Art of Contemplative Practice 1 (DS8201W) is offered for those seeking to explore contemplation as a basis for living and ministry.

The teaching team bring a creative and balanced approach to this course.

Learning modes include lectures, personal reflection, sharing in small groups. Numbers are limited to allow maximum participation.

This program has the attraction of the following features:

• A flexible program
• Participants may benefit from completing this unit on its own or using it to lead into other formation programs. (NB: Completion of this course is strongly recommended prior to enrolment in the Art of Spiritual Companioning.)
• Good balance between teaching, practicums and peer groups.
• Teachers and students come from diverse faith traditions, adding depth and richness to the program.

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an informed and critical appreciation of contemplation.
• Articulate an understanding of various experiences of contemplation.
• Assess models of spiritual practice, listening and action that relate to everyday life experience.
• Compare and contrast various approaches to contemplative practices as they relate to vocational engagement and systematically evaluate the traditional approaches to contemplative practice.
• Creatively apply the principles of contemplative practice to discernment processes in life decisions.