"Contemplation. . . is not a special gift. It is simply seeing from the perspective of oneness, or in other words, from the level of our spiritual awareness. It can indeed be practiced, and over time, with sincerity and persistence, it becomes an abiding state of consciousness.”                            ― Cynthia Bourgeault, in Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening

Our contemplative practice opens up a new way of seeing and being, acknowledging our oneness with each other, with the world, and with God. As we consent to the Spirit, we consent to the help that is always being offered to us and to our world.

Our Centering Prayer is an important foundation in this, and yet it doesn't end when we get up off the cushion. In all of the times of our day we can continue to offer ourselves to Sacred Unity. Throughout our activity, and in the evening and at night - we are continually a part of this Oneness.

Join us as we offer our beloved being up to God, sitting together in the quiet, moving throughout our day, and entering the evening and night in prayer together. This retreat is suitable for people with a long-time practice of Centering Prayer, and will also provide guidance for those relatively new to it. We are planning a spacious schedule blanketed in sacred silence so that you will have time to walk the beautiful Mercy grounds, and to do other deeply relaxing practices that we'll talk about. Bring a journal and pen if you like. There is a lovely craft room at Mercy Center but bring additional art supplies if you prefer.

Recommended reading (we will be presenting material from this book):

Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault

Retreat Leaders:

Joy Andrews Hayter, Ph.D. is a spiritual director whose offerings include Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices of the Christian Wisdom tradition. These practices encourage us to lean into the Love that is constantly being offered within a relational web of Sacred Unity. As a scientist she sees in the physical world an expression of that love.

Catherine Regan, Ph.D. is a spiritual director, retired psychologist, and adjunct staff member at Mercy Center, primarily serving on the Centering Prayer team. She has a special interest in participating in the reclamation of the Christian Wisdom tradition and fostering the contemplative practices so urgently needed at this time in our world.

Heather Ruce, M.A. is a wisdom spiritual director with a background as a therapist and training in a neurophysiology based approach to trauma resolution. She loves working with individuals as well as facilitating groups and retreats focused on learning and practicing the Wisdom Tradition.

Link to COVID Protocol: https://mercy-center.org/guest-protocol/

Contact Us: 650-340-7474

MC@sistersofmercy.org

For more information visit: www.mercy-center.org

These are unprecedented times. If finances are an issue, please email us at registration@mercywmw.org for a learning grant discount code. We want to make sure our offerings are available to everyone