Engaging Groups in Creative Contemplation

This unit will explore both the principles practice and outcomes of inner spiritual growth utilising the model of Parker J Palmer’s “Circle of Trust”. Contemplation for Parker Palmer is primarily a journey toward an undivided life, integrating the soul, community and a wounded world. The course provides the student with the opportunity to experience a contemplative group through reflection on story, poetry, art and meditation. Students will also explore related works from the monk Thomas Merton, poets John O’Donohue, Mary Oliver and David Whyte and contemporary philosophic/theological writers on contemplation and how to both nurture the inner life and connect with our outer reality.

Code

DS9207W

Level

Postgraduate

Discipline

Spirituality (DS)

Field

Theology: Mission and Ministry (D)

Prerequisites

Nil

Location

Hosted by WellSpring Centre, Ashburton view location >

Faculty

Christopher Page

Class Time

4 x six hour intensives, one 12 hour retreat

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. Examine and evaluate their personal approach to exploring the inner spiritual landscape.
2. Demonstrate both an understanding and integration of Parker Palmer’s approach to the spiritual life.
3. Establish and design a contemplative circle.
4. Lead a contemplative group.
5. Integrate personal spiritual experience with ancient and contemporary contemplative knowledge through the group process.
Assessment
- One report on a Contemplative Circle (2,000 words) (25%)
- One tutorial paper (2,000 words) (25%)
- One essay (4,000 words) (50%)
Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue*
- Belden, Lane. The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.
- May, Gerald G.. Pilgrimage Home: The Conduct of Contemplative Practice in Groups. New York: Paulist Press, 1979.
- O’Donohue, John. Benedictus: A Book of Blessings. London: Bantam Press, 2007.*
- Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004.*
- _______. Healing the Heat of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2011.
- _______. The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1990.*
- _______. The Promise of Paradox: A Celebration of Contradictions in the Christian Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bas, 2008.
- _______. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2007.
- _______. Community, Knowing and Spirituality in Education www.infed.org/thinkers/palmer.htm
- Rohr, Richard. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Co. 2009.
- Vennard, Jane E. Be Still: Designing and Leading Contemplative Retreats. Washington: Alban Institute, 2000.
- Whyte, David. Where Many Rivers Meet. Washington: Many Rivers Press, 2004.

Engaging Groups in Creative Contemplation

Learning outcomes

Assessment

Recommended reading

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