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Meeting the Mystics

A monthly gathering at the Journey Center. Throughout the past 2,000 years, men and women have been called to the mystical path of ever-deepening relationship with the Divine. People like the Desert Mothers and Fathers, Teresa of Avila, Jacob Boehm and Thomas Merton have inspired and encouraged followers of Christ to engage more and more fully with Holy Mystery. In this series, we will be inviting speakers to introduce us to these contemplative ancestors of ours.

In each session we'll learn about a particular mystic, experience a practice that supported them in their journey, as well as have time for personal reflection and sharing. See below for specific dates and topics or call Ruah Bull at 707-762-3404 for more information.

Julian of Norwich: A Woman for All Seasons

Saturday, March 20th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
With the vernal equinox, darkness cedes to light, but only by slow degrees. The cyclic rhythms of nature mirror our own. Gently, Spirit pushes us along from the stillness of interiority and prayer to the loud and broad-daylight of a need-filled world, and then back again into restorative silence. Come and spend an afternoon with a Christian mystic who understood those competing claims so well, whose teachings shed precious light on our own struggles to balance rest and action. Our guest teacher, Carol Lee Flinders Ph.D., is the author of such well-known books as Enduring Grace and Enduring Lives. She teaches mystical literature at the GTU in Berkeley and The Sophia Center, and is a member of the Spirituality and Health Institute, Santa Clara University. Cost: $20.

Teresa of Avila: The Spiritual Journey of the Mystic

Friday, April 16th, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Teresa Of Avila's classic book, The Interior Castle, has provided one of the most thoughtful and helpful guides to the mystical journey ever written in the west. Her wisdom and humor have assisted many in the practice of discernment and the path to deeper and deeper relationship with God. An active reformer and profound contemplative, her life and prayer practices can support all of us who long for a closer relationship with God. Our guest teacher, Sister Antonia Killian, is a spiritual director and also directs The Spiritual Enrichment Center in Santa Rosa. Cost: $10.

St. Benedict: Seeking a Life of Soul in the World

Friday, May 21st, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
How do you live a life in the world but not be of the world? St. Benedict, called the father of western monasticism, developed a wise and loving way of life that speaks to seekers today looking at ways to live as followers of Christ through contemplation, prayer, music and service. Our guest teacher, Kayleen Asbo, is a cultural historian and professor at San Francisco Conservatory and Dominican University's Lifelong Learning Program. She also directs Taize services throughout Sonoma County. Cost: $15.

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