Ancient Wisdom, Awakening Soul, Offering Ourselves

Discover the Heart of the Christian Wisdom Tradition

"Fairacres", the original Contemplative Centre, 2000, Photo credit: Heather Page

The Contemplative Society is an inclusive non-profit society rooted in the Christian Wisdom lineage, welcoming seekers from all spiritual traditions. Our volunteer board and part-time contract support serve a global network of members and friends on a contemplative path.

Through resources, recordings, and events led by founding teacher Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault and other Wisdom voices, TCS supports the deepening of inner practice in daily life. Here you’ll find guidance, inspiration, and community: an open door into the stillness at the heart of all things.

In Person Retreat

Tending the Threshold
Drawing on the Wisdon of the Three Mary's by Heather Ruce

22-25 April 2027

Cowichan Lake Research Station and Conference Centre, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Coming Soon!

Teaching

Through contemplative practices that engage body, mind, and spirit, we open space for prayerful attention, inner stillness, and grounded presence.

Cowichan Lake retreat With Cynthia 2.JPG

Reflections

Nurturing the contemplative spirit in all who seek, our initiatives offer a supportive environment for spiritual growth and exploration in a changing world.

fdab8c_9996bdaa49dd47929877f57cc89ec304~mv2.jpg

Practices

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of contemplative practices, prayer, and wisdom teachings that embody the Christian Wisdom tradition.

Cynthia Bourgeault

Now Live:

Digital Archive

Visit

Recent Reflections

Practicing the Presence of God, in the Days of Growing Darkness

Growing darkness… tis the season where we wake-up mostly just to turn around and re-enter our cozy nests curling the blankets securely around our neck, so the draft doesn’t get us. The brief hours or simple moments of light that touch our cheeks are so fleeting. Then there is that hour change that doesn’t happen...

Lorie Martin

Nov 13 min read

No Conscious Work is Ever Wasted*

I have been considering the idea of ‘reciprocal feeding’ and ‘The Great Exchange’ as described in ‘The Eye of the Heart’. Of how the flow of nutrients like forgiveness, kindness and patience (‘the fruits of the spirit’) up and down the Ray of Creation is what keeps the connections between the realms vibrant and alive, and keeps the realms themselves, vibrant and alive and in dynamic equilibrium.

Virginia Bennett

Nov 14 min read

Benedictine Quantum Spirituality

Traditional Benedictine spirituality, and Christian monasticism in general, are rooted in the rule of St. Benedict. The “Rule” has been followed, interpreted and examined by many for almost 1500 years, yet it still exists and thrives...

The Rev. Jack Rose OSBCn

Oct 15 min read

The Contemplative Store

Discover a living archive of wisdom: audio and video retreats tracing the contemplative path from 1997 to today.