Cynthia Bourgeault comes to BC in September
In conjunction with the Contemplative Society, and with the support of the Bishop of the Diocese of British Columbia on Vancouver Island, Cynthia Bourgeault will be offering 2 retreats this fall.
A 5-Day Retreat on September 26 – 29 at the Bethlehem Retreat Centre in Nanaimo.
"RE-LEARNING TRUST" In-person (wait list) & Zoom Registration (available)
A 1-Day Retreat on September 30 in Victoria.
"EXPLORING A NONDUAL CHRISTIANITY OF COSMIC PROPORTIONS" In-person
Sept 26 - 29
Re-Learning Trust
To our usual psychological way of looking at things, trust must be earned; it is called forth in response to demonstrated trustworthiness. But there is another way of approaching trust, which has always been the way of the great saints and mystics. From this other angle of approach trust is not earned so much as bestowed—from a fathomless strength and freedom which lies latent in every human soul, flowing like a wellspring from the heart of God.
Anchored in strength rather than gullibility, and impervious to manipulation, this trust is itself a transformative force, flowing into a broken world to bring courage, healing, and reconnection. This retreat will be a deep immersion into this other way of working with trust. With the
mystics looking over our shoulders, we will explore not only the spirituality but the actual practices that allow our hearts to access this hidden wellspring and draw on it skillfully to begin to rebuild trust, not only within our own lives, but within our shattered world. Note
that we will be approaching the task from contemplative and esoteric reference points rather than therapeutic ones, so it is recommended that you have an established meditation practice and a willingness to offer yourself on this pathway of conscious service to the whole.
We will also explore contemplative embodiment practices, with a daily session facilitated by supporting guest teacher Heather Ruce.
Our Retreat Leaders:
Cynthia Bourgeault is a modern day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally acclaimed retreat leader. She divides her time between solitude in her seaside hermitage in Maine and a demanding schedule traveling globally to spread the recovery of the Christian contemplative and Wisdom paths. She is principal teacher for The Contemplative Society and the founding director of an international network of Wisdom schools, uniting classic Christian mystical and monastic teaching with contemporary practices of mindfulness and embodied presence.
Heather Ruce will be supporting our retreat experience through guiding us in a daily embodiment session. Heather is an experienced instructor and leader of the Gurdjief movements. She is a wisdom spiritual director with training in a neurophysiology based approach to understanding the nervous system. Heather loves working with individuals as well as facilitating groups and retreats focused on learning and practicing the Christian Wisdom Tradition. She lives in San Diego, CA with her husband Charlie.
Retreat location:
Bethlehem Centre is a quiet, spacious oasis, nestled in the shadows of Mt Benson, on beautiful Westwood Lake, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Address: 2371 Arbot Road, Nanaimo, BC, Canada. The Zoom will be broadcast from Bethlehem Retreat Centre while the Retreat is in session.
Fri Sept 30
Exploring a Nondual Christianity of Cosmic Proportions
Cynthia will offer an overview of her principal theological tenants and emergent thinking, drawing from her most recent book The Corner of Fourth and Nondual, a title inspired by Thomas Merton’s famous moment of revelation ‘at the Corner of Fourth and Walnut.’
As these retreats are held through the Contemplative Society, members of the society have access to registration. To become a member, learn more about the society, and register for the retreats, please visit contemplative.org.
REGISTER HERE for 5-Day Retreat Re-Learning Trust
REGISTER HERE for 1-Day Retreat Exploring a Nondual Christianity of Cosmic Proportions