Christian Meditation: Weekly Teachings Podcast
Are you seeking a path to peace, or a deeper connection with God?
This podcast shares teachings from our Christian meditation gatherings that happen online twice a week. Each episode features a short reflection from Chris Whittington. Chris draws from the rich stream of Christian contemplative wisdom across the centuries — from Jesus and the Desert Mothers and Fathers to Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, and more recent voices such as Thomas Merton, Rowan Williams, Martin Laird, Ruth Burrows and Maggie Ross as well as wisdom from other faiths/traditions.
Chris is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to meditation at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey, England, where he spent time living and studying as part of several years of formation. Following an introduction from the Abbot at Prinknash Abbey, Chris spent time studying at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamsala, India, deepening his understanding of meditation practice across contemplative traditions.
You may also like to know:
- We warmly invite you to join our online meditation community. Practising with others provides the support and rhythm that helps a meditation practice take root and grow. People join us from many different backgrounds and traditions. Our free online gatherings take place every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening (UK time). Each session includes a live teaching, 20 minutes of silent meditation and some shared reflection. Sign up here: https://schoolofcontemplativelife.com/online-meditation/
- To send a question to Chris, or share your thoughts, please email: info@schoolofcontemplativelife.com
- Episode transcripts are available here: https://schoolofcontemplativelife.com/teachings-from-contemplative-christianity
- This podcast is made possible through the generosity of our donors. If this teaching becomes meaningful to you, you’re invited to support the work of The School of Contemplative Life so that it can remain freely available to others. Please click here to donate: https://schoolofcontemplativelife.com/donate/ Thank you!
Episodes
Dec 18, 2023
Dec 18, 2023
7 min
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.
Nov 19, 2023
Nov 19, 2023
8 min
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.
Oct 31, 2023
Oct 31, 2023
4 min
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.
Oct 29, 2023
Oct 29, 2023
9 min
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.
Oct 25, 2023
Oct 25, 2023
11 min
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.
Sep 15, 2023
Sep 15, 2023
6 min
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.