Sunrise of Wonder: A Contemplative Prayer Intensive [POSTPONED]

The purpose of this retreat is to provide those who practise contemplation the time and space to deepen their practice (call it centering prayer, Christian meditation, mindfulness—these labels do not go as deeply as we go). By sitting together in supportive silence at intervals throughout the course of the day, we deepen our contemplative practice by releasing ever more generously into it. By not attending to the powerful habits of our own inner noise that sustain the illusion of separation from God and create so much suffering, these habits gradually lose their gripping power. The immensely vast silence already within us continues to expand as we are un-selfed of self only to realize (not acquire) ourselves ever hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3).

Through conferences by Fr. Martin we will consider some of the great stumbling blocks on the contemplative path afflictive thoughts; intractable depression; judging our practice; boredom; trying too hard to make something ‘spiritual’ happen; turning ourselves into our pet contemplative project; the spirituality marketplace, among other topics.

Fr. Martin Laird, O.S.A., is an Augustinian friar and Professor of Early Christian Studies at Villanova University (USA). Among his writings are Into the Silent Land; A Sunlit Absence; and An Ocean of Light.