Contemplation is simply resting in Divine love. It is a way of placing ourselves in the presence of the Divine and opening ourselves to the Divine’s presence and action. Rather than resist or reject all the mind’s activity, contemplation helps us disengage from or not be distracted by active thoughts through various forms of focus or mental discipline. Most Christian and non-Christian traditions promote some form of contemplation, such as Prayer of Faith, Prayer of the Heart, Pure Prayer, Prayer of Simplicity, Prayer of Simple Regard, Active Recollection, Active Quiet, Mindfulness Meditation, and Acquired Contemplation. A Place To Be actively practices the following. We hope you will join us!
On meditation:
There is something about simply sitting still, quietly attentive to your breathing, that tends to evoke less agitated, less thought-driven modes of meditative awareness....Read more.
Crystal Singing Bowl Meditation Saturdays, January 11 (CANCELED due to weather), February 8, March 28 9:30—10:30 am Facilitator: Maria Giordani Donation: $15
Crystal singing bowl meditation integrates the healing vibrational sound of crystal bowls with the transformative energy of crystals and stress reduction. It will calm your soul, balance your energy flow. The vibrations of sound can create a state of relaxation and tranquility deep within. They can also stir and release blocked energy, pain, anxiety and emotions and take you to a place of greater self-awareness. Come, join us and feel the presence of God. Click here to register.
Hand drumming is an ancient art used in many cultures. The music of drums creates a conduit to the Divine. Drumming is an opportunity to experience worship with our bodies as well as our minds. Join us for this monthly evening of drumming and discover inner strength and encouragement by those sharing the experience. Bring a drum of your own or use one of ours. No experience is necessary. All are welcome! No registration necessary.
Contemplative Practice 2nd Monday of the Month 6:00 pm—6:30 pm Facilitator: Dan & Karen Becker Investment: Freewill offering
Centering prayer is a receptive method of prayer, one of resting in God’s presence so that one experiences God’s presence within. The focus is on deepening one’s relationship with the living Christ. Different from active modes of prayer—verbal, mental, or affective prayer—centering prayer is done in silence which emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ. No registration necessary.
Sacred Circle every 1st Friday 1:00 pm—3:00 pm Facilitator: Kelly Lemens Donation: Free-will offering
Sacred Circle is for anyone desiring a deepening in awareness of themselves and the Divine, the opportunity to explore their own inner territory, and dialogue with other seekers about the journey. Through contemplation and compassionate dialogue, Sacred Circle provides sacred space for compassionate listening, both to our inner selves and to others, in a way that restores our sense of self and the Divine. No registration necessary.
Praying with Beads Saturday, March 7, 9:00 am-12:00 pm Donation: $25 Facilitators: Jenny Mitchell and Kelly Lemens
Prayer beads have been utilized in almost all spiritual traditions throughout the centuries. Used to help break through the usual noise and distractions, prayer beads help us slow down and quiet ourselves so we can listen to the Divine. Join us as we explore mind/body/soul ways to pray the beads and transform our prayer life. Through sharing and reflection, participants will create their own set of prayer beads and be encouraged to hold their own lives in their hands in gratitude and awe as they incorporate the prayer beads in their own prayer practice. Click here to register.
The community at A Place to Be gathers for prayer twice a day – at midday (11:30 am) and evening (5:00 pm). Communally, we prayer the Liturgy of the Hours, which includes psalms, readings from scripture and other writings, and intercessory prayer for all those who have asked for our prayers. Woven throughout are times of silence, space for God’s presence to be experienced. No registration necessary