Art of Contemplative Practice 1 (DS1201W)

Content

This unit explores the foundational principles of contemplation and their relevance to life, work and spiritual practice. The formation program will draw on the various contemplative elements of inner silence, solitude, spiritual practices, listening, discernment and the human experience of the Transcendent.

Students will reflect on these aspects of contemplation and the impact on their developing awareness of spiritual aspects and practices in their everyday life experiences.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Foundational Spirituality Unit for students undertaking an undergraduate award

Pedagogy

Lectures, personal reflection, sharing in groups, supervised practice.

Indicative Bibliography

*= set texts recommended for purchase

• Benner, David G. Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2010.*
• Coleman, Daniel P. Presence and Process: A Path Toward Transformative Faith and Inclusive Community. Barclay Press, 2017.
• Edwards, Denis. How God Acts : Creation, Redemption, and Special Divine Action. Minneapolis, MI: Fortress Press, 2010.
• Laird, Martin. Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation. London, UK: Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd, 2006.*
• Liebert, Elizabeth. The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.
• Merton, Thomas. New Seeds of Contemplation. New York, NY: New Directions, 1972.
• Merton, Thomas, and William Henry Shannon. The Inner Experience: Notes on Contemplation. San Francisco, CA: Harper SanFrancisco, 2003.
• Rohr, Richard. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: Crossroad Pub. Co., 2009.
• Small, Simon. From The Bottom of the Pond: The forgotten art of experiencing God in the depths of the present moment. Hants, UK: O Books, 2007.*
• Yaconelli, Mark. Growing Souls: Experiments in Contemplative Youth Ministry. El Cajon, CA; Grand Rapids, MI: Youth Specialties, Zondervan, 2007.

Assessment