Ripples

EPISODE 6: DISCOVERING HOPE

Marie Harris shares the story of her son Andrew and her daughter Jane, who was one of our wonderful teachers in the Wollongong Diocese. Marie will reveal how through the death of Andrew and Jane she discovered the real meaning of HOPE. Andrew became one of her greatest teachers and a catalyst for growth and learning, as did Jane many years later. Through these challenging times Marie discovered that HOPE is an action word and is all wrapped up in trust and love. Hope draws us into the present moment and encourages us to be both accepting and grateful. And in our efforts to live in hope we are more able to experience moments of joy.

MEDITATION 6: HOPE MEDITATION

This program will include a 3 minute introduction and a 10 minute Meditation for HOPE. Using the format of Centering Prayer there will be a breathing relaxation and an opportunity to bring two words into the stillness. You will be invited to breathe in the word LOVE and breathe out the word HOPE. As we breathe in God’s love and the love that surrounds us, we are more able to breathe out hope into our lives and our world. “If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope.” Nikki Bannas

EPISODE 5: WALKING WITH OTHERS DURING TIMES OF GRIEF AND TRAUMA

Patricia Thomas shares her experience of walking with others during times of grief and trauma, including this time of COVID-19. She draws on the wisdom of her own story and highlights the value of finding a language and of reaching out to others during these challenging times. Patricia acknowledges that this involves great courage and risk, however this presence can be one of the greatest gifts we can offer. In all of this, Patricia draws on her faith and sees first-hand the immense challenges and gifts of living the Paschal Mystery. 

MEDITATION 5: CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

This program will include a 4 minute introduction and a 10 minute guided experience of Christian Meditation. Christian Meditation is a practice that has a long tradition and in recent years John Main OSB and Laurence Freeman OSB have played a significant part in its renewal. It involves bringing a single word into a time of stillness and this word is Maranatha. As we commit to the word, we begin to let go of our distractions and we open ourselves to God’s love and to new ways of responding to our lives. “When I meditate nothing happens, but my life is transformed.” Laurence Freeman   

 

EPISODE 4: THE WAY AHEAD - Will we ever go back?

Gary Quinn reflects upon life during COVID-19, acknowledging that this presents both challenges and gifts. By living with awareness in the present moment and taking a contemplative stance, we are given the opportunity to re-evaluate what is truly important for us. Gary calls on the wisdom of others as we reimagine what our normal will be when we emerge from this time of pandemic, as we discern the way ahead.

MEDITATION 4: KINDNESS MEDITATION

This program will include a 2 minute introduction and an 8 minute Kindness Meditation. Over the years it has been found that meditations of this nature can support us in facing some of the more challenging emotions or moments in our day. There will be an invitation to send loving thoughts to yourself, to those with whom you are close and to those who are challenging you at this time. These compassionate words will be drawn from the Scriptures and are words Jesus offered to those he met along the way. We hope that this may be a time when you can experience the gifts of loving kindness and of God’s constant presence. “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

EPISODE 3: REACT OR RESPOND - Remaining Measured during Challenging Times

Robyn Gallagher explores the different ways in which we can respond to challenging moments in our lives. We can either react or respond and inevitably in our humanity we will do both. Robyn explores some different ways to remain measured and centered when challenging events confront us, so that our response is a more life-giving one. Robyn highlights the importance of good sleep, the pause button and prayer. Through sharing her story she encourages us to reflect on our own stories.   

EPISODE 3 BONUS: PAUSE, PONDER & PRAY

Jacqueline McCallum reflects on her experience of COVID-19 and on the gifts that she has discovered in this time of challenge. She recognizes that there has been a call for her to pause, ponder and pray. This beautifully reflective piece draws on scripture, story and silence and invites us all to pause, ponder and pray. Today Robyn Gallagher will read Jacqueline’s inspired words and you may like to bring your journal with you as you enter into this experience.

MEDITATION 3: LETTING GO

This program will include a 4 minute introduction followed by a 10 minute Letting Go Meditation. During the meditation you will be invited to reflect on those things you may be holding on to and there will also be an opportunity to name what you need to move forward. Once you are familiar with the process of the Letting Go Meditation, the introduction may no longer be necessary and you may like to move straight into the meditation. We hope that this time of treasured stillness may be a valuable opportunity for you to let go and let God.

EPISODE 2: LIVING IN LIMINAL TIME

Suz Marden will explore the reality of Living in Liminal Time particularly in connection to our current context of COVID-19. During this episode Suz will pose a number of questions greatly worth reflecting on as we seek to find the gift in this unprecedented time in which we live. You may like to draw on a journal and pause the episode in order to give yourself time to reflect more deeply on these questions and the concept of liminal time.