London Spiritual Direction Network Day

Spiritual Direction Network Day 2014 Saturday 15th November 10.30 am - 3.30 pm

Way of the Monk, Path of the Artist: The Contemplative and Creative Paths of Spiritual Direction with Christine Valters Painter For members of the London Network and all those interested in the work of spiritual direction. The number of places is limited so apply early. £15 per person ("early bird" price until Oct 15th) Saturday November 15th 10.30am-3.30pm at The London Spirituality Centre, Lombard Street EC3V 9EA

Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, is a Benedictine oblate and the author of 7 books on monastic spirituality and creative arts. Richard Rohr writes of Christine's work: "This is what we need! Christine is offering us a 'moving monastery' yet with solid grounding in Scripture, Nature, Art, the Tradition, and the Saints! Abbey of the Arts is spirituality for our time and every time." (Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F. M., Center for Action and Contemplation)

"Join us as we explore the archetypes of your inner monk and inner artist and the gifts they offer to us in tending the souls of others, bringing depth and new possibility to our ministry. The monk within draws us to full presence with the divine in all that we do, calls us to seek silence and space so we might hear another voice speak, and welcomes in all that has been rejected. The artist within seeks to give expression to dreams being birthed, lives on the wild edges, and connects to the elemental joy which is our birthright. Together we will explore contemplative and creative practices through teaching, conversation, and experiential explorations." You can read more about Christine here. London Spiritual Direction Network Day "Early bird" price £15. All Welcome. Reserve your place now Christine writes: "I believe that the spiritual life is right here and now, in the midst of the quotidian.  We are not waiting for some better opportunity or clear space which will never arrive as we imagine.  As a Benedictine oblate, I commit to live as a monk in the world, bringing presence to paying my bills, washing dishes, being a partner in marriage, and navigating the ordinariness of life. I come most alive in that fertile space where the inner monk and artist meet and dance together.  I created the Abbey out of a desire to host a space where other monks and artists could find a welcoming place for deep inner work and an encounter with the great Source of both silence and creativity. I am committed to contemplative living, one rooted in Sabbath rhythms, and consider myself an urban monk and part-time hermit.  Most days you can find me praying lectio divina, writing, receiving photos, preparing to teach, collaborating with fellow monks and artists, going for a long walk along the shores of Galway Bay, swimming in the pool or the sea, practicing yin yoga, dancing, having tea with friends, cooking a meal, or on a date with my husband. I believe in the revolutionary power of stillness and spaciousness, and of practicing presence to life's unfolding.  I believe in radical hospitality to both the inner and outer stranger so that all parts may know themselves as welcome and part of a wholeness.  The monk's path matters in this world of division, speed, and productivity." Timetable for the Network Day from 10.00 arrivals and coffee 10:30-12:30 – session #1 12:30-1:30 lunch and networking 1:30-2:30 – session #2 2:45-3:15 liturgy 3:15-3:30 tea and departures Participants will need to bring their own lunch or obtain it from one of the local outlets. Tea/coffee will be provided. "Christine's vision and ministry embody Benedictine Spirituality so well. Incarnational, in calling forth heart with intellect. Creative, in drawing upon all the senses and inviting us out from comfort zones into new possibilities. Balanced. And staying-the-course until the gift emerges. I encourage seekers to consider these resources." -Laura Swan, OSB, author of The Forgotten Desert Mothers and Engaging Benedict: What the Rule Can Teach Us Today London Spiritual Direction Network Day "Early bird" price £15. All Welcome. Reserve your place now Copyright © 2014 The London Spirituality Centre, All rights reserved.