10 DEC 2023 · Welcome back to the final episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts for this season! We have enjoyed the thought-provoking conversations we’ve had with our guests this season and today we are excited to speak with Cynthia Bourgealt. Cynthia is a modern-day mystic, Episcopal priest, writer, and internationally known retreat leader. She divides her time between solitude and sailing the waters around her seaside hermitage in Maine, and a demanding schedule traveling globally to teach and spread the recovery of the Christian Contemplative and Wisdom paths. She believes that the strength of a lineage depends on the strength of its students. She has taken an active interest in mentoring the new generation of Wisdom teachers and leaders. To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. To connect with Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault: - Visit her website: http://www.cynthiabourgeault.org - Encountering Evil online web course: http://www.wisdomwayofknowing.org Books mentioned in this episode: - Lost Christianity by Jacob Needleman - Open Minds, Open Hearts: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel by Father Thomas Keating - From the Mind to the Heart by Father Thomas Keating - God is all and all: The Evolution of the Contemplative Christian Spiritual Journey by Father Thomas Keating - That We May Be One - Christian Non-duality: A Companion Book by Father Thomas Keating To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the http://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC http://www.crysandtiana.com/Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

3 DEC 2023 · Centering Prayer is a practice that changes the way we see the world from the inside out and is important for our well-being both physically and mentally. To help us reflect on this important principle, we are excited to welcome Fr. Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Fr. Greg was born and raised in Los Angeles and was a Jesuit priest from 1986 to 1992. He served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city. After witnessing the devastating impact of gang violence on his community, peaking at 1,000 gang-related killings in 1992, he was inspired to adopt a radical approach at the time, treating gang members as human beings. Homeboy Industries employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, and provides critical services to thousands of individuals who walk through its doors each year seeking a better life. To connect further with Fr. Greg Boyle: - Visit his website: http://www.homeboyindustries.org/ - Like him on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/HomeboyIndustries/ - Follow him on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/homboyind - Find him on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/homeboyindustries/ - Connect with him on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/homeboy-industries/ - Check out his YouTube Channel – http://www.youtube.com/user/JobsNotJails http://www.youtube.com/user/JobsNotJailsFr. Boyle is the author of the 2010 New York Times bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. Followed by Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship (2017) and The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness (2021). Most recently, he authored Forgive Everyone Everything, an anthology of writings accompanied by Fabian Debora’s artwork. To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the https://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts produced by Crys & Tiana LLC http://www.crysandtiana.com http://www.crysandtiana.comStream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

27 NOV 2023 · Today we will discuss the evolving and expanding community of Contemplative Outreach and Centering Prayer. We have a special guest, The Very Reverend Michael Battle, Ph.D. a theologian, professor, author, and speaker. He is the author of 11 books including his most recent title, Desmond Tutu, A Spiritual Biography of South Africa’s Confessor. We explore “ubuntu” the African proverb that teaches we are all interdependent on one another. We also explore how we can expand the contemplative life to people of color, his experience spending time with Desmond Tutu, and how our different spiritual gifts are all important. To connect further with The Rev. Michael Battle: - Visit his website: http://www.michaelbattle.com/ - Read his works including his most recent book Desmond Tutu, A Spiritual Biography of South Africa's Confessor at http://www.michaelbattle.com/ To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the https://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC http://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

19 NOV 2023 · On today’s episode, we will explore the changing needs of Christian contemplatives through a thought-provoking conversation with our guest, Keith Kristich. Keith is a writer, retreat leader, and founder of the online contemplative community, Closer Than Breath. His mission is to help people unlearn rigid religion, reimagine what is divine, and see God everywhere. Keith is a commissioned presenter of Centering Prayer through Contemplative Outreach and trained with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in leading contemplative prayer groups and retreats. To learn more about Closer Than Breath, visit their website http://www.closerthanbreath.comTo connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the https://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC http://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

12 NOV 2023 · On today’s episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts, we hear from Dr. Rory McEntee, a religion scholar and philosopher-theologian working at an intersection of contemplative life, education, social justice, and culture. Today we will discuss the support and difficulties that come with being in community, how empathy comes from our own uniqueness and manifestation of God on Earth, and what Rory feels is the greatest challenge of our time. To connect further with Dr. Rory McEntee: - Visit his website: https://charisinterspirituality.org/ To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the https://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

5 NOV 2023 · On today’s episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts, we are delighted to welcome Heather Ruce who will help us dive into the deepening practice of Centering Prayer, a Wisdom Spiritual Director who facilitates Wisdom Practices and hosts retreats at schools focused on the Christian Wisdom Tradition. Heather weaves the lineage of teacher, Cynthia Bourgeault, into her work and training including Family Systems Therapy, Systematic Experiencing, Organic Intelligence, and her spiritual direction. Her approach to teaching is guiding people in practice with wisdom and in the service of the Christian Wisdom Tradition. Join us as we explore our relationship with everything around us through Centering Prayer. To connect further with Heather Ruce:: - Visit her website: https://www.heatherruce.com/ To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from thehttps://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

29 OCT 2023 · On today’s episode, we speak with Gigi Ross, who began practicing Centering Prayer after attending an introductory workshop in 1998. Gigi has been a Spiritual Director since 2000 and worked as an Associate Director at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Foundation. She also served on the leadership team for Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington from 2003 to 2005. She is currently working at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) as the Living School Student Experience Manager. We are so grateful for our long-standing partnership with CAC and the tremendous work she is doing there. To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from thehttps://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

22 OCT 2023 · On today’s episode, we talk with Phileena Nikole who is well known in contemplative communities and spaces where she works as a Spiritual Director and Centering Prayer Practitioner. Phileena spent her early adult life in social justice work with poor and marginalized communities. This work led her to more than 70 countries where she helped to build community among victims of human trafficking, HIV and AIDS survivors, abandoned children, child soldiers, and war brides. She is passionate about spirituality and making the world a better place. She shares how she came to the practice of Centering Prayer, how it changed her life, and has shaped her work. To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from thehttps://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

15 OCT 2023 · On this episode, we welcome Mary Dwyer who has been practicing Centering Prayer for over 30 years. In the early 1990’s she lived in Chrysalis House, a contemplative community experiment blessed by Father Thomas, which became an incubator of practice and programs in the early years of growth for Contemplative Outreach and Centering Prayer. She attended Georgetown University and majored in economics, later she went back to school and became a licensed social worker. Mary is currently in private practice as a social worker, while serving Contemplative Outreach as a member of the community, welcoming service team, a chairperson for Contemplative Outreach, and a member of the faculty. Mary has been in complete service to the Contemplative Outreach community. We are so grateful to have her on the show. To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from thehttps://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!

8 OCT 2023 · In today’s episode, we welcome Father Justin Lanier, a Priest in the Episcopal Church. He was born in Louisiana and grew up in Delaware where he went to Methodist, Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches. Early in his formation, Father Justin entered the St. Benedict’s Trappist monastery community in Snowmass under Abbot Joseph Boyle where Father Thomas Keating was resident. Fr. Justin was under the direction of these two men until their deaths in 2018. Fr. Justin was also sent to train in a Rinzai Zen monastery in Japan as part of his formation. Throughout his formation, he has been in touch with Contemplative Outreach teachers and presenters. In this episode, we will focus on the expanding vision of the community of Contemplative Outreach. To connect further with us: - Visit our website: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org - Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contemplativeoutreachltd/ - Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contemplativeoutreach - Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/coutreach - To learn more about Father Thomas Keating’s guidelines for service and principles visit http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/vision. Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from thehttps://trustformeditation.org/, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLChttp://www.crysandtiana.com Stream and Download the Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Amazon and Spotify!