This is not an online course on the history of Buddhism or a summary of its basic teachings. Instead, it will give you access to some of the finest Buddhist teachers of our day — the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron, Lama Surya Das, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein, and many others — through passages from their recent writings.
The online course is designed as a 40-day retreat, although you can choose a different frequency during the sign-up process. 40 emails each contain a thought-provoking and soul-stirring quotation from a contemporary Buddhist teacher for you to reflect upon during the day. This is accompanied by a suggestion for how you can practice being present, equanimity, compassion, generosity, patience and other essential Buddhist ideals during the day.
Register for this online course
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Practicing Spirituality in Nature (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Edward Abbey once described his essays as “prose psalms which celebrate the divine beauty of the natural world.” Come along on a retreat conducted via email and explore all the ways you can discover and celebrate the Divine in nature. You will receive 40 emails, each with a short quotations and a related practice suggestion.
You will savor the spiritual insights of Barbara Kingsolver, Linda Hogan, Barry Lopez, Jane Goodall, Joyce Rupp, Annie Dillard, Kent Nerburn, Rick Bass, Diane Ackerman, Wendell Berry, and many others. These poets, essayists, and naturalists tutor in the spiritual practices of wonder, play, reverence, and attention.
Use this retreat as a way to enrich your experiences outdoors any time of year. Find out what prompted Henry David Thoreau to proclaim “My profession is always to be alert, to find God in nature, to know God’s lurking places, to attend to all the oratorios and the operas in nature.”
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Practicing Spirituality with Animals (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Pets exhibit a full repertoire of emotions and sometimes show caring and altruism that touches the heart. Still more admirable qualities are displayed by animals in the wild. They all are teachers. Further, in countless stories, myths, and dreams, animals are wise elders, imparting wisdom about the world and hinting at the great mysteries of life.
This e-course explores the messages and meanings of these wonderful beings. The quotations and the accompanying spiritual practices in this 40-part adventure will lead you to deeper encounters with the animals in your life. This course will discuss more animals than just dogs, cats, and gerbils. The birds of the air and the insects in the field are also companions on spiritual journeys.
Each email will consist of a short quote about animals and a related practice suggestion to do with the animals you know or have known. This course will draw upon the insights and life experiences of naturalists, essayists, and poets, including Diane Ackerman, Matthew Fox, Brenda Peterson, Thubten Chodron, Susan Chernak McElroy, Terry Tempest Williams, and many others.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Becoming a Wise Elder (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
“Becoming a Wise Elder with Angeles Arrien” is an 18-part e-course in Spirituality & Practice’s Elder Spirituality Project. It is based on the realization that the skills developed during the first half of life are not adequate for the frontiers crossed as adults age. The attitudes, disciplines, and life skills that elderhood demands are completely different. Many world tales and perennial wisdoms point to eight gates through which adults must pass in order to fully develop into wise people. Each has its own gift, task, and challenge. They include:
• facing new experiences and the unknown,
• discovering one’s true face or authentic identity,
• exploring relationships from the crucible of love, intimacy and forgiveness,
• approaching service, creativity and generativity from a place of legacy,
• developing character and deepening wisdom,
• opening to the presence of grace,
• moving into surrender, acceptance, and equanimity,
• practicing non-attachment and letting go.
The leader for this online course is Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., a cultural anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and consultant to many organizations and businesses. She is the President of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research and regularly lectures and conducts workshops worldwide, bridging cultural anthropology, psychology, and comparative religions. She is the author of seven books including The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom, winner of the 2007 Nautilus Award for Best Book on Aging. She is profiled as one of the Living Spiritual Teachers at Spirituality & Practice.
For this e-course, Angeles Arrien explores the eight gates to becoming a wise elder in 18 emails. Each contains a short essay and suggestions for applying this wisdom in your own spiritual journey, including:
• practices in how to trust the new and unfamiliar,
• how to create openings and initiate ways to collaborate and unify,
• how to resolve inner and outer conflict,
• time-honored skills that foster a clear mind, an open heart, a strong spirit, and courageous action in the world.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Sacred Presence with the Dying (Spirituality and Practice)
Source: Spirituality and Practice
Megory Anderson, PhD, is a theologian and teacher, who has vigiled with over 300 people as they lay dying. Her use of ritual, of creating sacred moments, of calming fear and hurts, has brought comfort and peace to both the dying and their loved ones. She is the Executive Director of the Sacred Dying Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, and the author of Sacred Dying and Attending the Dying, both of which deal with pastoral and ritual care of the dying. She is known internationally for her expertise in the End-of-Life arena.
In this new e-course, she will help guide you through what is for many is unfamiliar territory — the death of a loved one. The focus is entirely on how to create a peaceful and sacred environment for the person dying. These twelve sessions are designed for family members, loved ones, and end-of-life practitioners, and will cover:
- Listening to the dying and what they want and need
- Tools to use in the vigil space — music, candles, touchstones
- How to create a calming presence
- Prayers and meditations for letting go
Uniquely, this course will help enable you to focus on the needs and wants of the “other,” bringing your own gifts of sacred presence to the experience.
You will receive:
- Emails containing stories, spiritual readings, and suggested tools for each lesson.These can be scheduled at the pace you choose.
- Special suggestions for your own practices, journal reflections, and vigil arrangements.
This e-course is both practical (removing clutter from the deathbed room) and reflective (how to sit quietly for several hours). It gives insights and advice for the one vigiling, yet with the focus always being on creating a sacred dying.
Many are watching parents and loved ones become ill, age, and die. Now is the time to learn the art of accompanying them in vigil as they take their journey into the next life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to learn and share with those who have already been present at a death. It’s in learning together that you can offer your best for those in your care. (4 CEHs for chaplains available.)
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
The Gift of Life (Spirituality & Practice)
Based on the recent DVD series with Thomas Keating,The Gift of Life: Death & Dying, Life & Living, topics will include:
– Stages of Dying
– Suffering
– Judgment and Mercy
– The Cross
– The Mystery of God
– Coming Home
The course will consist of a combination of email, video, and audio teachings, as well as the opportunity to share and connect with others in the online Practice Circle.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this online course and register at Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Silence and the Spiritual Journey (Spirituality & Practice)
Source: Spirituality & Practice
This journey consists of everything from great touches of God (consolations) to the Dark Nights. It is a journey of purification into illumination and understanding, and further into contemplation and union. Becoming familiar with — and reminded of — the map or signposts of the journey is very useful and reassuring to keep making the various consents along the way.
This journey, originally designed for the season of Lent, will explore these traditional signposts of the spiritual journey, including the Dark Nights, with new teachings by Fr. Thomas Keating. It consists of a combination of email, video and audio teachings.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this online course and register at Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
The Grace of Lent (Spirituality & Practice)
Source: Spirituality & Practice
For many, Lent has a gloomy, heavy air of the negative — rules, observances, abstentions, do not’s, have not’s, can not’s. Repeating this over and over again each year can seem life-depleting, even superficial and mechanical. What is lost is the deep listening, the atmosphere, you might say, of Lent without which the ascetic practices lose much of their meaning. But another climate — a state of heart, being, and spirit can permeate our entire life for these seven weeks — all in the preparation of softening our heart to open to the joyful reality of the Resurrection, our personal union with God.
This online retreat, originally created for Lent in 2014, aims to create a Lenten atmosphere of silence, stillness, and a quiet inner joy of alert receptivity. You are encouraged to partake of the particular beauty of the season viewing Lent itself as an artful preparation to a slow and sustained intentional journey where the heart is awakened into a new life in and through divine love. Here we are purified not only by what we give up and surrender, but also by how we are inspired and experience illumination.
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this online retreat and register at Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Praying for Justice and Peace (Spirituality & Practice)
Source: Spirituality & Practice
Praying for justice and peace is one response to the situations in the world, and it is available to everyone. But many of us are unsure how to pray and what to pray for. We may question the efficacy of prayer and wonder about a God that “allows” such suffering. In our confusion, we may never respond to our longing to pray.
This Online Retreat gives us an opportunity to explore these valid questions and free our minds and hearts for prayer. The lessons cover such themes as the five forms of prayer (intercession, action, soul care, discernment, transformation), answers to prayer, calls to action and rest, and the power and promise of a peaceful heart. The course consists of:
• 12 email lessons
• 4 guided audio meditations designed to help you develop your prayer practice
• Recording of a one=hour teleconference with Jane Vennard from when this e-retreat was first offered in February 2012.
This retreat was created by Jane Vennard, who also helmed our e-course on Intercessory Prayer. She is one of Spirituality & Practice’s Living Spiritual Teachers and the author of Embracing the World and other books on prayer. A United Church of Christ minister, she is a professor of prayer and spirituality at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. She has been a spiritual director for more than 20 years and has led retreats on many kinds of prayer in international ecumenical settings.
Praying for peace with justice is always a work in progress. This prayer retreat is designed to help you engage in and contribute to this holy work.
(4 CEHs for Chaplains available.)
Learn more about this religious online course and register on Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
Practicing Spirituality with Jesus (Spirituality & Practice)
Source: Spirituality & Practice
You are invited to explore these lessons during this 40-email course. Each email will contain a thought-provoking thought about Jesus for your reflection and a practice suggestion inspired by the quote. These are concrete ways for people of all traditions to express their respect and love of Jesus and the way he modeled.
(Please note: The 40 emails in this e-course are the same ones that were used in the Practicing Spirituality with Jesus – Lenten Edition in spring 2008; the only difference is that the Lenten edition included extra emails for the Sundays in Lent. If you are looking for new perspectives on Jesus, having taken that course, we suggest you take Practicing Spirituality with Jesus – 2.)
(6 CEHs for Chaplains available for Practicing Spirituality with Jesus – 1.)
Learn more about this religious online course and register on Spirituality & Practice
Disclaimer: Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) seeks to provide individuals with information about religious, spiritual, or faith-based online resources from a variety of sources. Sacred Space Online Learning does NOT claim ownership over this online course or online offering. Sacred Space Online Learning is also NOT responsible for the accuracy of the materials, the content, the way they are advertised or taught, or the costs associated with this online course or offering. The views and opinions expressed in this online course or offering are those of the creators and/or the persons appearing in the online class or offering. They do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SSOL, the OFLD, or MCC. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the creator(s) of the given online course or online offering.
