Articles on Contemplation in Action

  • Sighing Through Song

    Sighing Through Song

    Today’s post is by Jeff Nelson It’s different for everyone, yet all know this experience. A woman driving home after receiving good news at work finds an uplifting song on the radio that speaks to her newfound joy. A man back from a hard visit with his mother in the nursing home starts his Spotify…

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  • Healing Prayer for the World

    Healing Prayer for the World

    Today’s post is by Patience Robbins. The other day I found myself weeping over the state of our world. I felt deep grief and pain; I call it being heartsick. I felt moved to seek out another person so I could share this deep pain. As we sat together and I wept, I felt comforted.…

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  • Prayer Circles for Peace

    Prayer Circles for Peace

    “I am a cosmic citizen, a planetary being who lives in the Americas in the United States.” This was a line shared by a teacher I had one summer. It sure blows open any narrow attachment to a certain country or geographical place and calls forth a whole new perspective on who I am related…

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  • Seeing When It’s Not Pretty

    Seeing When It’s Not Pretty

    It is his feet I notice first. My mind right away says, homeless. It is uncomfortable to see, but something in me says don’t turn away, stay with your feelings, don’t opt out. I am on the Metro early this November morning on my way to catch an Amtrak train from DC to NC to…

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  • Your deepest gladness, the world’s deep hunger

    The place God calls you is where your deepest gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.

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  • Gabriel’s Towing Service

    Gabriel’s Towing Service

    I was rescued by an angel named Gabriel. It was the last day of our retreat and our leader offered some suggestions. She said it was best to not rush off from the retreat to try to catch up on all the things we didn’t get done. She encouraged us to take our time, drive…

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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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