bourgeault shares some key ideas put forth in her new book Eye of the Heart, including insights on how we might respond and contribute for a better outcome in the face of challenging times: When human beings put into the atmosphere courage, love, compassion, forbearance, inclusivity, sanity, equanimity, we are actually, physically energetically, altering the environment for good we’re feeding the planet. https://goop.com/the-go/a-different-way-to-live-virtuously/

I was sick and you took care of me. Bible, NRSV Matthew 25:36 Image by Anne Voegtlen

nothing is missing anywhere James Finley Christian Meditation, page 126 Image by Anne Voegtlen

And every flower & every leaf rejoices. William Blake The Poetry and Prose of William Blake (ed. David Erdman) (Doubleday 1965), page 381 Image by Anne Voegtlen