The Path of the Desert

Dear All

For those of you who want to hear more about my Indian experiences I will be talking about India and the Desert Path at the House of Prayer, East Molesey, this Saturday (10 -4) I give details of the whole programme below. Fortunately the river has subsided a little so you won't need a boat to get there. Please contact the sisters directly if you want to book a place (their website is http://www.christian-retreat.org/progdayret.html) I plan to give a short Indian liturgy too!
See you there!

best for now

Peter



Saturdays 10am – 4pm. Cost £20.
Please bring a packed lunch. Booking essential.



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THE PATH OF THE DESERT: Purity of Heart and Contemplative Prayer
Led by Dr. Peter Tyler
22 February

In our day of reflection together we shall use texts from the Desert tradition, especially from Evagrius, Cassian and Benedict, to open up a path to contemplative stillness in the heart of our busy lives. No prior knowledge is required.

DR PETER TYLER is Reader in Pastoral Theology and Spirituality at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, London. He writes and lectures extensively on spirituality and is the editor of the Bloomsbury Guide to Christian Spirituality (Bloomsbury 2012).


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THOMAS KEATING: His Contribution to the Recovery of the Contemplative Dimension
Led by Jill Benet
29 March

Intimacy with God is rooted in inner silence. Centering Prayer leads us through the process of letting go of thought to the stillness at the core of our being. We shall look at Fr. Thomas Keating’s teaching, the method and dynamics of Centering Prayer and related contemplative practices.

JILL BENET is the London Coordinator for Contemplative Outreach that teaches Centering Prayer. She has attended several retreats led by its founder Fr. Thomas Keating and leads retreats and quiet days. She is a trained presenter and facilitator of groups. Jill is co-founder of Silence in the City.


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ST TERESA OF AVILA’S MYSTICAL SYMBOLISM
Allyson Davies
26 April

“Do you understand what would happen to this beautiful shining castle, this pearl of the east, this tree of life planted in the living waters of life itself, if the soul were to fall into grave error?”

This quote illustrates St. Teresa’s reliance on symbols to convey her understanding of the spiritual path. The day will explore the role of the symbol in the contemplative life and will look at the legacy of wisdom and guidance left to us.

ALLYSON DAVIES has an MA in Christian Spirituality and is a spiritual director based in London. She has a special interest in the work of Carl G. Jung; the relationship between philosophy, psychology and spirituality and the Christian Humanism of Renaissance Italy and the works of Plato. Allyson also works in conflict resolution and coaching and is currently training to teach yoga.


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HEALING AND THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING
Led by Revd. Chris MacKenna
31 May

Mindfulness Meditation, based on Buddhist meditation practice, is proving effective and influential in managing certain mental health conditions, as well as assisting people who live with chronic pain. During the day, we will explore some aspects of mindfulness practice, and also think about their resonance with certain forms of Christian prayer.

CHRISTOPHER MACKENNA is an Anglican priest and Jungian analyst who leads the ecumenical team of psychotherapists and spiritual directors working in St Marylebone Healing and Counselling Centre, London.


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BREAKING OPEN THE WORD:
The Bible as Contemplative Pathway
Led by Sarah Prime
28 June

How might we approach the Bible both from the perspective of historical exploration (the author’s world) and from the perspective of our faith journey (the reader’s world)? How do images of God presented in the Bible enrich and illuminate our search for God? We will explore some different approaches to the Bible, and there will be time for discussion and reflection.

SARAH PRIME is a visiting lecturer at St. Mary’s University College, Twickenham, and has an MA in Biblical Studies from Heythrop College, London. She is experienced in retreat facilitation, both in the UK and overseas.