Becoming Who You Already Are helps readers learn to utilize their own life experiences as the primary tool for spiritual growth. It points readers in the end to embrace our deep connections with all of creation through the God who made us.
Since its appearance four years ago, this series has led thousands of small groups around the world on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life.
Guides readers through the wisdom of Thomas Merton with this refreshingly different eight-booklet series for small groups:
• Introduces Merton in a New Way: These booklets put Thomas Merton's wisdom into dialogue with other great spiritual thinkers and, most importantly, with the lived experience of group participants.
• Ecumenical at Heart: This series easily reaches across not only Christian denominations, but to people from many walks of life and spiritual backgrounds who earnestly seek the God who dwells within.
• The New Simplicity: The booklets employ a spiritually rich, yet simple process of listening and sharing conversation that is easy to learn and lead.
Perfect for:
• Parish Faith-Sharing Groups
• Christian Ecumenical Groups
• Interfaith Groups
• Campus Ministry Groups
• Small Christian Communities
• Religious Communities of Men and Women
• Retreats
• Individual Use for Personal Spiritual Reflection and Growth
Inside Bridges:
1. the theme - Each session is developed around a key principle of Merton's thought.
2. opening reflection - Each session begins with a Psalm passage and ends inprayer.
3. introduction to the texts - Each session has an introduction that provides continuity, context and connections between the theme of the session and the readings to follow.
4. merton's voice - A carefully selected passage drawn from the rich abundance of Merton's writing leads us into deep places within ourselves and offers insights into the paradoxes of life.
5. other voices - At the heart of each session is a reading from the works of Merton uniquely paired with another on the same theme from a different spiritual writer.
6. reflection and dialog - The focus is on listening rather than thinking about how to respond to what we hear. We are challenged to listen more carefully and approach different points of view by looking at their deepest values.
7. a concluding prayer - End each session with a prayer. You may chose to borrow the words of Merton or those of another voice. Or you may choose to remain silent.
8. solitude and silence - The time between sessions is very important. This is when the content from the readings and dialogue becomes part of everyday living. Taking time to reflect, finding places in our daily routines for silence and solitude, seeing the significance of ordinary experiences brings it all together.
What people are saying about Bridges:
"I was brought to depths of self-discovery and prayer that I didn't think possible. Merton's teachings came alive for me."
"I am stimulated; I am refreshed. Jonathan Montaldo is a gifted guide, and Merton's words a rich resource."
"I liked the contemplative style of approaching carefully chosen texts using Merton and other voices."
"Contemplative dialogue is a wonderful way to learn, or re-learn, how to be with and communicate with people in a deeper, more meaningful way."
Overview
Becoming Who You Already Are helps readers learn to utilize their own life experiences as the primary tool for spiritual growth. It points readers in the end to embrace our deep connections with all of creation through the God who made us.
Since its appearance four years ago, this series has led thousands of small groups around the world on a journey toward spiritual ...