Wisdom School: A Wisdom Way of Knowing (ONLINE VIA ZOOM)

“Wisdom Schools are a format for integral learning that’s based in some of the deepest roots for transformation and change in the Christian tradition. Wisdom Schools are about awakening the yearning for a different kind of presence in the world and then developing the skills and the knowledge base to apply that, to transform your own life and the life of people around you.” — Cynthia Bourgeault

This Wisdom School lays the groundwork for understanding the vital role of Wisdom in today’s world. Led by Cynthia Bourgeault, participants will delve into the Christian Wisdom tradition, exploring two key spiritual streams: the ancient Benedictine monastic model of “Ora et Labora” and the Gurdjieff Work’s concept of three-centered knowing and presence. Cynthia will illuminate how Wisdom serves as a precise and transformative spiritual science, offering both theoretical insights and practical tools for embodying Yeshua’s teachings—the Way of the Heart.

Through an integrated daily rhythm, this Wisdom School fosters an embodied “wisdom way of knowing,” incorporating periods of Great Silence, teaching sessions, Centering Prayer or silent meditation, mindful work, mindful movement, and contemplative free time.

Mercy Center’s Centering Prayer and Christian Wisdom Practices Program, in partnership with Wisdom Waypoints, presents this rare opportunity to engage the foundations of this Wisdom lineage.

For those joining on zoom, the following schedule reflects all of the live offerings that will be available for you to join in real time. If you are unable to be present in real time, you will have access to the recordings by the end of the day (so long as technology cooperates).

Schedule in Pacific Standard Time (subject to change)

Sunday Evening, May 25th
6:45 Zoom Intro
7:15 Opening session Introducing Wisdom School

Daily: Monday, May 26th – Thursday, May 29th
6:20 Gentle Yoga (optional)
7:00 Silent Meditation
7:30 Breakfast maintaining Great Silence
9:00 Morning Teaching
10:30 Break
10:45 Gurdjieff Movements or Conscious Practical Work
11:45 Break
12:00 Lunch with Reflection Questions followed by time for rest and reflection
2:30 Zoom Small Group Sharing (Optional)
3:30 Break
3:45 Silent Meditation
4:15 Afternoon Teaching
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Evening Session ending in Great Silence

Friday, May 30th
6:20 Gentle Yoga (optional)
7:00 Silent Meditation
7:30 Breakfast
9:30 Morning Teaching
10:45 Break
11:00 Final Teaching
12:00 Retreat ends