Ripples

Fr Laurence Freeman is a Benedictine Monk and the spiritual guide and Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation. He is an international speaker and retreat leader and is the author of many articles and books. In this Episode Laurence is speaking from Bonnevaux which is the International Meditation and Retreat Centre of The World Community for Christian Meditation based in the south-west of France. Bonnevaux is a residential community which lives in the spirit of the Rule of St Benedict together with volunteers from many parts of the world. It is a place which fosters global peace and unity among all traditions through dialogue, silence and friendship. https://bonnevauxwccm.org/

In this first episode Laurence will explore the practice and fruits of Christian Meditation and in an upcoming episode (Part 2) he will offer some insights on the importance of Building a Contemplative Society. I would regard Laurence as one of the great mystics of our time and as someone who is leading the cultural shift towards a contemplative path. He acknowledges that meditation will not instantly solve all problems but it does have the capacity to change how we view and deal with the challenges we face.

"The real fruit of meditation is that you become a more loving person, because you will experience yourself to be loved." Fr Laurence Freeman OSB

 ** The World Community for Christian Meditation has developed an outstanding resource throughout this time of COVID-19. It is called “A Contemplative Path Through the Crisis.” This site provides information on Christian Meditation and beyond, resources, programs and links to online meditation groups. https://acontemplativepath-wccm.org/

This program will include a 4 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided experience of Christian Meditation entitled “Prayer of the Heart”. In this time of stillness there is an opportunity to reflect on the value and gift of attention. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another. Simone Weil once wrote that the essence of prayer is attention. Different practices can support us in our efforts to be attentive and present. One such practice is Christian Meditation. Christian Meditation has a long tradition and in recent years John Main OSB and Laurence Freeman OSB have played a significant part in its renewal. It involves bringing a single word into a time of stillness and this word is Maranatha. As we attend to the word, we begin to let go of our distractions and we open ourselves to God’s love and to new ways of responding to our lives.  “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Simone Weil** The World Community for Christian Meditation has developed an outstanding resource throughout this time of COVID-19. It is called “A Contemplative Path Through the Crisis.” This site provides information on Christian Meditation and beyond, resources, programs and links to online meditation groups. https://acontemplativepath-wccm.org/

Beth Riolo explores the relationship between music and spirituality and the capacity for music to inform our minds, touch our hearts and speak to our souls. In this way it becomes a conduit for deeper contemplation. She shares the impact of music in her own life and the universal connection to music. This is clearly evident during this time of COVID-19. In times of challenge music offers a glimmer of light and can provide a language which is beyond words. Beth draws on the writings and insights of many wonderful spiritual writers and mystics and shares examples from her eclectic collection. In sharing the musical thread throughout her own life Beth invites us to see these threads in our own lives and the way in which music can deepen and illuminate our relationship with God.

“Music is the sacred text of the soul, the thread of connection that unlocks and reminds me of who I was and who I still am, calling me to embrace life in all its fullness.” Beth Riolo

This program will include a 2 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided meditation entitled “Your Heart Song”. The meditation experience will begin with a series of reflective questions pertaining to matters of the heart. You may like to use a journal or reflect on the questions internally. The meditation will conclude with a musical prayer composed and performed by Tim Hart entitled “Receive Your Grace”. May this time of treasured stillness be a wonderful opportunity for you to become attentive to your heart’s song and God’s loving desire for you to be fully alive.

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.” Author Unknown

Tim Hart shares the story of how the program Pray School came to life during this time of COVID-19. Pray School is an engaging Religious Education Program, appealing to the spirituality of children from Kindergarten to Year 2. It offers storytelling, music, singing, listening, craft and opportunities to respond to Scripture and our world. Pray School was designed to support the work of teachers and parents as they navigated home schooling. Tim reflects on the experience of creating Pray School, on his own understanding of prayer and his journey as a musician.  Tim describes prayer as listening to life and reflects on the importance of responding to opportunities and invitations with courage. The story behind Pray School is a moving story fuelled with wisdom, insight and profound life experiences. 

"Prayer is about listening to life."  Tim Hart

You can visit Pray School here.

This program will include a 3 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided experience of Centering Prayer. The meditation experience will begin with a musical piece composed and performed by Tim Hart and it draws on the words of Psalm 46:10 “Be Still and Know I am God." Once slowing down there will be an opportunity to bring a word or mantra into the stillness. The word will be chosen by you and will be an expression of something that you desire or seek to integrate into your life. We trust that each one of these words will be heard and held by God. May this time of treasured stillness be a wonderful opportunity for you to come away and just BE.

Be Still and Know I am God.  Psalm 46:10

Katy Gilles shares her story of seeking a deeper connection with God. And it was from this experience that Katy went on to create places for others to connect. Spaces where people can be authentic, can be heard and can be held. In her role as a Family Educator in the Sydney Archdiocese Katy created spaces for mothers and children under five years to meet weekly and over the last six years she has created opportunities for women to gather annually for a retreat at the Hermitage in Mittagong. During these years Katy has witnessed first-hand the way in which our relationships deepen through our willingness to be vulnerable. For all those seeking to create spaces for parents to meet and share their spirituality this Episode provides invaluable wisdom and experience.

 "In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen, really seen." Brene Brown

This program will include a 4 minute introduction and a 12 minute Meditation on Vulnerability. During this time of stillness you will be invited to reflect on two key questions drawn from the Ignatian tradition. What are you feeling? What are you desiring in your life? You may like to reflect on these questions using a journal or you may choose to reflect on them internally. And in our willingness to name these things and to share them with God, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship and to the possibility of healing and transformation.

 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28-30

Joel Duval shares the story of his family and more recent events, including his marriage to Elise and the birth of their newborn son Zephaniah. Since Zephaniah’s birth eight weeks ago, he has required medical support and has been surrounded by love and prayers. As Joel reflects on these events he naturally reveals his deep gratitude to God for all that he has experienced, both in times of challenge and in moments of joy. It is an unfolding story of gratitude as he speaks of God’s ongoing presence, guidance and love. The episode will conclude with some final reflections on this gift of gratitude and its close relationship to joy.

"It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful." Br David Steindl-Rast

This program will include a 4 minute introduction and a 10 minute Gratitude Meditation. During this time of stillness you will be invited to reflect on the many gifts in your lives – your relationships, the activities you enjoy, the beauty in nature and times of challenge and growth. You may like to reflect on these areas of your life using a journal or you may choose to reflect on them internally. Allow your mind to gently contemplate these areas of your life and the feelings of gratitude to flow.

“I thank my God each time I think of you and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.” Philippians 1:3-4