Newsletter

Preview

• This issue begins with the announcement of an online workshop entitled What Would Thomas Merton Say about the “New Normal”? We are collaborating with the International Thomas Merton Society to present this workshop on August 16.
• Next comes Alan Krema’s reflection on the current era of transformation.
• We provide a listing of many online and in-person contemplative events and retreats available to us this summer.
• In lieu of the usual monthly feature Insights, we offer a poem by Tsunekichi Suzuki.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – July 2020

Preview

• This issue begins with Alan Krema’s reflection on some important lessons of the past three months.
• We provide a listing of many online and in-person contemplative events and retreats available to us this summer.
• Next, we get a book recommendation from Jeff Ediger – a newly published work from Victor Frankl.
• A new article about Sanctuary from Alison Hine.
• June Insights come from Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, and William Meninger.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – June 2020

Preview

• The May issue begins with Sue Fox McGovern’s description and appreciation of the recently completed Living Flame program.
• Phil Jackson offers a reflection on how the current pandemic has affected him spiritually.
• Another set of suggestions for activities that may help deepen your contemplative practice while we need to stay safely at home.
• A poem by Bruce Sanguine.
• May Insights come from Cynthia Bourgeault, Ilia Delio, Julian of Norwich, and Stephen Sondheim.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – May 2020

Preview

•  This issue begins with a reflection from Alan Krema on the pandemic and its spiritual meaning.
•  We offer further suggestions that may help deepen your contemplative practice while we need to stay safely at home.
•  Refunds are on the way for everyone who signed up for two upcoming events we’ve had to postpone.
•  April Insights come from Pir Elias Amidon, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Jack Kornfield, and Thomas Keating.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – April 2020

Preview

• This issue leads off with a listing of resources we hope will help you feel more spiritually connected during the current crisis.
• With regret, we announce the postponement of one of our upcoming events.
• Alan Krema writes about the Welcoming Prayer practice, reflects on February’s Winter Retreat, and notes that the Living Flame program has moved online.
• Charlie Welsh shares his own personal take on the Winter Retreat.
• Sue Fox McGovern remembers a silent weekend retreat spent with her Centering Prayer group last fall.
• We publish a poem called Humility, which was a favorite of “Dr. Bob” and was brought to our attention by Sandy Janowski.
• March Insights come from Albert Camus, Sharon Salzberg, Desmond Tutu, and Helen Nearing.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – March 2020

Preview

• Alan Krema reflects on our mission: “Embracing transformation in Christ, both in ourselves and in others through the practice of Centering Prayer.”
• Discounted Early Bird registration is available until February 29 for our all-day workshop on Howard Thurman, offered by Lerita Coleman Brown on June 6.
• An in-depth, four-day Servant Leader retreat will take place in late May. All are invited.
• We provide a listing of selected contemplative events that are coming up soon, sponsored by other organizations.
• Help Wanted: Can you bring more social media savvy to Contemplative Outreach Chicago?
• This month’s Insights come from Rami Shapiro, Shunryu Suzuki, Robert Barron, and Thomas Merton.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – February 2020