Practice the Art of Pausing

In these tumultuous times for our country and our world, many of us are wondering how to navigate our daily lives with a peaceful heart, calmer mind, and less emotional stress.

Join journalist and poet Judith Valente as we look at practices from various faith traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, and Indigenous spirituality that can help us maintain a contemplative calm. We will also discover what spiritual teachers from across traditions have had to say, including Trappist monk Thomas Merton, Native American elder Steven Charleston, and peace activist Jim Forest, as well as St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Benedict, and St. Augustine.

Specifically, we will explore what it means to practice “the art of pausing,” observe “esteem for silence,” and hear Thomas Merton in his own words in the documentary Day of a Stranger reflect on what it means to live a contemplative life in the modern world.

This retreat includes:

• Prayer
• Imagery
• Music
• Small and large group discussion
• Personal writing
• Creating a personal “gatha,” referring to some individual verses to remind us of how we can remain calm in a chaotic time

Whether you are well advanced on the spiritual path or still seeking, you will come away with fresh ideas and practical steps for becoming everyday contemplatives.