Contemplative by Design: Creating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings - Softcover

Young, Jane J.; Grimsley, Gerrie L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0835899691 ISBN 13: 9780835899697

Publisher: Upper Room Books, 2008

Synopsis

It's hard to hear oneself think in today's culture much less refresh one's soul. Sights and sounds - from ads placed on the back of toilet doors to loud ringtones or cars pulsing with bass - assault us every day. Peace and quiet seem out of place in 21st century everyday life. It's time to mute the cacophony. Meaningful and serene contemplative silence is possible. And it doesn't require an expensive trip to a spa. "We yearn for rest, and our souls hunger to be fed, yet we seldom give ourselves permission to respond to these yearnings," the authors write. "The quiet spaces described in these pages are places intentionally designed to invite sabbath rest and to encourage reflection on, and quiet awareness of, the Spirit of God." Jane Young and Gerrie Grimsley met when they agreed to help create meditative spaces for a summer retreat center event. Their innovative and yet practical efforts were so well received that they now teach others how to arrange settings and objects (such as a photograph, a leaf, a pencil) to encourage spiritual reflection and, most importantly, achieve stillness. Learn from their experience and inspiration to create your own simple prayerful oasis in your church or home that encourages new ways of communing with God. Their guidance offers a gentle hand to the path of awareness of the everyday sacred. Receive the refreshment of God's hospitality through your own experiential prayers and quiet spaces. Be still, and know that I am God.

About this title

About the Author

Jane J. Young is a retired teacher whose current interests include environmental and peace issues, writing, liturgical dance, and choral music. As well as authoring 2 books, several of Jane's poems have appeard in various publications. She and her husband, Garland, live at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Gerrie and her husband served four years at a mission training base in England, and were privileged to lead students to India, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. As well as co-authoring, Contemplative by Design, Gerrie leads workshops on the importance of "quiet spaces" in ones daily life, and sets up quiet spaces when invited. Gerrie and Greg live in Hermitage, TN, and enjoy visits from children and grandchildren.

Edition details

• Publisher: Upper Room Books
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0835899691
• ISBN 13: 9780835899697
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 109