Archives: Events

Living the Contemplative Life: What gets in the way. Led by Jill Benet. Drawing on the work of Trappist monk and founder of the Centering Prayer movement, Fr. Thomas Keating and that of Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault, wisdom teacher and hermit, we shall consider whether there is more than meets the eye in the obstacles we encounter in our contemplative practice. All welcome. Suggested donation £10. Bring your own lunch - tea and coffee provided from 10am.

Cynthia has said that ‘there are too many doing Centering Prayer in their heads, preoccupied with the correct application of “their” sacred word or struggling to achieve a thought-free inner state.....Once the kenotic nature of the prayer is grasped and trusted all this falls away. As “letting go” becomes an embodied gesture rather than a spiritual attitude...Centering Prayer immediately drops out of the head... the practice shifts from some thing you perform to something you give.' Cynthia will lead practitioners…

Centering Prayer and the Christian Contemplative Tradition: ST BRIDE’S PUBLIC THEOLOGY LECTURE. This talk will explore the practice of Centering Prayer from both a theological and neurological perspective. It will look at how this no-frills method of meditation in the Christian tradition differs from the standard ‘entry-level’ mindfulness practice with which it is often confused. It will also explore how Centering Prayer sheds new light on that ancient Christian intuition that contemplation is not simply a spiritual pathway or devotional…

This afternoon of enrichment consisting of periods of silent prayer and some teaching input will be of interest to those who already have an established practice of silent prayer or are seeking to establish one of whatever type. We will be looking at the Welcome Prayer in which we consent to God's presence in our daily lives. Doors open at 12:30pm for a bring-and-share lunch with those who are able to come early. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided. Suggested…

Led by Jill Benet. This weekend offers the opportunity to spend time in silence with a small group and deepen the experience of Centering Prayer. The weekend is suitable for those who are familiar with and are establishing their practice of Centering Prayer as well as experienced practitioners.

Led by Jill Benet. On this Retreat we shall be exploring the gift of life in all its phases, even those of diminishment and death, as phases of evolution and transformation through Christ, using the DVD series with Thomas Keating OCSO. The retreat will be held mostly in silence with extended periods of Centering Prayer and with ample time for personal reflection.

Led by Jill Benet, Antonio Benet and Jacqueline Evans. A Wisdom way of working with Centering Prayer, The Law of Three and Alexander Technique.