Engaging Groups in Creative Contemplation (DS9207W)

Content

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.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

24 hours of lecture and discussion, participation and a two day 12 hour participatory retreat. About 33% of the time will be given to the lectures and experiential workshops. The contemplative circles will be about 33% and the retreat experience will involve about 33% of the time allocation

Indicative Bibliography

• 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. (recommended for purchase)
• Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004. (recommended for purchase)
• _______. 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. (recommended for purchase)
• _______. 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.

Assessment