Shalem's Mission is to
nurture
contemplative
living
and leadership -
a way of being
prayerfully
attentive
and responsive to
God's presence
and guidance.
Thank you!
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" Holy Spirit,
giving life to all life,
moving all creatures,
root of all things,
washing them clean,
wiping out their mistakes,
healing their wounds,
you are our true life,
luminous, wonderful,
awakening the heart."
- Hildegard of Bingen
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Shalem's Blog
Living Contemplatively
In this blog we hope to open a conversation with you about our contemplative spiritual joys, resistances, struggles, and experiences.
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As we move in to the dog days of summer, we offer our Summer Reading Guide, which includes a reflection on Prayerful Reading, Staff Picks, a review of Carl McColman's new book, Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path and three great titles from 2012. HAPPY READING!
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 We are conditioned to read with a "segregated mind," where we suspend our prayerful presence and start thinking "about" God and life. A contemplative orientation encourages us to maintain some background sense of the Presence while we are reading, some way to let our mind rest in our spiritual heart's direct presence in God, at least sporadically. You may have your own way to let your mind remain consciously connected to your spiritual heart while you read. If not, try something like the following just before you begin reading: Close your eyes; take several long, slow breaths; let your mind bathe a moment in the spacious fullness of your spiritual heart's direct presence in God. You may want to let rise a simple prayer phrase that expresses your desire to "hear" what you need to hear that serves what is called for in your spiritual life and leadership. What is given you during the reading time may be "set off" by what you read, but it may not be directly connected with it.
So don't read primarily for "objective content,"  but rather read with your mind in your heart, listening through what you read for whatever may be given you. When you finish reading, be quiet a moment and ask to be shown anything you need to particularly remember from this "prayerful reading" time. You may want to write anything that's been given in a journal, if you have one. When you've finished, see if you can retain your intent to continue living the day given to the loving living Presence, given to your deep self in God, as you move on to your next activity. However "in and out" this aware presence may be for you (hopefully during the "out" times without self-judgment, just self acceptance of what's possible), you may find your desire for such presence becoming the golden thread that weaves together and illumines the fragments of the day. From Shalem's Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Bibliography Introduction.
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Shalem Staff Reading Picks
Have you ever wondered about the books the Shalem staff reads? Here are just a few of the books recommended by staff members.
To see the ENTIRE list of the staff's picks, click here.
From Carole Crumley: 
Maria Ruiz Scaperland & Michael Scaperlanda,
The Journey: A Guide for the Modern Pilgrim
Rich with meaning and spiritual insight, this book traces pilgrimage across time, in scripture, through the lives of the saints and in daily life. Its last chapter on "Returning Home" is one of the best I have ever read on this important aspect of the ongoing journey.
 From Tilden Edwards:
Richard Rohr, Immortal Diamond
In his inimitable style Richard portrays the differences between our false and true selves, comparing the true self to an immortal diamond, formed under the intense pressure of our lives through a process of transformation. He articulates much wisdom about authentic contemplative understanding of the human journey in a very personal and often concrete way.
From Christine Jeffrey: 
John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings One of my favorite, go-to books. O'Donohue talks about blessings in the context of thresholds and the need to mark them. Many of us, when asked to identify thresholds, note birthdays, marriages and other events that encourage celebration. The thresholds that O'Donohue invites us to mark are some of those but also others that may have taken a long time getting to and ones that are not always surrounded with happiness. All of these thresholds should be ones that we slow down to recognize and indeed ritualize. These blessings connect us with the others that journey with us, give us encouragement and do indeed bless us.
 From Monica Maxon:
Anne Lamott, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
A wonderful little book on prayer, written in Lamott's funny and perceptive style and filled with humor and wisdom. It can be read over and over and over again.
From Leah Rampy: 
Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone, Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We're in Without Going Crazy
If, like me, you sometimes despair of the state of our world, Macy and Johnstone encourage us in the practice of active hope. They invite us to open in gratitude, honor our pain, and engage the challenges with new ways of seeing. I'm grateful for the reminder of the personal commitment and transformation that is needed for our participation in the "great turning." And I'm ever more certain that contemplative leadership is critical if we are to live into God's desire for Earth.
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Click on the Amazon link to purchase any of these books and at the same time support Shalem with a donation!
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Book Review by Dana Greene
Answering the Contemplative Call: First Steps on the Mystical Path by Carl McColman
 In his popular The Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Carl McColman introduces the reader to the rich tradition of the Christian mystics. His new book follows up on how that tradition is made accessible to the ordinary person. These companion volumes are reminiscent of those produced by Evelyn Underhill more than a century ago. In Mysticism: A Study of the Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness, Underhill tracked the mystical tradition in the West, and a few years later she published Practical Mysticism, an interpretation of that tradition for what she called "normal" people.
In Answering the Contemplative Call, McColman, a Shalem graduate, explores the contemplative vocation first as invitation and then as a journey to be prepared for and embraced. He stresses that to respond to this call means to answer with a life-long commitment to pursue a transformative way. Although his book is meant as a primer, one which happily could be recommended to a new directee, the long-practiced traveler can profit from it as well.
For McColman the call begins with the nameless yearning for intimacy, which brings one to recognize the presence of mystery in life itself. Once awakened, one responds by "beholding" this presence, and the decision to pursue this yearning is undertaken...
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From 2012 - Three Books in Brief
 Carol O. Eckerman, Lessons in Simply Being: Finding the Peace within Tumult
Rev. Margaret Guenther calls this memoir "deeply personal, warm and accessible." Written by Shalem board member Carol Eckerman, a self-acknowledged "recovering control addict" who finds meaning in life after the collapse of all she had clung to, it is a moving and engaging read. Eckerman freely shares her search for order and meaning in a straightforward style and also shares the rich spiritual insights she has gleaned through her changing life. All readers will identify with and be inspired by what she shares.
 Dana Greene, Denise Levertov: A Poet's Life
In this illuminating and engaging biography, Shalem board member Dana Greene examines the life and poetry of Denise Levertov, author of 24 volumes of poetry as well as four books of essays and several translations. Along with the details of Levertov's very active outer life, Greene also weaves the movement of Levertov's inner life throughout this book and shows a deep understanding of the poetry that these two lives birthed. Greene's writing is clear, thoughtful and sensitive, adding much to those who know Levertov and providing a wonderful introduction to those who are meeting her for the first time.
 Joan S. Hickey,
A Cloud of Witnesses: Personal Stories of God's Presence in Today's World
As a teacher, group leader and Shalem adjunct staff member for 25 years, Joan Hickey has had a long-time interest in individual mystical experiences. Almost all of the stories shared in this book are from people with a Christian background who have also participated in Shalem programs over the years. "In these stories one hears the voices of authenticity," writes former Shalem board member Dolores Leckey. "These are the 'real deal,' articulate even when the writers are saying they are at a loss for words. The tone is humble and direct-and lacking any claims to entitlement. They're simply telling the truth." This book is also available on the Shalem Store. | | Click on the Amazon link to purchase these books while at the same time making a donation to Shalem! |
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Sacred Listening Circles
begins September 18, 2013
We are living in a time of upheaval and great change.  Some tell us we are on the cusp of a major evolutionary leap. What is imperative is deep listening, also known as sacred or prayerful listening. This is the listening we will cultivate in these circles - actively receiving the wisdom and deep stirrings of the Spirit in each person. We do this for ourselves, each other and on behalf of every person and our planet.
10 Wednesday evening sessions, 6:30-9:00pm
9/18, 10/9, 11/6, 12/4 -- 2013
1/8, 2/5, 3/12, 4/2, 5/7, 5/21 -- 2014
Shalem Library
Led by Patience Robbins & Shalem staff
$195.00
Space is limited.
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Group Spiritual Direction Workshop
September 22-25, 2013
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* Experience group spiritual direction within a prayerful community
* Deepen your contemplative grounding for this prayer practice through authentic sharing and faithful listening
* Expand your capacity to listen to God on behalf of others
* For beginners and experienced practitioners
September 22-25, 2013
Held at The Bellfry, beautiful home in mountains of Southern Virginia, near Lexington, VA.
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Introductory Days to Two of Shalem's Long-Term Programs
On Being a Retreat Leader
October 19, 2013
 If you find yourself leading or being called to lead contemplative retreats, you may wish to explore this ministry by attending this workshop. With the posture of the heart and mind, this workshop will address practical items for planning a retreat: theme, content, schedule, space, forming community, entering silence, etc. For those interested in Shalem's Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats Program, a special introduction will be given.
Saturday October 19, 2013
10:00am - 4:00pm
Shalem Library, 3025 4th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017
Led by Ann Dean, Director of Shalem's Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups & Retreats Program
$40. Please bring a bag lunch.
On Being a Spiritual GuideOctober 26, 2013 This will be a day to explore a contemplative approach to the  ministry of spiritual direction. The day will include reflections on contemplative spiritual direction, times for individual and communal prayer and discernment, and times for optional sharing. For those interested in Shalem's Spiritual Guidance Program, there will be time for questions and comments.
Saturday October 26, 2013
10:00am - 3:30pm
St. Paul's College, 3015 4th St. NE, Washington, DC
Led by Liz Ward, Director of Shalem's Spiritual Guidance Program
$40. Please bring a bag lunch.
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40-Hour Contemplative Prayer Vigil
Capping Shalem's 40th Anniversary Year 7pm October 13 through 11am October 15, 2013
Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD
Join us in-person or host a vigil in your community as we celebrate the past 40 years, practice gratitude for the present moment, and attend to the unfolding future.
Save the dates-more details coming soon.
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YOUNG ADULT LIFE & LEADERSHIP INITIATIVEShalem Institute is pleased to announce that its Young Adult Life and Leadership Initiative (YALLI), a program for young adults ages 25-40, is now enrolling.
YALLI is a two-year program designed for young adults and young professionals who seek a deeper spiritual foundation for their lives and leadership and who welcome the company of others on the path of spiritual discovery.
The first year of this program centers primarily on contemplative teaching and practices that open the mind and awaken the heart; the second year focuses on the experience and practice of contemplative leadership. Two residential retreats bring the community together for shared learning, support
and prayer.
When Does YALLI Start?
Early Bird Application: August 15, 2013
Regular Application: September 9, 2013
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Pilgrimage to Iona 2013
Shalem made a pilgrimage to the Holy Isle of Iona May 30-June 9, 2013. Here are just some of the beautiful images captured by Susan Etherton. To see the entire album, click here or on the photos below. 
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FOR SHALEM GRADS
Shalem Society Annual Gathering 
October 13-17, 2013
4 PM Sunday to after lunch on Thursday
Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, MD
Starting with Shalem's 40-Hour Contemplative Prayer Vigil, this year's Gathering will focus on Trusting the Spirit: The Heart of Contemplative Leadership. All Shalem graduates are invited to attend. We are giving Society members priority on rooms and will hold them until September 20th. When I attend the Society Gathering... "I expect to be renewed, surprised and inspired, and my expectations have never been disappointed. Thank you, Shalem, for helping me dip into that deep well the Source of Life keeps bubbling for all of us." - Karen Day.Be sure to register as soon as possible! For more information, click here.
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 | | First Shalem Wiffleball Team, Summer League, 1983 |
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