The Contemplative Practices of Jesus & Their Connection to Human Brain Science (In-Person Book Study)

As spiritual seekers, we often find ourselves searching for different ways of discovering the Divine in the circumstances of our lives, both in ordinary moments and in seasons of crisis and growth. Each of the world’s faith traditions unfold through and around figures and teachings that foster this awareness. In the person and practices of Jesus, we are invited to engage with the model he offers us in pausing and remembering to be with God in the midst of each of our days.

With this understanding, you are invited to join us for a book study about Practice the Pause: Jesus’ Contemplative Practice, New Brain Science, and What It Means to Be Fully Human by Maryland local author and spiritual director, Caroline Oakes. In this refreshing text, she vividly explores recent developments in brain science, which have proven that an intentional practice of pausing for a few minutes of meditation, prayer, or other contemplative practices actually rewires the human brain. These pauses create ways that make us calmer and less reactive, and our world needs this mode of responding to each other more than ever. While recognizing that every spiritual tradition values this kind of contemplative pausing, Oakes highlights Jesus’s own centering pause practice as a transformative path for becoming more “God aware,” and sparking both personal and social change.

During each session of this two-part program, participants will have opportunities for engaging Oakes’ text through prayerful pauses, creative and spiritual-oriented exercises, and small and large group dialogue. Both sessions will explore different facets of brain science and its neuro-connections to the spiritual dimension of being human while also examining a few of the contemplative pause practices that Jesus would have been familiar with in his time, culture, and religious tradition. While participating in both sessions provides a fuller experience with the book and subject matter, interested participants may register for either or both sessions. Prior reading of the text is not mandatory, but is encouraged. Please bring a journal along for use during the program.

DATE: Wednesdays, May 29 & June 5, 2024

TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

COST: $30 per session or $50 for both

LOCATION: Well for the Journey – 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please read our cancellation policy, here.

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from lorie@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Gordon Creamer

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Gordon Creamer, creator of The Mission Bridge , joined the Well’s Staff in July 2022 as Program Director. He has been involved in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and Hospice communities. He earned an MA in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and an MA in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute.

Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and practices. Uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community is a passion for him. In the last several years, he has fostered support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Gordon is also a trained end-of-life doula, certified spiritual director, and Reiki Practitioner, who welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, growing, and thriving.