Saturday, May 14, 2011 10:15 AM–1 PM
Listening, Hearing, and Living Series: Simplicity, Silence, Sabbath with Kurt Aschermann
Kurt Aschermann
Some summarize the Rule of St. Benedict with three words—simplicity, silence, and Sabbath. Certainly the way of Benedict honored in the Community of Reconciliation is about a simple life where silence rules and Sabbath time for reflection, prayer and worship is primary.
This highly interactive session will help us consider how to create times for silence every day. Together, we will be part of a lively discussion about what Sabbath is, how we can cultivate the intention and practice of silence, and just how possible it is for us to become Sabbath people.
Hands-on and personally, we will emerge with new insights and understanding, as we create our own personal workbook with our intentions and strategies to simplify, to embrace silence, and to create times for Sabbath rest that can change our daily living.
Whatever your tradition, faith perspective, or life stage—the call to intention and silence will help you live with power and simplicity.
About the Listening, Hearing, and Living series
These once-a-month, Saturday sessions set apart time and space to listen for the ancient yet evergreen rhythms embodied in the monastic way of Saint Benedict— a gentle model for practical, balanced, harmonious living. In this “monastery beyond walls” we still ourselves to hear deep spiritual wisdom for our lives— our families, our work, and our relationships. We gather with the support and encouragement of others of like intention to live lives that embrace balance and foster reconciliation and renewal throughout our world.
We listen, we hear, we live.
In a dynamic learning dialogue woven from the wisdom and practice of scholars, leaders, and active contemplatives steeped in the Benedictine tradition, we enrich our experience of community, wisdom, and transformation. Sessions can be experienced independently or as part of a complete series each year. Whatever your tradition, faith perspective, or life stage—if you seek the way of balance and reconciliation you are welcome.
Order of the Day
10 am Gather for registration with light refreshments in Perry Auditorium, 7th floor
10:15–10:45 am
Welcome, Centering, and Setting of Intention
10:45 am–12:45 pm
Presentation and learning with guest speaker
12:40–12:55 pm
Reflections with guest speaker
12:55 pm
Blessing
1:15–2:15 pm (optional lunch gathering)
Hospitality
Shared Meal: Brown bag lunch and facilitated conversation with guest speaker
To more richly experience the fellowship and hospitality along the Benedictine way, you are invited to stay for an optional brown bag meal from 1:15 to 2:15 pm. Bring a lunch to share or pick one up in the Cathedral Store. There is always plenty to go around!
About Kurt Aschermann
Kurt Aschermann is an independent consultant who also serves as president of the Charity Partners Foundation. He has also been an active contemplative for more than 30 years, since experiencing Benedictine spirituality at Holy Cross Monastery in upstate New York (where he has been an associate for 23 years).