This is essentially a spacious half-day retreat that bookends the practices of contemplative reading and contemplative writing with a selected meditation practice (to set the tone and the theme for the day), with a soothing sound bath with traditional Himalayan singing bowls (to provide deep relaxation and integration to close the day).

Contemplative reading (lectio divina, meaning “divine reading” in Latin) is a practice that is part of all spiritual traditions with written and revered texts. The practice now lives on as a contemporary pedagogical practice for sense-making and meaning-making of the written word.

Through a process of close, slow reading, the simple words on the page can become clearer and more meaningful, prompting a form of deep listening. This approach to reading a text can generate greater understanding and connection, which are easily missed by a superficial, quick reading.

The practice can offer a renewed and creative perspective for engaging with a text, as well as the wisdom within a text. Seldom do we offer or create time and space for slow reading and contemplation on meaning in higher education, despite research showing that skimming, speed and fast reading are known to reduce lasting learning and comprehension.

Together, in these sessions, we will engage in a deep close reading of hand-selected culturally diverse modern or ancient texts, including excerpts from classic philosophical texts, poems, prose and more, followed by active listening and sharing how we personally connect to the ideas in the texts.

Personal suggestions and preferences are also always welcome. We also deepen our practice further by incorporating Contemplative Writing, which is an accessible contemplative practice akin to freewriting, and includes several forms such as mindful writing, journaling, self-inquiry and storytelling.

Encouraging the simple act of noticing what surfaces from the mind and the world, and writing the raw truth as experienced, uncensored, unfiltered, and not crafted for communication until (or if) it is refined later, the emphasis is on the process rather than the result.

All practices introduced during this retreat are inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds, and importantly, no prior experience is necessary.

All yoga mats, blocks, blankets and straps, as well as contemplative reading and contemplative writing handouts, are provided for you.

You simply need to bring yourself in comfortable clothing for the meditation and sound bath.

You may also bring your lunch and/or snacks with you.