How do contemplatives engage the world when forest fires, floods, and political uproar are happening in our own backyards? How do we stand in contemplative wisdom and be present in depth to the beauty and suffering inherent to the web of life on this blue-green planet?

We invite you to join The Contemplative Society board for three days as we learn from, and practice with, Cynthia Bourgeault, Heather Ruce, and each other. With an intention of stabilizing ourselves in compassion, discernment, forbearance, creativity, and spiritual strength and courage, we’ll take a deep dive into contemplative solidarity (tonglen, kything) and imaginal practices, as well as centering prayer, lectio divina, chant, movement, and silence.

The retreat and practices will be facilitated by TCS board member Heather Ruce, joined by board members Therese DesCamp, Lorie Martin, Henri Lock, and Jesse Burson. Cynthia will be joining us remotely to dialogue with retreat members about the questions and observations that emerge from our work together.

This retreat, held at Loon Lake Retreat Centre in Maple Ridge, begins at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 20th and ends at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 23rd. Zoom options are available. This link will take you to the TCS site for registration. https://www.contemplative.org/events2/web-of-life-2023/