


Fostering our Connection
Mercy. An old-fashioned word that conjures up so many contrasting images. Mercy is “a bond,” writes Cynthia Bourgeault in Mystical Hope, “an infallible link of love that holds the created and uncreated realms together.” Far from condescension or political power, the origin of the word mercy points instead to a flow of connectedness, reciprocity, and exchange....

Remembering “the Goodness of God” – Reflection by Linda Coggin
Julian of Norwich seems to be everywhere. At least, since The Contemplative Society’s online retreat in August, I have noticed this. I have noticed Julian’s presence in conversations with friends, in books I’m reading, and while listening to podcasts. Since the retreat, Julian’s teachings have woven their way into my everyday contemplative practice.

Sacred Virtual Retreat Space – Reflection by Martha Keller
Enjoy this generous reflection provided by Martha Keller from Victoria BC. Martha was one of 100 people who participated in our recent virtual event with Matthew Wright, where he offered his heartful and profound insights, teaching, and practices on the theme of "Julian of Norwich...A Voice for Our Times."

Mystical Hope – Vital Sustenance for our Times
In 2001 Cynthia Bourgeault published a grace-filled guide for facing difficult times, offering insights and pointers in the small and powerful book entitled MYSTICAL HOPE: Trusting in the Mercy of God. Many in Cynthia’s community and beyond are turning (or re-turning) to this book to navigate current concerns and challenges, and finding it a source of deep spiritual sustenance.

Eye of the Heart: Cynthia Bourgeault Shares the Imaginal Roadmap
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Info and links to recent podcasts and interviews where Cynthia Bourgeault illuminates the Imaginal and some key insights offered in her groundbreaking new book Eye of the Heart.

September 2020 Update and Message from TCS Board
Dear Contemplative Friends,
This has been a year of momentous change and uncertainty!
Here at The Contemplative Society, we have been prayerfully discerning our future path through the challenges and opportunities during this tumultuous time. The Board has made some difficult decisions to reduce administrative costs and bring expenses into alignment with income.....

Eye of the Heart: A Spiritual Journey into the Imaginal Realm – by Cynthia Bourgeault
In Eye of the Heart, Cynthia Bourgeault investigates the imaginal realm–an energetic realm well known to the mystical traditions but often forgotten in our own times. It is invisible to the physical eye, but clearly perceptible through the eye of the heart. The imaginal realm has long been associated with the personal world of dreams, prophecy, and oracles, and it also points toward a higher vision of our human purpose that is both evolutionary and collective...

POOL OF WISDOM: A Spiritual Autobiography by Mary-Clare Carder
MARY-CLARE CARDER is a piano teacher by profession with a
BMus from the University of Victoria. She is a lifelong
Anglican and has participated in dozens of silent retreats and
contemplative workshops over the last 30 years. She has led
several contemplative workshops and quiet days.

A Teacher Named ‘Covid’ with Susan McCutcheon
My journey with the teacher named ‘covid' began with odd symptoms that I did not connect and so for a couple of days worsened until the telltale cough put the lights on and my doctor sent me for a test... In my Centering Prayer sit that day I decide to explore the fear. Is it fear of dying, fear of illness, fear of dealing with this living alone? Going deeper I think of wisdom school teachings around kenotic release and that we practice this ‘letting go’ and I find myself doing the physical hand gesture.

Zooming Through Ramadan Toward Imperfection with Miranda Harvey
The day before Islam’s holiest month Ramadan was set to begin,…

Going Forward with Cynthia Bourgeault
Posted on Facebook April 14, 2020
Going Forward….For the…

Good Friday Stations of the Cross
This meditation on the Stations of the Cross during the Pandemic…

Foundational Points for the Five Pandemic Homework Exercises
Letter from Cynthia Bourgeault:
I am very grateful…

More on the instruction to decrease internet use
(Posted by Cynthia Bourgeault on Facebook, March 24, 2020.)
As…

From the Eagle’s Nest by Cynthia Bourgeault, March 24, 2020
(the background to Instructions, posted on Cynthia Bourgeault's…

Instructions from Cynthia Bourgeault
Letter from Cynthia Bourgeault:
Dear Wisdom friends,
Here…

Introductory Wisdom School Online from the Center for Action & Contemplation
If the wisdom path calls to you, I am delighted to share with you an opportunity to participate in an online course created in partnership with the Center for Action and Contemplation.