Cosmic Replenishment for a Malnourished World
To our usual psychological way of looking at things, trust must be earned; it is called forth in response to demonstrated trustworthiness. But there is another way of approaching trust, which has always been the way of the great saints and mystics. From this other angle of approach trust is not earned so much as bestowed—from a fathomless strength and freedom which lies latent in every human soul, flowing like a wellspring from the heart of God. Anchored in strength rather than gullibility, and impervious to manipulation, this trust is itself a transformative force, flowing into a broken world to bring courage, healing, and reconnection.
At a time when the trust level in our world has fallen to a catastrophic low, Cynthia Bourgeault provides a deep immersion into another way of working with trust. Drawing on the experience of revered mystics and martyrs, she explores not only the spirituality but the actual practices that allow our hearts to access a potent, hidden wellspring of trust. By skillfully tapping into that source we can begin to rebuild trust within our own lives, and also contribute to its cultivation within our shattered world. Cynthia approaches this teaching from contemplative and esoteric reference points rather than the more typical therapeutic perspectives. An established meditation practice will help support this teaching and the necessary willingness to offer oneself on this pathway of conscious service to the whole.
As an additional offering, Matthew Wright provides teaching on the Islamic “names of God” as spiritual energy streams, and introduces, then guides a group Zhikr practice.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS
Cynthia Bourgeault is an internationally-renowned retreat leader, accomplished author, and sought-after speaker. She is the inspirational and respected teacher to a world-wide network of spiritual practitioners and seekers, offering her unique blend of thoughtful insight, and practical guidance. The foundations of her theology dynamically weave together a cosmology based in the fourteen-billion-year-old universe story, illuminated through Imaginal seeing from the eye of the heart, and grounded in the contemplative arts as espoused by the world’s great Wisdom traditions.
Matthew Wright is an Episcopal priest and retreat leader, seeking the renewal of the Christian Wisdom tradition. He is also a student of the Mevlevi Sufi path and sees the mutually enriching teachings of Christian and Sufi mysticism becomes apparent in their foundational concepts such as incarnation, heart centeredness, witnessing, presence, and self-knowing. Matthew serves at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, NY and lives with his wife alongside the brothers of Holy Cross Monastery.
Rebuilding Trust includes over 10 hours of video teachings recorded live via Zoom for a small in-person and virtual retreat, hosted by Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina from February 21-25, 2022. Purchase provides lifetime access to the materials.