SOUTHPORT, CT — Trinity Spiritual Center is proud to host an in-person and livestream event with renowned Episcopal priest, author, and retreat leader Stuart Higginbotham for an engaging look at how Buddhist meditation techniques can enrich Christian contemplative practice.
On Friday February 10th over dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 PM, and Saturday, February 11th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, attendees will explore visualization techniques that both traditions use to nurture awareness of one’s core essence: the reality that is at the heart of existence. Drawing on Christian and Buddhist texts and images, Higginbotham will explore how our impulse to hold onto a more limited construction of our own being feeds discomfort in life, and how a fuller awareness of our own presence — the Light of Life — is the key to personal fulfillment.
The Reverend Dr. Stuart Higginbotham is an Episcopal priest, writer, and retreat leader working to renew the Christian Wisdom tradition. He serves as rector at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, GA. Higginbotham is a member of the New Contemplative Exchange, a fellowship first gathered by such giants as Thomas Keating, Richard Rohr, Tilden Edwards, and Laurence Freeman at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado in August 2017. He co-edited the Exchange’s outstanding collection of essays published in 2019 and has worked with many contemplative communities around the nation. Stuart grew up in Southeastern Arkansas, in the Mississippi Delta, with fried catfish, sweet tea, and mosquitoes “the size of small birds”.
The day-long retreat is tenth offering in a series of workshops that Trinity Spiritual Center has organized over the past two years inviting people of all faiths — or none at all — to focus on expanding their understanding of contemplative practices drawn from all wisdom traditions that are relevant to contemporary lives.
"Visualization meditation techniques can help us deepen our recognition of the transcendent, an ultimate reality that is at the heart of existence, and our own identity with and in this generative, participatory energy that is at the core of all life,” said Higginbotham. “I look forward to exploring ways in which both Christian and Buddhist traditions use this technique to nurture our inner awareness.”
“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to benefit from Stuart’s keen mind and expansive heart,” notes Trinity Spiritual Center Director Mark Grayson. “He has a gift for translating ancient wisdom in contemporary tools that all seekers can integrate into our daily lives, so that grace might enter to replace our own pain and suffering with contentment, love and joy.”
Trinity Spiritual Center is pleased to host this event as the latest of its open conversations on current issues that deeply impact our community and contemplative practices that can enrich our lives.
The workshop is open to all. No participation in the Center’s earlier workshops or affiliation with the church required. There is a $40 fee for the event that includes dinner and lunch. Registration is required (details below).
WHAT: Visualization: A Powerful Way to Find Contentment, Love and Joy
WHEN: Friday, February 10th, at 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 11th at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm.
COST: $40 in-person
REGISTER: https://stuarthigginbothamworkshop.eventbrite.com
QUESTIONS: Call the Church at (203) 255-0454
About Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is located in the historic seaside district of Southport at 651 Pequot Avenue (at Center Street) and welcomes seekers of all denominations. Trinity’s mission is to provide a vibrant 21st century Episcopal community that inspires spiritual growth, nurtures genuine connections and promotes charitable service.
About Trinity Spiritual Center
Trinity Spiritual Center is a dynamic and growing community of people of all ages and beliefs, engaging in a broad range of learning experiences to inspire and support their own journeys of spiritual growth. It offers programs and practices that inspire and engage the greater community.