The Cloister – S2E2

In today’s episode Chris Whittington from the School of Contemplative Life shares a wonderful reflection entitled ‘The Abbot, the Monk and the Book’.

Chris explores the profound wisdom of compassion through an ancient desert story told by Thomas Merton.

What happens when we stop judging ourselves and others, and begin to offer true compassion? How might our relationships—and our own inner life—change if we lived from that place of love?

Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, the radical insights of Julian of Norwich, and lived experiences from the School of Contemplative Life’s meditation community, he reflects on how learning to be compassionate with ourselves is the first step toward healing, growth, and loving others more deeply.

Join us for this meditative reflection on what it means to be met by God as the Good Parent—one whose love is unconditional, spacious, and always inviting us to be more fully ourselves.

This isn’t just a normal episode though, following Chris’ teaching there is twenty minutes of silence. I hope and pray that as you sit in the silence and reflect on what you have listened to you will feel the presence of the Divine.

This recording was taken from a recent online practice gathering of the School of Contemplative life. These happen every Saturday morning between 8:30 -9:30 UK time and every Wednesday evening between 20:00 – 20:45 UK time.

You can sign up to join these wonderful free offerings at schoolofcontemplativelife.com