submitted by René Fontaine
In previous Compassion Network newsletters, we have expounded on the health benefits of meditation. We have explained how a regular practice will not only help to reduce stress in your life but will also boost your energy level and help you to approach life with a more positive outlook. In addition to these highly practical benefits, there is also a spiritual component to meditation that provides a more profound understanding of life and brings greater meaning to every activity and relationship that we have.
While many people are familiar with the types of meditation practices that have evolved in the Eastern traditions, more and more people are learning that Christians also have a long tradition of practice that dates back to the Mothers and Fathers of the desert in the 3rd century AD. In fact, there are over 2000 groups in 120 countries that now meet on a regular basis to meditate together as well as share experiences and insights that their individual practice has made them aware of.
They meet in churches, homes, schools, hospitals, universities, prisons and places of work. There are groups for the homeless and online groups for those who can’t get to a physical meeting. In any way, the group is a special yet ordinary way both to be introduced to meditation and to sustain your daily practice. Learning to meditate is a process that takes time. Most people start and stop and start again. The group is therefore a center for friendship and stability in this process.
An on-line 6-week Introduction to Christian Meditation course will begin on Monday October 19th at 7:30 p.m. Each course will be approximately one hour long. To register, please write to Gail Brooks at rgbrooks2@shaw.ca. A version in French is also being prepared.
To participate in a group in Manitoba or in an online group, please contact the group leader who will introduce you to the process and invite you to its weekly meeting. Following is a list of Christian meditation groups in Manitoba:
| City/ Ville | Location/ LIeu | When/ Quand | Time/ Heure | Group Leader / Contact Person | Tel. |
| Brandon | 1st Presbyterian Church | Every Other Wednesday | 2:00 PM | Helen Nethery / Steven Cassiday | 204 727-3393 (Helen) 204 824-2011 (Steven) |
| Brandon | St. Mary Anglican Church | Every Other Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Helen Nethery / Steven Cassiday | 204 727-3393 (Helen) 204 824-2011 (Steven) |
| Portage la Prairie | St. Mary la Praire Anglican Church | Wednesday | 7:00 PM | St. Mary la Praire | 204 857-3931 |
| Ste-Anne-des-Chênes | Église de Ste-Anne (en français) | Mardi | 19h00 | Norbert Ritchot | 204-371-4727 |
| Winnipeg | Cathédrale de St.-Boniface, 190 av de la Cathédrale (en français) | Mardi | 19h00 | Gilles Bonin | 204-256-4144 |
| Winnipeg | St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church | Thursday | 7:30 PM | Barbara Bater | 204 253-0555 |
| Winnipeg | St. Paul Anglican Church | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | Bernie Beare | 204 453-4038 |
| Winnipeg | St. Peter Anglican Church | Tuesday | 10:00 AM | Betty Currie | 204 885-7438 |
| Winnipeg | St. Raphael Church | Thursday | 7:30 PM | Baldwin Goncalves | 204 957-1600 |
