Who we are

Drawing on the Wisdom Traditions, we are a volunteer-led community of contemplative practitioners who meet regularly in local meditation circles across South Vancouver Island. Led by trained and experienced facilitators, our circles provide spiritual nourishment to deepen our connection with the Divine and to inspire and sustain practitioners in their daily life and community. All are welcome.

Our Values

Inclusivity

We welcome all people, whoever you are, and whatever your spiritual reference points.

Community

We honour contemplative practice over creed. Our meditation circles offer a safe space for connection, friendship and belonging. We exist to develop individuals’ spiritual growth and to build community. Being in community empowers us to support each other and to be in service to the larger community.

Wisdom

Our contemplative practices draw on ancient Wisdom Traditions. We honour the sacred knowledge embedded in the teachings of the Desert Mothers and Fathers, Christian and Sufi Mystics, Indigenous Wise Ones and others.

Courage

There is vulnerability in contemplative practice. Courage is required to gather with others, and to sit in silence and say ‘Yes’ to the Divine working within our lives.

Examples of Contemplative Practices

Centering Prayer

In silent meditation we let go of worries and concerns, and rest in the present moment; rest in the presence of the Great Mystery.

Lectio Divina

Working with an inspired text, we gently “chew” on the meaning of the words, allowing images and feelings to arise, allowing the text to speak to our hearts.

Mindful Walking

Through mindful walking we establish calm in ourselves and awaken to the wonders around us. With each step we are present to ourselves and to the earth; to this one precious moment.

Labyrinth

The Labyrinth is an ancient tool for spiritual deepening. It invites us to go on a pilgrimage. As we walk, the Labyrinth becomes a metaphor for our own spiritual journey.

Co-ordinating Team

Throughout my life I have focused on deepening my spirituality, caring for the earth, acting for justice, and creating beauty. My spiritual practice has been informed by several traditions: Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism and Sufism. As a result, I have an “inter-spiritual” approach to my practice.
I am deeply committed to making spiritual practices accessible; to assisting others in exploring and nourishing their own unique spiritual journey.
Contemplative practice opens and softens my heart, and continually grounds me in the Divine and in this one precious life.

I’m grateful to contribute to Contemplative Path and to co-creating contemplative circles in South Vancouver Island. I’m especially interested in contemplative practices of prayerful movement.

Meditation brings me patience, presence and joy. No matter the tradition, Vipassana, Centering Prayer or Zen, meditation teaches me how to live mindfully. I live aboard a sailboat in Sidney and lead the Sidney Contemplative Circle. As a pilgrim and Hospitalera, I love all things Camino. I own a market research agency in Vancouver.

I used to be a Spiritual Care Provider at the University of Victoria Multifaith Centre, and I'm a minister with the United Church. I've served as both the President and Executive Director of The Contemplative Society, organizing and leading contemplative retreats and events. I'm a student of the Contemplative Way, as taught by luminaries like Thomas Keating, Cynthia Bourgeault, Richard Rohr, John Main, and Lawrence Freeman.
Over the years, I've taught Christian Meditation, Centering Prayer, and Mindfulness Meditation within the Christian Wisdom tradition. I've also explored other contemplative practices, including from the Vipassana, Zen, Sufi, and Hindu traditions. I have experience guiding people through Labyrinth practice, Taizé chanting, and Deep Meditation. This work is something I'm truly passionate about.

I have been a contemplative practitioner for many years. I regularly find I have a need to take time off, to unplug myself, from daily life and make space to spend undistracted time with the Divine. I find it nourishes me in ways I cannot find through any other means.
I am available as a mentor for meditation groups. My hope is to introduce others to the ancient practice of contemplation as a way to be spiritually nurtured in our busy, often chaotic, world.

Acknowledgements:

Initial funding provided through the ProVision Fund of the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada.

Thanks to the Esquimalt United Church for supporting us in this effort.

Photos and artwork on Retreats and Contact Us Page used with permission of Linda Mulhall.