The great mystics from all traditions use the language of love to evoke the intensity of the soul’s yearning for direct connection with the sacred. Engaging in a contemplative approach to reading the mystics, we weave passages from Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Francis of Assisi, and Hildegard of Bingen with periods of silent meditation, writing exercises, and discussion. We focus on the power of longing as a transformational tool, balancing the passion of spiritual love poetry with deep quiet.
The workshop opens with some simple instructions on mindfulness meditation and centering prayer, followed by regular intervals of silent sitting. In between, Mirabai reads selections from the poet-mystics, offering reflections that seek to uncover the contemporary relevance of these perennial wisdom teachings. Then, participants do a guided writing exercise, which they read aloud. We end each day with group sharing. |
