Articles on Listening

  • Cultivating Basic Trust in a Time of Uncertainty

    Cultivating Basic Trust in a Time of Uncertainty

    After his many years of research and study, teaching and discovery, Albert Einstein famously stated: “I think the most important question facing humanity is, ‘Is the universe a friendly place?’ This is the first and most basic question all people must answer for themselves.” With COVID-19 cases surging by the day and the aftermath of…

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  • Sons of Light and Daughters of Day

    Sons of Light and Daughters of Day

    But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to overtake you like a thief.  For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do, but let us stay alert and…

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  • Learning the New Song

    Learning the New Song

    The old song of my spirit has wearied itself out. It has long ago been learned by heart so that now it repeats itself over and over, bringing no added joy to my days or lift to my spirit… I will sing a new song. As difficult as it is, I must learn the new…

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  • A Day Like No Other

    A Day Like No Other

    I awoke on Wednesday, November 4, with no small measure of fear and trepidation. I was responsible to lead Shalem’s “Prayer for the World” at 8:30am and had been afraid for weeks that we’d be in exactly the situation in which we awoke: no clear result of the presidential election and an incumbent that was…

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  • Election Day Prayer Vigil

    Election Day Prayer Vigil

    The other day as I was having my prayer time, I was feeling very vulnerable and helpless, particularly in regard to the world situation. This is an ongoing occurrence these days, as things seem to be so chaotic, divisive and truly unpredictable. This chaos and distress in the air has a big impact on me,…

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  • Silent Retreat: Deepening Intimacy

    Silent Retreat: Deepening Intimacy

    Silent retreat is a serious commitment and practice common to spiritual seekers throughout history. Conversations about the spiritual journey are studded with transformational experiences that have occurred on quiet days, weekends, or even quiet months. When my children were young, it was only possible for me to attend day retreats. But I remember being drawn…

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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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