Newsletter Archive

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Spirit Journal – May 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.

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Spirit Journal – April 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.

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Spirit Journal – March 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.

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Spirit Journal – February 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

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Spirit Journal – January 2020

by  on January 24, 2020 in Newsletter

Preview

  • Time is growing short to register for Enter the Chaos, our special Winter Retreat in February.
  • Discounted Early Bird registration has begun for our June 6 all-day workshop on Howard Thurman, offered by Lerita Coleman Brown at the Chicago Theological Seminary in Hyde Park.
  • 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 others.
  • An article describes how one of our members completed a year-long process to become a certified presenter of Introductory Centering Prayer workshops.
  • This month’s Insights come from Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating, Brad Pitt, and Ram Dass.

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – January 2020

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Spirit Journal – December 2019

by Registrar on December 16, 2019 in Newsletter

Preview

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

This final 2019 issue of Spirit Journal begins with  Alan Krema’s reflection on Enter the Chaos, a special Winter Retreat we will be offering in February in association with the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue.

Another important article announces an all-day workshop on Howard Thurman, led by Lerita Coleman Brown.  It will take place June 6; please save the date so you will have an opportunity to participate in this workshop on one of America’s most important 20th century contemplatives.  Also in this issue: a beautiful hymn for Advent, along with information about several additional contemplative activities that are coming up soon around our region.

Please let us know what you think about Spirit Journal – and start your side of the conversation – by emailing the editor at the address provided at the end of the newsletter. We look forward to hearing from you!

[Read more…] about Spirit Journal – December 2019