When You Can't Go on Retreat, Create Your Own: Part 4, Contemplative Christianity and Wisdom

Many people associate meditation, mindfulness, and yoga - the topics of the first parts of this series - with Buddhist and other Eastern practices and beliefs. And, while this connection is present, it does not and should not exclude people with different faith practices from the benefits of meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. We at Hallelujah Farm Retreat Center believe that these should be viewed as inclusive tools that can help any person delve deeper into themselves, their faith, their beliefs, and their inner peace. 

Despite the commonly thought of relationship between Buddhism and these tools, Christian faith is also bolstered and supported by these kinds of practices. This connection is supported by many resources and wise teachers.

Cynthia Bourgeault is a name that comes up again and again in the world of contemplation. She is an Episcopal priest and author. Her leadership guides many retreats and inspires a multitude of learning experiences hosted around the world and digitally.

The group at Northeast Wisdom is one example of those led by her wisdom. They’re based in New England and have hosted some of their Wisdom Schools with us at Hallelujah Farm. Their website offers a plethora of opportunities for learning and wisdom work. From blog posts and book lists to Wisdom Schools and Practice Circles.

The Wisdom Way of Knowing is another helpful website for delving into Cynthia’s teachings and ideas. You can find background information and readings around answering the essential question: What is wisdom? There is also a helpful collection of articles looking at the “Wisdom Essentials” like Centering Prayer and Conscious Practical Work.

The Contemplative Society is a non-profit organization focused on Contemplative Prayer. Their website hosts a blog, informational about contemplative practices, and collections of other resources. One such resource is an introductory guide to Lectio Divina, a Benedictine contemplative practice.

Friar Richard Rohr is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, a non-profit organization started in 1987. He intends to bring connection and contemplation to its participants and members.

On the site, you can access Rohr’s daily meditations as well as sign up to receive them via email subscription. The meditations are based around an annual theme. This year’s theme is stated as the following: “Father Richard helps us learn the dance of action and contemplation.” While the daily meditations are focused in this way, they still range in scope and topic.

The website also offers a selection of podcasts from Rohr’s own “Another Name for Every Thing” to Christopher Heuertz’s “Enneagram Mapmakers.” There is a bookstore, course catalogue, and assortment of articles and videos spanning a wide variety of content.

Gratefulness.org is a virtual space with the mission of “A peaceful, thriving, and sustainable world – held as sacred by all.” This site is a beautiful and easy to use resources for grateful living. One valuable feature is the detailed daily practices. Included are questions, journal prompts, and words of the day. Another unique element is the guided ritual lighting of virtual candles. Once your candle is lit, you can explore and sit with others’ candles and prayers. There is also a community side of the site. You can send ecards to anyone or participate in the Gratitude Lounge.

A central figure at Gratefulness.org is Brother David. With extensive and varied training throughout his life, he offers insight and perspective one cannot gain from other teachers in the realm of wisdom and contemplation. There is a biography on gratefulness.org, but you can also hear directly from him via his TedTalk and the articles listed there.