The School of Contemplative Life
Meditation (or silent prayer) is an ancient spiritual practice that opens us to the Sacred within. ’Becoming Places of Peace’ aims to help us live from our innate potential for peace, compassion, relationship and oneness by amplifying the voices of wisdom teachers across the centuries. Chris Whittington, who hosts this podcast, is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life a charity whose vision is to help people establish peace in themselves and become places of peace in the world. Chris was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey in England. His monastic teachers taught meditation from the Christian tradition as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions, a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none. We host a free online practice group which meets every Saturday between 08:30-09:30 (UK time) and on Wednesday between 20:00-20:45 (UK time). The group is free to join and great for beginners or people with an established practice. It’s so much easier to build a regular practice (and experience the many benefits) when you commit to meditating with others. Sign up here: https://linktr.ee/schoolofcontemplativelife
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
In this episode, we explore how the sacred can be found not only in spiritual practices but in the everyday tasks that fill our lives. Drawing on Zen and Benedictine wisdom, we reflect on the idea that enlightenment is not separate from the routines we often overlook, such as cooking or cleaning. Stories of Zen masters and Christian monks reveal how approaching each moment with mindful attention allows us to cultivate a life of wholeness, where prayer and compassion infuse every act.
Listeners will be guided to see life as a continuous, sacred practice—one that invites a deep sense of stability, peace, and presence in each task. Join us as we explore how the practice of meditation can transform even the simplest of acts into a profound encounter with the divine.
Monday Oct 21, 2024
Monday Oct 21, 2024
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of meditation and the understanding that God is not a separate entity to be grasped but is our very essence. Reflecting on biblical insights, particularly Jesus’ response to Philip at the Last Supper, we uncover how a dualistic mindset can obscure our awareness of oneness with the divine.
Listeners are invited to let go of preconceived notions of God and simply rest in open awareness where we discover that true understanding comes not from seeking but from experiencing God as ever-present in our lives. This journey encourages a release from judgment and comparison, leading us to a profound sense of unity.
Join us as we navigate this mystical journey and embrace the boundless love that connects us all.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Many of us have a difficult relationship with time.
We might wish we had more of it to finish that home project which never quite gets done. We might wish we were more efficient at using the time we do have, having chased our tail all day, before we fall into bed. We might regret the time we have spent on certain things in the past, or worry about what is likely to consume our time in the future.
It’s all too easy to feel like we are the victim of time.
In this podcast, we explore how we can transform our relationship with time through the wisdom of monasticism.
Sunday Nov 19, 2023
Sunday Nov 19, 2023
In meditation, we set out on a journey like no other. Saying our prayer word, following our breath, we learn to travel light.
Instead of packing, we unpack.
Instead of trying to grasp hold of what cannot grasped, we allow ourselves to be held.
Instead of worrying about finding God, or experiencing God, we allow ourselves to rest in God’s ever-present Presence.
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
The contemplative practice of Christian meditation has its foundation in the teachings and prayer life of Jesus.
Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary or deserted places to pray. The Gospel writers skillfully record a pattern of solitary prayer, engaged compassion, and the creation of community.
We don't need to find any special way of getting in touch with God. God wants to simplify us through the simplicity of silent prayer.
Sunday Oct 29, 2023
Sunday Oct 29, 2023
It takes trust to life attention off ourselves, to believe God has everything in hand.
We have a tendency to want to complicate what is simple.
All God wants to do, through the simplicity of prayer is simplify us, to lead us back from distractedness to wholeness.
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Religion means 'a way of getting back in touch', something that 'reconnects'
and 'binds together.' It is especially important to remember some of the deepest
meanings of this word at moments when some may wish to use it as a way of
dividing people. Meditation helps us open up to the gift of contemplation,
the gift of seeing clearly, and coming to awareness of our essential oneness
with each other and all of creation.
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Through meditation and self-compassion, we can gradually dissolve internal obstacles and develop a more harmonious relationship with ourselves and the world. As we learn to approach our thoughts and feelings with stillness and compassion, we unveil the ever-present peace within us.