August 2023
It is almost August in New Mexico and temperatures are soaring. Kids will be heading back to school next week but Summer is far from over.
On July 8th CONM held a Centering Prayer Day at Bishop’s Ridge in Santa Fe. This property is owned by the local Episcopal Diocese and is quite beautiful. It is nestled in the hills of Santa Fe surrounded by woods and wild life. The theme for the day was Abiding Love.
During the Lectio Divina session this poem was shared from our beloved Mary Oliver.
“Don’t Hesitate”
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy
don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty
of lives and whole towns destroyed or about
to be. We are not wise, and not very often
kind. And much can never be redeemed.
Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps
this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes
something happens better than all the riches
Or power in the world. It could be anything,
but very likely you notice it in the instant
when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the
case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid
of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
Father Thomas Keating, O. C. S. O., the Spiritual leader of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. died in 2018 at the age of 95. After serving 20 years as the Abbot of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts he retired to St. Benedict’s Abbey in Snowmass, Colorado where he continued to teach and promote the practice of Centering Prayer
As many know St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado has discontinued Centering Prayer retreats and the Brothers are seeking a new location for their community. Contemplative Outreach of Colorado has been exploring new spaces for 10 day Intensive Centering Prayer retreats. One of these spaces is our own Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque NM, owned and operated by the Nobertine Religious order.
Visit centeringprayersnowmass.godaddysites.com for more information regarding these retreats.
Visit this CONM website frequently for updates on retreats and events in New Mexico. Many blessings as we travel this contemplative path together.
www.centeringnm.com
Donations are always welcome and assist us with operating expenses.
Check or money order can be sent to:
Contemplative Outreach of NM (CONM)
606 Vista Este NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124