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Articles About Contemplative Living

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On the Love of God by Gerald May

Jerry May, Shalem's beloved Senior Fellow for Contemplative Theology and Psychology until his passing in 2005, shares his thoughts on how God loves us: "God’s desire for us is to realize and claim this love and dignity, and thereby to move more fully toward loving God and one another as God loves us. Our self-awareness helps make this possible. It allows for a sense of “I and Thou,” lover and loved, and a feeling of the precious, painful space between. In this sense of space and separateness in our hearts, God gives us a part of God’s own longing for love’s fulfillment, a yearning for home, an unquenchable passion for communion and reunion with God and with one another."

Moon-Like Consciousness by John Philip Newell

"The word kosmos in ancient Greek means "a harmony of parts." In the classical world, everything in the universe was viewed as moving in relation to everything else. This ancient understanding of the cosmos is being born afresh today in radically new ways."

The Gift of Silence by Robert W. Guffey, Jr.

"Words matter, but in silence—the undervalued practice and quality of our age of more-louder-faster-consumption—we can, with time and discipline, learn to be more available to the real resence of God."

Shalem Institute - 40 Years: Trusting the Spirit by Leah Rampy

Shalem's Executive Director, Leah Rampy, reflects on Shalem's 40 years as an organization led by the Spirit.

The Search for Our True Self by Richard Rohr

Excerpts from Richard's new book "Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self" offer reflections on the experience of falling into our True Self, or soul, and moving beyond our false self, or ego.

Contemplative Reflections on the 2012 Election

A few Shalem staff members offer their contemplative insights into the 2012 Presidential Election.

Waiting for It to Clear by Kathleen Moloney-Tarr

Kathleen shares her experience of living with the Cloud of Unknowing while on a writing retreat, and discovering the gifts that are hidden in obscurity.

The Stones Will Cry Out - Reflections on My Pilgrimage to Iona by John L. Madden

John reflects on his recent pilgrimage to Iona with Shalem, where he encountered God's oneness among the diversity of pilgrims, the living Spirit of the natural world and in the opening of his own heart.

A Sabbath Heart by Tilden Edwards

Sabbath time is a necessary part of our spiritual life.  It roots us in God's love and nourishes our lives.  In today's busy and hectic world, sabbath is more important than ever.  

Composting our Lives by Timothy Teates

Tim's first experience with composting yields to some surprises, which reminds him of how our trust in God can lead to unexpected new life.

Cynthia Bourgeault Answers Questions of the Audience

At Shalem's recent Gerald May Seminar, Cynthia Bourgeault received a number of written questions from participants. 

Fertile Emptiness by Darlene Muschett

Darlene reflects on the meaning of this phrase and how it relates to her own life.

Ordinary and Spiritual Awareness by Cynthia Bourgeault

Cynthia Bourgeault describes the difference between spiritual awareness and egoic, ordinary awareness.

Contemplative Worship by Tilden Edwards

Shalem's founder, Tilden Edwards, reflects on how silent prayer could deepen the liturgical experience.

Practicing Love by Martha Sherman

A real life experience of contemplation in action, with love being the guiding force.

The Gift of Silence by Bunny Cox

Silence as prayer, friend, healer.

Digging Deep to Holy Water by Matthew Wright

Matthew explores the gifts and challenges of interspirituality.

Finding My Spiritual Home at Shalem by Susan Pullin

Susan shares her story of discovering Shalem, which has become a spiritual home to her.

Looking by by Margaret Guenther

The lessons of the different ways of looking back.

Listening to the Heartbeat of God by John Philip Newell

To listen for the heartbeat of God is to listen both within the vastness of the universe and within the intimacy of our own hearts.

What I Know and Don't Know by Patience Robbins

Patience shares how the vulnerability of the "I don't know" mind leads to surprising spiritual insights and gifts.

Childlike Wonder by Sue Czarnetzky

The gifts of innocence and joy on a hot summer day.  

Our Soul's Response to God by Evelyn Underhill

2011 is the 100th anniversary of the publication of Evelyn Underhill's classic work, "Mysticism."  Here are selections from Evelyn Underhill's writings.

Tending the Seed of Spiritual Friendship by Liz Ward

Liz Ward, the Director of the Spiritual Guidance Program, shares the discovery of her call to spiritual friendship and spiritual direction

The Healing Power of Presence, a Visit with Henri Nouwen

Reflection of Nouwen's visit to Shalem in the 1980's and his thoughts on contemplative awareness

The Principle of Likeness by Richard Rohr

Excerpt from Richard Rohr's book "The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See"

Restlessness in Prayer by Jerry May

Jerry discusses the  different ways to be with silent prayer.

I Surrender to God by Westina Matthews

Westina, a Shalem board member and graduate of the Spiritual Guidance Program, talks about her ritual for letting go and inviting forward.

Going Deeper by Marjorie Wilhemi

Marjorie, a graduate of the 2010 Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership: Going Deeper Program, describes the powerful impact the program had on her spiritual life as she learned to make room in her pastoral life to let God guide. 

Sabbath Practices for Going Deeper by Marjorie Wilhemi

Marjorie shares simple practices that help her keep the Sabbath every day to support her desire to remain rooted in God.

An Abundance of Blessings by Leah Rampy

Leah Rampy reflects on the multitude of blessings bestowed upon Shalem in 2010 and how God is calling forth Shalem to step boldly into new endeavors.

Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty by Liz Ward

Liz Ward reflects on the powerful witness and wisdom of Julian Norwich and her special relevance for us today as we, too, live through our own turbulent times.

Contemplative Possibilities in Corporate Worship / Liturgy by Tilden Edwards

This article offers a few suggestions that can help open the way for people’s first-hand presence in the Presence during a Sunday or other time of corporate worship. These include selected (sometimes modified) excerpts from the section on Liturgy in chapter four of Tilden's new book, Embracing the Call to Spiritual Depth (Paulist Press 2010), followed by a detailed form of a contemplative Eucharist/Holy Communion that is not in the book. Those of you who may be in non-Christian traditions may find some things adaptable to your worship forms.

Rediscovering a Desire for God by Carole Crumley

Carole Crumley examines the challenges that ordained clergy encounter when trying to maintain a spiritual life amidst the busyness of church and pastoral duties and how Shalem's Clergy Spiritual Life & Leadership: Going Deeper Program responds to these challenges.

What is Contemplative Spirituality?

Shalem's staff looks at the meaning of spirituality, different spiritual paths, contemplation, and what it means to live contemplatively in today's world.  

Lectio Divina

Literally, "Divine Reading," these steps for praying with scripture offer contemplation and illumination.