By Cami Twilling, Director of Contemplative Spirituality
In his book, The
Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings, John Philip Newell writes, “It was on Iona years ago that I first became aware of the need to
reclaim some of the features of ancient Christianity in the Celtic world as
lost treasure for today. Part of that treasure is the much-cherished image of
John the Evangelist, also known as John the Beloved, leaning against Jesus at
the Last Supper. Celtic tradition holds that by doing this he heard the
heartbeat of God. He became a symbol of the practice of listening—listening
deep within ourselves, within one another, and within the body of the earth for
the beat of the Sacred Presence.”
It is when we begin to hear and see the Sacred
Presence within ourselves, one another and the earth, we will begin to treat
all of creation with reverence. In this reverence and sacredness, healing can
begin to take place, wholeness and well-being will unfold. It is true that
there is brokenness in our world, yet at the very heart of all creation is the
heart of God. We are not separate from God, we are of God. The light of God is
within all of creation.
There are many opportunities to explore the teachings
of John Philip Newell and the earth honoring Celtic spirituality. Below are
ways for you to connect.
School for Celtic Consciousness has both an annual
retreat and Quarterly Gathering. The
annual retreat blends sessions led by Newell introducing themes of Celtic
teachers, his own reflections, contemplative spiritual practices, small group
sharing, whole group sharing and time for rest and reflection. The 2017 School
for Celtic Consciousness will be held at the Shambhala Mountain Center April
4-5, 2017.
There are also Quarterly Gatherings in which we come
together as a community. We share in prayer, scripture reading and chants as we
listen for wisdom, seek strength and practice silence. We continue in community
by gathering for light refreshments and conversation following the service. Our
next Quarterly Gathering will be Friday, November 18 from 7-9pm at St. Andrew’s
Episcopal Church. All are welcome for this evening of prayer and shared community.
Our Pilgrimage to Iona, Scotland, is another
opportunity to deeply engage in Celtic Spirituality. ‘Each day on Iona begins and ends with the rhythm of prayer and
meditation together, either at the Abbey or elsewhere on the island. In the
mornings John Philip Newell teaches on themes related to the sacredness of the
earth, interfaith relationship, and commitment to practices of contemplation
and action as the basis for transformation in our lives and world. The
afternoons are given to hiking, conversation, and rest, and the early evenings
to further reflection and embodiment practices of chant and meditative
movement. On Wednesday we walk the seven-mile island pilgrimage route together
to pray for the journey of our lives and world. The Columba Hotel’s organic
gardens, eco-friendly policies and welcoming staff are an important
part of our community life together.’ You are invited to join us on pilgrimage
in the fall of 2017. Registration information is available on Trinity’s
website.
