RETREATS, CLASSES
& WORKSHOPS


UPCOMING CLASSES

Introduction To The Art Of Contemplative Living: ON-LINE

Life is our most creative work of art. The first 3-week, on-line course is an introduction to, and an exploration of living contemplatively. Each Monday, you will receive e-mail with an image, quote, questions for reflection and a simple cre- ative exercise for that week that may guide you towards a more mindful, contemplative life. This course is my gift to you.
- Begins on the 2nd Monday of e very month.
Sign up by e-mailing KFinley@ArtOfContemplativeLiving.org

The Art of Looking: Contemplative Drawing: ON-LINE

This 4 week drawing course, open to all levels, is designed to encourage the Art of Looking, the practice of paying close attention to what is in front of us. Once a week you will receive and e-mail with the week’s spiritual art practice, and every day you will receive a new meditation to guide you in your practice of loving God by disregarding every other thought and really seeing, as a practical way of opening ourselves to a deeper level of contemplation. The art of looking helps to shed the filter of preconceptions in order to begin to see with fresh eyes the divinity of creation and creating. The more we look, the more we see. Our instructions? Simple: draw what you see; don't draw what you don’t see.
- BEGINS FEBRUARY 29, 2016
Sign up by e-mailing KFinley@ArtOfContemplativeLiving.org
Fee $60


PRAYER & ICONOGRAPHY

Mystical Prayer

An experiential introduction to three types of prayer: Lectio Divina, the Jesus Prayer, and Centering Prayer. These three prayer practices are ‘active’ forms of prayer and offer techniques that may assist us. True Contemplation, when we cease from interior spiritual doing and learn simply to be, resting wordlessly in the presence of God is considered passive, as it is offered as gift. Participants will gain a basic understanding of each prayer practice and discover that prayer practice and contemplation are two poles of our underlying, ongoing spiritual rhythm; a gentle oscillation back and forth between spiritual ‘activity’, with regard to God, and ‘receptivity'. Ample time will be given for practice.
- One day or three evenings

Interior Christian Prayer for the Sincere Beginner

Exploration of the ancient art of Lectio Divina, at one time practiced by all Christians, as taught by Guigo II in "Ladder of Monks". Reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation are seen as 4 stages of spiritual exercise and rungs of a ladder that may “lift us from earth to heaven,” Time will be spent on the properties and function of each stage, what it does in relation to us, the differences between the stages, their order of importance, and the help and consolation that may be gained. Time will be spent in practice.
- One day

Process of Writing an Icon as a Mystical Journey

Participants will explore the ancient, mystical process of 'writing' (painting) an icon as a spiritual discipline and the inherent theology of each of 21 steps: etching, color, line, and gilding as well as elements or symbols used in iconography to convey meaning. Ample time will be allowed and guidelines given for praying with icons.
-One half day or one evening

Mystical Meanings of the Signs, Symbols & Gestures of Eucharist

Join us for a contemplative look at the Eucharist. Every sign, gesture, or movement in the Eucharist has deep roots in early Christian liturgy. Far from arbitrary, the non-verbal elements of Eucharist are symbols that point towards transcendent mystery and are supported by the accompanying prayers. We will also explore the origin of the Eucharist and the great linking points to Jesus’ great parable of the Good Shepherd.
- One-day retreat


ART & PRAYER

The Art of Looking: Contemplative Drawing

This drawing course, open to all levels, is designed to encourage the Art of Looking, the practice of paying close attention to what is in front of us. We will set aside time to practice loving God by disregarding every other thought and really seeing, as a practical way of opening ourselves to a deeper level of contemplation. The art of looking helps to shed the filter of preconceptions in order to begin to see with fresh eyes the divinity of creation and creating. The more we look, the more we see. Our instructions? Simple: draw what you see; don't draw what you don’t see.
- One, three or five-day workshop

Visio Divina

Exploration of a contemporary visual form of “Lectio Divina” utilizing the 4 stages of spiritual exercise but a series of tangible objects from creation will the focus – looking to see God’s presence in the world around us. Pencil, pen and paintbrush will launch our meditation.

Creating Your Spiritual Compass

A creative workshop designed to help you discover and chart a course to your own, perfect, imagined future by creating your personal Spiritual Compass. The circular image of a compass, like the mandala, encompasses every direction. A Spiritual Compass can provide a personal sense of direction for the contemplative journey and a source of guidance and encouragement in staying the course towards your goal. This course will use mixed media and is for all levels of ability.
- One-day workshop

Painting And Guilding Celtic Spirals

A creative workshop FOR BEGINNERS and anyone who loves to paint! Explore the sacred mystery of the Celtic spiral inspired by Ireland’s Book of Kells. We will explore the mystery of Creation from the perspective of Celtic spirituality and learn the traditional art of manuscript illumination and the pigments and minerals that were ground to create beautiful, jeweled colors such as lapis and malachite. You will paint and guild (24K gold) your own Celtic spiral, going home with a finished piece. All materials will be proved.
- One-day workshop


ON-LINE COURSES

Introduction To The Art Of Contemplative Living

Life is our most creative work of art. The first 3-week, on-line course is an introduction to, and an exploration of living contemplatively. Each Monday, you will receive e-mail with an image, quote, questions for reflection and a simple cre- ative exercise for that week that may guide you towards a more mindful, contemplative life. This course is my gift to you.
- Begins on the 2nd Monday of e very month.
Sign up by e-mailing KFinley@ArtOfContemplativeLiving.org

The Art of Looking: Contemplative Drawing

This 4 week drawing course, open to all levels, is designed to encourage the Art of Looking, the practice of paying close attention to what is in front of us. Once a week you will receive and e-mail with the week’s spiritual art practice, and every day you will receive a new meditation to guide you in your practice of loving God by disregarding every other thought and really seeing, as a practical way of opening ourselves to a deeper level of contemplation. The art of looking helps to shed the filter of preconceptions in order to begin to see with fresh eyes the divinity of creation and creating. The more we look, the more we see. Our instructions? Simple: draw what you see; don't draw what you don’t see.
Sign up by e-mailing KFinley@ArtOfContemplativeLiving.org

The Cloud Of Unknowing: A Practical Guide To A Life Of Contemplations

The Cloud of Unknowing was written in the 14th century by an unknown mystic. The beauty and simplicity of this little book has inspired many great men and women of prayer including St.John of the Cross. This 7-session, on-line look at The Cloud of Unknowing will unfold over a 14-week time frame, allowing participants to read and absorb the message at a quiet and unhurried pace.


SPIRITUALITY OF CHILDREN

The Art of Listening to God With Children

For expectant parents and parents of children up to 5 years old – spend a day developing your own daily rituals and building self-confidence in order to embark on a joyful journey with your child..
- One-day workshop

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – Adult Leader Formation Training

Level One – to guide children 3 to 6 years of age