In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of transcending the ego and dying to self, recorded at the Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London in April 2011.
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Over the last three weeks, Vanessa Elston has facilitated an unusual Lent course inspired by the issue of personal transformation, drawing on a contemplative Christian approach and the wisdom of the 12 Step programme. The last of these looked at the heart, and the issue of choice regarding the things we do that give us life, or take life away. The three talks can be found here. But the last talk in particular has really helped me. Listen to this below. Additionally, Vanessa has recorded a reflection drawing on interactions she has had with people who have attended the course so far.
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Just in case you have missed the first or second of the Moot Lent Course, ‘Giving up for Lent’, we have put up mp3 recordings with downloadable reading and materials relating to the first two weeks. The first was focused on personal transformation, and the second was tackling the theme of ‘life in the spirit’. This latter theme I think has started to dig deeper with people, and it was very interesting to hear people’s responses, concerns, fears and queries. If you have not been yet, well you can catch up. There 6 in series, and next is week 3.
On the Second Sunday of Lent, Julie Dunstan explored the Gospel text of John 3.1-17 using an amusing poem by an ancient mystic at the Moot Eucharist. Julie opens up the challenge of the Christian faith drawing on contemplative roots of the faith, which is at its heart, about getting beyond the ego and humility.
Julie Dunstan is a Spiritual Director, Psychotherapist, and has led a number of Contemplative Prayer Development Days for the Moot Community. Soak up the wisdom of Julie’s considerable experience and Christian spirituality.
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Drawing on the writings of Michael Colclough, the former Bishop of Kensington, Ian Mobsby explores the meaning behind the season of Lent.
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Please note the change of venue: 7.30pm, London Centre for Spirituality, Church of St Edmund the King, Lombard Street EC3V 9EA.
The final week of the Lent course, in the nearby Centre for Spirituality, will be an exploration of the theme of life and death. Take exit 6 out of Bank Underground station, walk straight ahead for100 yards, and you’ll see the church on your left. Click here for a map (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=532880&y=181023&z=0&sv=EC3V+9EA&st=2&pc=EC3V+9EA&mapp=map.srf&searchp=ids.srf)
The Spirituality of Transformation – a six week course
The Christian tradition has always understood that in order to gain life we first have to lose our life. But what is the life we lose? And what is the life we gain?
Loss and gain, death and life, pain and joy reflect the dynamics of any real process of change or transformation. This course will explore these dynamics in greater depth, looking at how and why we resist the change that would lead to inner freedom – the wholeness and fullness of life that Christians call ‘the life of the spirit’.
Lent is a time for reflection and preparation before Easter. Christ’s struggle in the wilderness will provide a mirror to reflect on our own struggles with:
We all get caught in patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that we struggle to break free from. Using the Twelve Step approach, we will explore the stages of awareness, intention and action of those who seek metanoia – a change of heart, mind and body, the movement beyond the ‘false self’ into the freedom the ‘true self’.
Spiritual practices such as meditation will form an experiential dimension of this course, helping to hold us in the space that makes change possible.
This course is for all who are looking for a spiritual path of transformation in their lives. It doesn’t pre-suppose a faith or background of any kind – secular or religious. All are welcome.
If you missed a session, don’t worry, you can catch up by listening to the podcast recording of the tasks, and password protected copies of the reading each week here.
Dates: Wednesday 16th, 23rd, 30th March; 6th,13th, 20th April.
Time : 7.30 – 9 pm
Place: St Mary Aldermary, Walting Street, City of London, EC4M 9BW
On the 4th Sunday of Lent 2010, Ian Mobsby explores the theme of passions and virtues, and the need for inner freedom. Reflecting on the parable of the Prodigal Son and the story of Jesus going into the desert for 40 days, Ian explores the call for people to face their innerselves, their thinking and their sense of inner health. Moot is beginning its exploration as a New Monastic Community, to explore the need for some explicit spiritual practices, virtues and postures to assist people to go deeper with the Community’s Rhythm of Life.
If you neglect your inner self, then in extreme circumstances you will be held captive by your inner compulsions and addictions, which will feel like you are being controlled by an outer force preventing your autonomy. It will literally feel like you are being controlled by a demon. It is important that we face our need for inner freedom as well as outward liberation.
Just been to Moot Big Service on Passion Sunday exploring the themes of light and darkness. Very moving. well done Meghan and Jocelyn.
