Contemplative Listening

A 6-week Online Course

with Daniel Daeseop Yi

Listening goes beyond hearing words; it’s about deeply engaging with others and inviting them into our hearts.

Henri J.M. Nouwen beautifully states, “The beauty of listening is that those who are listened to begin to feel accepted, take their words more seriously, and discover their true selves. Listening is a form of spiritual hospitality that invites strangers to become friends, to understand their inner selves more deeply, and even to share a silence with you.”

In this course, set within a spiritual direction framework, we will explore how contemplative listening can create a safe and sacred space for individuals to share their stories and experience a deeper connection with God. Participants will learn to move beyond mere hearing to truly welcome others into their hearts and facilitate their journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Whether desiring to enhance your role as a spiritual director or companion or simply seeking to create a safe space in your ministry, this course will enhance your abilities to master contemplative stances and essential skills, fostering meaningful connections and transformative relationships in every aspect of your lives and ministries. This course is designed to enrich both your daily interactions and spiritual practices through authentic listening and profound interpersonal engagement.

Join us on this transformative journey of contemplative listening and experience the profound depth and beauty it can bring to both your spiritual and everyday interactions.

Contemplative listening: Course details

A six-week online course

Dates: Wednesdays, November 6 - December 11, 2024

(includes the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, though participation this day is optional.)

Time: 1 PM - 3 PM (Pacific)

Location: on Zoom

Cost: $240-$360 (sliding scale)

Scholarships are Available. Contact the Bread of Life office.

Required Reading: Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction by David G. Benner

Space is limited to 10 participants.

Daniel Daeseop Yi is dedicated to understanding how humans can be their authentic selves and live their lives fully through various contemplative practices. This wholistic transformation and growth is interconnected with communal and social change. He has been practicing and teaching Centering Prayer since 2008 at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He is Affiliate Faculty in Spirituality at SFTS/ University of Redland.