Posts Tagged ‘meditation’

Alchemy Intro 1

Alchemy is the medieval forerunner of modern science, Based on the goal of transforming matter, alchemists attempted to purify, mature, and perfect certain materials. They were particularly interested in attempting to convert base metals into gold, or to find a universal elixir.


Song of the Sea amd Sky

Song of the Sea and Sky, by Alexandra Dickerman During this past year of quarantine and isolation, we have been going to Ocean Beach , especially when the big waves are forecasted—for fresh air and long walks, and to feed the birds. Recently, I was struck with the sense that we’re all in this together.


Second Coming

This poem by William Butler Yeats, written in 1919, seems strangely prophetic today, at a time of plague and political unrest.


The Night

Rainer Maria Rilke uses the image of night to take us beyond the surface and the limits of our prejudices, to see “people, nations, just as they are”.


All That Has Never Been Spoken

This is a meditation from a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke in his Book of Hours 1,12, in which the poet prays to his muse for inspiration.


Believe

A message of hope and faith.


The Hour is Striking

This lovely little poem by Rainer Maria Rilke speaks to the importance of our being mindful and aware — to live in the moment.


8. Never Doubt

A message of hope and faith


The King’s Robes

Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem, The King’s Robes from his Book of Hours, is one of his “Love Poems to God.” It reminds the reader to avoid worshipping false images.


Embracing Our Vulnerability

Visual translation of Rainer Maria Rilke poem. Perhaps all the dragons in our lives….


1. Peace I Give You

A Message of Hope and Faith


Centering Prayer Meditation

Are centering prayer and meditation the same thing? How do you meditate, and why should you do it? Our group of contemplative practitioners talks about why meditation is important and how they practice it.


Is Contemplation Isolating?

The Contemplative Path—is it Isolating? We asked our speakers if they felt that being a contemplative means being isolated, or removed from the world. Here are some of their responses.


Contemplation in the Material World

Where does the contemplative life fit, in terms of living in the material world? We asked our group of speakers how a contemplative practice can be assimilated into an everyday life in the material world. Their answers were varied and thoughtful.


Contemplation: Why to Practice It

The overall goal of meditation is to go beyond the conscious mind in order to experience a state of inner peace and happiness. In this episode of our series on The Contemplative Path, our speakers talk about why they practice meditation, and what the practice does for them.


Contemplation: How to Practice It

How is a contemplative practice done? A contemplative, or unitive experience, is often reached by “letting go” rather than by direct effort. Ironically, this requires an intentional effort: the goal of the contemplative is to move toward an interior quiet and an openness to life as it is in the present moment. Formal meditation is […]


The Contemplative Path

Part 1. What is it? Contemplatives of various traditions, including Jewish, Christian and Buddhist, as well as clinicians, academics and lay people, talk about their contemplative life. Contemplative practices often involve a systematic form of training of the mind, as is done in meditation. It often refers to a particular form of observation in which […]


Techniques for Mystical Awakening (6)

Seekers of spiritual experiences can achieve a mystical awakening by using a variety of techniques, including sounds, dancing, meditation, and praying. Sounds have been used throughout history to help achieve a mystical state of mystical awakening and communion with the inner spirit. Instruments, including drums and gongs have aided with the mysticism seeker’s ability to […]


Going Inward

Fr Joe discusses beauty and going inward.


Beauty, Silence and Finding Home