• A Fifty-Mile Experience

    A Fifty-Mile Experience

    Article by Ed Poling (featured in the August 2014 eNews) The John F. Kennedy 50-Mile Run has been a part of the community of Washington County, Maryland since 1963 when then-President Kennedy challenged Americans to roll off their couches and get in shape. Being able to run (and walk) 50 miles in one day became…

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  • Running Water Is a Holy Thing

    Today’s post is by Bryan Berghoef. As everyone knows, meditation and water are wedded forever. ~Herman Melville Drip, drip drip… Drip, drip, drip… Getting water is something many of us don’t normally think about. It’s something many of us take for granted. We turn on the tap, and there it is. For a lot of…

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  • Ambrose Kim’s Story

    A Testimonial for the Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats Program by Hong-il (Ambrose) Kim Whenever I talk with people in affliction and pain during retreats, I realize that they are “divided” in themselves.  I am not sure why they struggle with their dual self-hood, but I can see that they are not living with…

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  • The Energy of Emotion

    Today’s post is by Savannah Kate Coffey. I sometimes sit by the ocean in the evening light when the air is soft and the clouds are pinky-orange. The youngest children have gone to bed. The sandcastles of this day are giving way to the fresh grainy canvas of tomorrow. Lovers walk holding hands. Vacationing families,…

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  • Practicing Contemplation on the Road

    Today’s post is by Leah Rampy My hands are locked on the steering wheel as I sit in the mass of vehicles inching down I-395 during morning rush hour. I look straight ahead, my eyes locked on the truck just ahead of me. I carefully avoid eye contact with the driver of the car to…

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  • Contemplation of Nature’s Offerings

    Contemplation of Nature’s Offerings

    Today’s post is by Bryan Berghoef. Contemplation doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it’s incredibly simple. When I tell myself I’m entering into a contemplative space, it’s as if everything else sort of blurs around me, and the center focuses more sharply. My physical surroundings become secondary to my inner state of mind and…

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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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