About the The Journey of Christian Meditation course
So much to know, or is there?
Sometimes I want to read all the
great pieces of literature – all the writings of
mystics and theologians. Yet I would not trade this knowledge
for the experience of You – your gift to me.
(extract from Sky Prayer by Eileen O’Hea)
Experiences of God, through the lives of Christian mystics, offer windows of insight through diaries, sermons, books, reflections, music and art. And often, even if these experiences were short lived, the impact has lasted a lifetime.
Alongside these experiences and certainly underpinning them has been a life of deep prayer, often referred to as meditation or contemplation.
Until relatively recently, deep prayer of this type was not part of the ordinary person’s experience, being thought more appropriate to those with a religious vocation. However, in recent years something has changed, a metanoia is taking place, and people like you and me are finding a deepening spirituality through meditation, Lectio Divina and mind/body/spirit practices.
In the first half of this day of reflection, we will explore the nature of mysticism through the lives of some significant historical figures in the Christian tradition. We will also ponder the influence of a few 20th-century contemporary mystics on our modern society seeking to explore and grow their relationship with God, sometimes outside conventional church.
During the second part we will look at the personal experience of meditation and what following the path of meditation may mean to those who embark on it, both in their prayer life and in the ordinary activities of daily life, along with a brief look at some similarities and differences between secular mindfulness and meditation. Interspersed throughout the day you will also be offered the opportunity to reflect on some of the issues raised and be introduced to the simple practice of silent meditation in the Christian tradition.
Timetable:
10:00 -11:15 Session 1
11:15-11:45 Tea/Coffee break
11:45-13:00 Session 2
13:00-13:45 Lunch
13:45-15:00 Session 3
15:00-15:30 Tea/Coffee break
15:30-16:00 Final Reflection Session
About the course leader
Rosalind (Roz) Stockley has been a meditator for many years and is a member of The World Community for Christian Meditation (wccm.org). She has held a number of voluntary roles helping to facilitate the work of the community, including in schools. Her current role is Chair of the Trustee Board for the registered charity WCCM in the UK (wccm.uk), the national community of WWCM. During her working life she was both a Chartered Accountant and Director as well as an Existential Psychotherapist in private practice.
