Articles on Community

  • Who Will We Be? What Will We Become?

    Hinge points. I love a good hinge point – where things are unfixed, a pivot is around the corner and possibilities are screaming at us to take a second look. We as the collective in what is called these United States of America are in the midst of a massive hinge point; things that once…

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  • Shalem in Transition: A Time for Discernment

    Beloved, Grace and peace to you as we stand together at an important threshold in the life of our community. In Celtic tradition, thresholds are holy places. They are neither the place we have been nor yet the place we are going. They are liminal spaces—thin places—where the Spirit often feels closer, more active, and…

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  • Liminal Space

    I said to my soul, be still, and let the dark come upon you Which shall be the darkness of God. As, in a theatre, The lights are extinguished, for the scene to be changed With a hollow rumble of wings, with a movement of darkness on darkness, And we know that the hills and…

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  • Ongoing Hope for Better Days – Part II

    Last year at this time, I shared how Shalem’s Vision – Our Ongoing Hope – helps me live with abiding hope for better days to come.  I won’t repeat myself.  Suffice it to say, at the time I wrote that piece I had no idea what we would face – what I would face –…

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  • Where Does Gratitude Fit in the Spiritual Life?

    With Thanksgiving approaching we might ask: Where does gratitude fit in the spiritual life?  The following is a meditation on the place of gratitude in Ignatian spirituality. The traditional first step of the examen, the end-of-the-day prayer that St. Ignatius Loyola told Jesuits never to omit from their day, is gratitude. You recall the good things that happened to…

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  • Surprised by Joy

    Recently a fellow spiritual guide described her surprise and delight at the joy she experiences meeting with directees. I’m not sure why, but I was taken aback. Because I experience it too- I just hadn’t expected it. When I thought about it, remembering the pursed lip smile of my spiritual director as he slightly nodded…

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Mission

Our mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership.

Vision

In 2025, Shalem will be a dynamic and inclusive community, empowered by the Spirit, where seekers engage in transformation of themselves, their communities, and the world through spiritual growth, deep connection, and courageous action.

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