What does it mean to be contemplative?
To be contemplative is to enter a quiet in which every aspect of our humanness becomes still in response to the stillness within God, the Divine, or however you define the Source of all that is.
Is there a special technique or process I need to learn in order to participate?
No. Some contemplative communities focus on a particular form of prayer or meditation. At Eremos we focus on simply creating space via silence, offering unique contemplative programming to inspire you along the way.
As our founder, Jean Springer, was fond of saying:
Silence within a contemplative perspective is truly an invitation to be with the One who loves us into silence—an invitation to respond to the whisper of loving communion. Come just as you are. Come and rest with and in the One who longs to rest with you. Come beyond the words into the silent, wordless embrace of love. Come and listen to the whispers of love. Let yourself be lured into Love.
How long do the periods of silence last? What do I do during those times?
Depending upon the program you participate in, the periods of silence typically last from 5-20 minutes at a time. Some retreats will invite extended periods of silence of an hour or more. Usually, these times are spent either meditating or actively journaling or using other methods of engaging in reflection. However, your time in silence is your own. As noted above, we do not teach a specific form of meditation or way of being in silence.
Many simply sit quietly, others pray, journal, color a mandala, walk a labyrinth or spend time in nature, depending upon where the program is offered. Sometimes a brief poem or reading will be offered for you to contemplate on. Your mind may wander. That’s okay. Trust that the silence slowly opens you up to what you’re meant to experience.
