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

Coby Tschantz

  • 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.

Claire Booth

  • Meditation brings me patience, presence and joy. No matter the tradition - Vipassana, Centering Prayer or Zen - meditation teaches me how to live mindfully. I lead the Sidney Contemplative Circle at St Paul’s United. I am in the Jubilee 2025-2027 Program at Naramata Centre learning the art of spiritual direction. I love all things Camino having walked multiple routes and volunteering as a hospitalera. I am recently retired from the market research industry.

  • I came to meditation and mindfulness practices as tools for managing stress. I stayed because these practices helped me find peace, balance and connection with the world around me. I am inspired by people I meet along life's path and love sharing contemplative practices with others. My approach is grounded in my faith background, yoga practice and love for nature.

  • I have been meditating since 2001, and meditation has been an important part of my life since moving to BC from Quebec. I also spent several years at a meditation centre in Vancouver as a teacher assistant, where I experienced the benefits—and the power—of meditating in a group.

    During COVID, the centre closed and, little by little, meditation slipped out of my daily life.

    Then one day, I saw a meditation group advertised outside the United Church in Esquimalt. I took it as a sign—and this time, I actually read the sign! 😊

    After just a few sessions, I knew I had found my way back to something that had been missing from my life. I decided to become more involved and joined the coordinating team. I’m very happy to help create a welcoming space where people can come together, meditate, and reconnect with themselves and others.

  • 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.

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.