The Living School

Matilda and I discovered contemplative spirituality, as an element of the age-old Christian mystical tradition, in our middle ages. “Discover” is probably not the right word. We grew into it, it grew on and in us, through our reading we were gently and graciously guided and called into it, our religious disillusionments and disappointments and the longing for the more led us to it, very difficult periods in our lives and emotional crisis prepared us for it and almost made it inevitable. As is the case with so much in this type of spirituality it is shrouded in mystery and paradox. To such an extent that you find that the phrase

No one catches the wild ass by running, 

and yet only those who run ever catch the wild ass.

exactly expresses what has happened, without clarifying it at all.

I probably use the word “discover” to describe the process, because it says something of the fact that this was not a tradition we were familiar with or were exposed to in our youth and even for a large part of our adult life. We had no guides leading the way in this regard in our Protestant tradition. It was not in the least part of my theological training. Through mere grace we stumbled on it. And it changed everything.

To name but a few of the elements that emerged over time:

• The importance of silence
• Our intellect is not our only and necessarily our most important function as human beings. Our other abilities should be developed as well and we must become familiar and comfortable with paradox and not knowing
• We must constantly move in the direction of inclusive non-dual thinking
• We are part of a very deep contemplative tradition
• This life and everything in creation is of utmost importance. In that regard, we haven’t experienced the implications of God’s incarnation nearly to its fullest
• As people and faith communities who have become comfortable in positions of power in all shapes and sizes we must be reawakened to a bias towards the bottom and social justice
• Constant growth, transformation and the unmasking of the ego are part and parcel of any authentic journey

As I said, it happened mostly through what we’ve read, but our exposure to spiritual direction, the Enneagram and retreats guided us deeper into this spirituality as well.

Were we to single out any one in particular in our transformation and discovery process, it would definitely be Richard Rohr from the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We were introduced to his thoughts through his many books, but also attended one of his workshops when he visited South Africa in 2010. For years now we have been receiving his daily meditations via email. He never ceases to astonish us with his fresh take on old truths, his innovative but rooted spirituality and the inclusive way he lives his faith, listening and learning as a Christian from other faith traditions as well. For many of us who have become despondent with the church and organized religion in general because of its fear-based intolerance and prejudices and very self-centered “private salvation projects” and church services, he has become a beacon of hope. His message has shown us a way out of “this dark and narrow time in Western Christianity”, to use his own words.

A few years ago the CAC started The living School to ensure that Rohr’s insight and wisdom are not lost on the next generation. On its website it formulates what those who enroll can expect as follows:

Do you seek contemplative grounding and purpose?
Do you long for wisdom elders and companions to share your spiritual journey?
Are you willing to be shaken and changed at your very foundation?
The Living School for Action and Contemplation offers a unique opportunity to a select group of students to deepen engagement with their truest selves and with the world. Discover your authentic identity and grow your capacity to embody this calling in the world. Through rigorous study and contemplative practice, awaken to the pattern of reality—God’s loving presence with and in all things. Embrace a rich heritage of faith from the Christian mystical tradition.

Those interested apply through a rigorous 25-page application form that is only available for a limited period every year. On acceptance each student has to commit to at least 35 hours a month of coursework, which involves not only reading but contemplation, experiential practices and service. 

Students accepted into the program must also go to the CAC for one small-group intensive session and attend three symposia with all Living School students over the course of three years. Books, supplies, and travel and lodging expenses are not included in tuition, which is $3,600 for the two-year program.

Right from the start Matilda and I had this deep calling to apply for the Living School. With our dream of The Restory then still at the infant stage, we knew that The Living School program will provide the ideal material and structure for what we hope The Restory will become for those who are searching for a grounded, fresh way of practicing their spirituality in ordinary daily living. We feel that we owe it to others to be of some guidance and formation and provide something that we didn’t have when we felt lost and started searching. Also, to help people rediscover God as being creative, forgiving, passionate and inclusive. Through the Living School we’ll also be introduced to students from other countries and backgrounds and in the process will become part of a community with a very broad base.

During the previous application periods our practical situation was such that we just could not apply. This time around at the end of September, we realised it was now or never. The Restory is starting to come into its own and we are excited about new possibilities and opportunities opening up concerning contemplative spirituality here at Barrowfield. A firm base needs to be laid. 

The obstacles to get through the application process and then, when accepted, to pay for the tuition, travels to the US and study material seem insurmountable despite scholarships one can apply for. Often during this period we said to each other that we must be mad to even think about it. And yet, the marching orders remain.

On 15 January 2016 applicants will be informed whether they were successful or not. Should we not get accepted the challenge will be to seek other means and to work along other routes to build The Restory up in ways that The Living School could have done in a structured formative way. Should we get accepted the challenge will be to have the funds to do it and apply ourselves to the course. Either way, we’ve got our work cut out and we’ll greatly appreciate it if you could hold us in your prayers and thoughts. Without the support we have received on so many levels up to now, The Restory could not be where it is now. Thank you.

What we have been reminding ourselves often during these past couple of months as well, is that we entered into this process with The Living School as people who have found Barrowfield against all odds and beyond our wildest expectations, have made the enormous move here, and who are experiencing the wonderful results of things we didn’t even imagine when we were led onto this journey in the first place. In short, this is so much bigger than us and not about us. Remembering that helps in facing the many obstacles and challenges. And it gently reminds us that anything is possible.

George