by Matthew Wright Running through the history of our planet is a current of spiritual awakening. Beginning as a trickle, it flows through the cracks of history, touching at first individuals, now washing out, over and through interconnected circles, building in force, moving to gather up all things in its embrace. The current flowed in […]
Social Justice
New Contemplative Leaders Exchange
A Reflection by Phileena Heuertz Last year, at the invitation of renowned Cistercian monk Fr. Thomas Keating, four of among the most prominent living western Christian contemplative teachers gathered in Snowmass at St. Benedict’s Monastery. In addition to Fr. Keating, three others gathered in respectful friendship: Rev. Dr. Tilden Edwards, Fr. Laurence Freeman, and […]
Active Contemplation in Response to Socio-political Upheaval
by Phileena Heuertz Our recent presidential election has exposed and emphasized a great rift in the people who make up our nation. Political, economic, social, and religious ideologies may not have ever been more at odds with one another. Our new millennia has brought with it so much change. It’s as if our world has […]
Gravity’s Contemplative Activist in Residence
September 15, 2016 – February 15, 2017 From September 15, 2016 –February 15, 2017 Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism welcomes Chiraphone Khamphouvong as our Contemplative Activist (not) in Residence (CAIR). The CAIR program supports leading, innovative activists who desire a sabbatical for personal, professional, and spiritual development. CAIR is for bold and courageous leaders who have […]
Integrating Contemplation and Action: An Aid Worker’s Reflection from the Refugee Crisis in Morocco
Recently, Chris and Phileena visited our team in Ifrane, Morocco. I’m one of about 40 university and post-graduate students offering emergency aid to the thousands of refugees and immigrants desperately making their way through Morocco. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the retreat which was focused on integrating contemplation and action—something […]
Contemplative Prayer Fosters Solidarity
by Kent Annan When writing my new book, Slow Kingdom Coming, my attention kept getting drawn to themes of contemplative activism and of doing good better—that is, to very Gravity-like themes! My work with Haiti Partners over the years has given me a deep appreciation for values like solidarity with people in poverty, justice […]
When Life is Like a Jar of Mekong River Water
by Craig Greenfield The Mekong is a broad brown river that runs through Cambodia and Vietnam. Craig Greenfield, a veteran of Cambodian slums and inner city ministry explains in his new book, Subversive Jesus, how a jar of Mekong River water helped him find the balance between activism and contemplation. This is an excerpt… At […]