We tend to think of the Sabbath as a time set aside for can'ts. We can't do this and we can't do that.
By this viewing, we see the decalogue as a punishment, not a gift. But in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, properly understood, Sabbath time is the most sacred of divine offerings.
The Shalva Band is comprised of 8 talented musicians with disabilities and performs to the highest musical standards by invitation at cultural venues and dignitary events throughout the year. Inspiring crowds with its musical repertoire and charm, the band is one of Shalva’s most celebrated inclusion programs. Shalva, is the Israel Association for Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Read MoreEclipse 6 is a six person group from Utah who create all their music a cappella. No instruments are used but the human voice, which is quite remarkable. Here are three samples of their work, two traditional hymns and a modern country tune that should be one as well.
Read MoreThe Psalms Project is a band setting all 150 Psalms to music in their entirety, including the essential meaning of every verse, a marriage of King David’s vision with modern worship music. The Psalms Project is led by singer/songwriter/producer Shane Heilman, who has collaborated with over 70 musicians thus far.
Read MoreThe Kingdom Choir, a collective from London, England sings performs and records songs that inspire and unify people. In December 2020, The Kingdom Choir held a very special performance at The Treehouse Hotel, dedicated to all NHS staff who have worked above and beyond this year in caring for those suffering from COVID19.
Read MoreFormed of individual singers and performers from in and around London, England, The Kingdom Choir is a group of like-minded artists dedicated to creating a sound that demonstrates the community they share. The Kingdom Choir has been performing up and down the country and all around the world for over 20 years. They are perhaps best known for performing at the British royal wedding, May, 2018, ‘Stand by Me.’
Read MoreHow do we transform and transcend our biases? From judgments made unconsciously to complacency in systemic evil, we must learn how to see if we are to learn how to transform. Center for Action and Contemplation faculty members Brian McLaren and Richard Rohr join Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D. of New York’s Middle Church for this special six-episode podcast series Learning How to See.
Read MoreSpirituality is a way of life, and as such, it cannot be separated from our everyday activities. John Shea, a contemporary Catholic theologian, puts it this way: "The spiritual life is, at root, a matter of seeing. It is all of life seen from a certain perspective. It is waking, sleeping, dreaming, eating, drinking, working, loving, relaxing, recreating, walking, sitting, standing, and breathing. . . .
Read MoreYes, there were terrible things in the news this week and every week, but, Louis Armstrong, who knew some trouble in his time, offers us this ode to beauty and hopefulness that always seems to lighten the spirit. It is perhaps the musical version of ‘Rejoice in the day and be glad.’
Read MoreAnish Bensdira writes about her experience growing up as a person of colour in a predominately white culture. “Years of living in a small town nearly ‘white-washed’ me,” she writes. “Then BLM came along. Getting involved with activism made me realize who I am.”
Read MoreTurning to the Mystics is a podcast for people searching for something more meaningful, intimate and richly present in the divine gift of their lives. James Finley, clinical psychologist and Living School faculty, offers a modern take on the historical contemplative practices of Christian mystics like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.
Read MoreRichard Rohr’s Daily Meditations are free email reflections sent every day of the year. Each meditation features Richard Rohr and guest authors reflecting on a yearly theme, with each week building on previous topics—but you can join at any time! The theme this year is A Time of Unveiling.
Read MoreHere are two short videos from the wonderful spiritual writer and teacher Richard Rohr. Rohr, a Franciscan Friar, created and leads the Centre for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque. Father Rohr founded the Center in 1987 because he saw a deep need for the integration of both action and contemplation. His centre is a rich resource for those on the contemplative path.
Read MoreThe idea that songs can bring redemption has echoed down the centuries. The wretch that was saved in “Amazing Grace” was rescued from Hell by a song – “how sweet the sound.” The appalling crime he’d committed was the same crime that afflicted Bob Marley in his “Redemption Song”: the writer of “Amazing Grace” was a slaver; Bob Marley was a descendant of slaves.
Read MoreMonk: from the Greek monachos meaning single or solitary. A monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity. Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions. Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
Read MoreHe weeps, the Centurion, for all he could not see, and when, too late, he realized his error. I weep too, for these many years later, my blindness is just as brutal. I like he am covered in the froth and fleck of the blood of the forgotten and maligned, those left to die alone, affliction branding their spirit with the hot poker of chance . . .
Read MoreEveryone loves the Sunday morning party of Easter – what’s not to love about waking up to a day that celebrates spring and new beginnings, with its playful motif of bunnies and Easter egg hunts, awash in shades of buttery yellow and palest mauve and the hope of some kind of confection before the day is through?
Ah, but the two days that proceed the Easter celebration are another matter.
Authors and hosts of Spirituality and Practice, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, write his wonderful response to the question, What is Spirituality? They offer numerous paths of approach to the topic with their gentle, encouraging vision on the subject.
Read MoreThe Spirituality and Practice Website is an endless resource for those on the spiritual journey. With its up to date movie and book reviews, inclusivity to all faiths and inclinations, and great list of inspiring quotes and articles, you can get lost on this site for days. Why not start bookmarking sites you can turn to for inspiration?
Read MoreWe Are the Water Protectors, written for 3 – 6 year olds, nurtures and strengthens the inclination to safeguard Mother Earth. Written by Carole Lindstrom, tribally enrolled with the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and a fierce water protector herself, with accompanying pictures by Michaela Goade, an award-winning designer and illustrator of Tlingit descent, it is a thoughtful reflection on the interconnectedness of water and those who must care for it.
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