Description
Meditation is like a bridge that carries us from painful states of mind such as isolation, fear, loneliness, and anxiety to minds characterized by love connection, compassion, wisdom, and joy” (from the Kadampa Meditation Center). All ages, individually or in group settings, will value learning about and practicing this 7-step Interspiritual Meditation that is drawn from the world’s great spiritual traditions. Each meditation can be crafted to address a specific liturgical season and/or event (Confirmation, Mission Trip, Intergenerational Retreat); topic (celebration of new staff, dedication of new program or building); and/or subjects such as Bible story, discipleship, or grief. This practice is spiritually meaningful, versatile, time flexible (can take 7 minutes to an hour, depending on discussion), and is total fun to develop. Participants will learn the background and the components of Interspiritual Meditation: 1) Happiness & Health, 2)Gratitude, 3)Transformation or Change for the good, 4)Loving & Compassionate, 5) Breathing, 6) Wisdom, and 7) Service. A quote from a spiritual leader is used with each step, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism., class will practice a prepared meditation, be invited to share reflections of experience, and engage in discussing and/or planning a meditation. A resource list of books by Wayne Teasdale, Bede Griffiths, and Edward W. Bastian, and others will be provided to participants to learn more about Interspiritual Meditation and to assist them in preparing meditations.
Workshop Leader: Fran Shelton
Fran Shelton, DM is a
Parish Associate at First Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX. Fran delights in learning about and sharing the variety of ways to respond and draw near to God through prayer. She is enthusiastic about grace, reading, playing bridge, and chocolate.
Co-Leader: