Thomas Merton's New Seeds Of Contemplation, A Contemplative Book Study!
PART 1
New Seeds of Contemplation is one of Thomas Merton's most widely read and best-loved books. Christians and non-Christians alike have joined in praising it as a successor in the ancient Contemplative tradition of St. John of the Cross, The Cloud of Unknowing, and the medieval mystics.
For Merton, "Every moment and every event in every man's life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. "
During our 10-week Contemplative journey we’ll begin exploring Thomas Merton’s insights on Contemplation and Contemplative Living. New Seeds of Contemplation is structured as a series of independent chapters so each week will bring new, independent insights to the group.
In each session we’ll explore themes and writings from Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation and consider questions designed to engage us in the process of self-exploration and personal sharing. Participants will be encouraged to incorporate insights gained each evening into their lives during the intermediate period between sessions and we’ll have time to share them at the start of each session.
Contemplative sharing as outlined in Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton will be used by the group during our weekly sessions. The following are the eight principles of Contemplative sharing:
We hope you will join us!
For Merton, "Every moment and every event in every man's life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. "
During our 10-week Contemplative journey we’ll begin exploring Thomas Merton’s insights on Contemplation and Contemplative Living. New Seeds of Contemplation is structured as a series of independent chapters so each week will bring new, independent insights to the group.
In each session we’ll explore themes and writings from Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation and consider questions designed to engage us in the process of self-exploration and personal sharing. Participants will be encouraged to incorporate insights gained each evening into their lives during the intermediate period between sessions and we’ll have time to share them at the start of each session.
Contemplative sharing as outlined in Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton will be used by the group during our weekly sessions. The following are the eight principles of Contemplative sharing:
- Keep comments rooted in you own lived experience and refrain from remarks that are overly abstract, philosophical, or theoretical.
- Express your own thoughts knowing that others will listen and reflect upon what you say. It is helpful to use "I" statements like "I believe..." or "I am confused by that response." Try framing your remarks with phrases such as "My assumption is that..." or "My experience has been..." Trust that others are hearing you.
- Pay attention to the assumptions, attitudes, and experiences underlying your initial or surface thoughts on the topic. Ask yourself questions like: "Why am I drawn to this particular passage?" "What makes me feel this way?"
- Remember to listen first and refrain from thinking about how you might respond to another's comments. Simply listen to and accept his or her thoughts on the subject without trying to challenge, critique, or even respond aloud to them.
- Trust the group. Observe how the participants' ideas, reflections, common concerns, assumptions, and attitudes come together and form a collective group mind.
- Reflect before speaking and be concise. Make one point or relate one experience, then stop and allow others to do the same.
- Expect periods of silence during the dialogue. Learn to be comfortable with silence and resist the urge to speak just because there is silence.
- Avoid cross-talking. In time you will adjust to saying something and not receiving a response and to listening without asking a question, challenging, or responding directly. Simply speak from your own experience or perspective as you honor others doing the same.
We hope you will join us!
Ten Monday's, January 23, 2023 - March 27, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Offered over Zoom.
Each week we will seek to cover 2 Chapters in New Seeds of Contemplation. Reading of the two Chapters is strongly suggested before each meeting.
Program Offering: $95 payable to In Via Lumen, LLC.
This group is currently at capacity!
Offered over Zoom.
Each week we will seek to cover 2 Chapters in New Seeds of Contemplation. Reading of the two Chapters is strongly suggested before each meeting.
Program Offering: $95 payable to In Via Lumen, LLC.
This group is currently at capacity!
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Please obtain a copy of New Seeds of Contemplation to follow along with us during each session.
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New Seeds of Contemplation
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The Book Study is facilitated by Mike Smoolca.
Mike Smoolca is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator and a dedicated teacher and student of contemplative practice and wisdom spirituality. He is a Contemplative Outreach presenter and coordinator for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, Contemplative Outreach of CT, and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society. Mike is a practicing spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher.
Mike Smoolca is a contemplative group and workshop facilitator and a dedicated teacher and student of contemplative practice and wisdom spirituality. He is a Contemplative Outreach presenter and coordinator for the Christian Contemplative Experience at Holy Family, Contemplative Outreach of CT, and the Northern CT Chapter of the International Thomas Merton Society. Mike is a practicing spiritual director and supervisor as well as a BioSpiritual Focusing companion and teacher.