Latest Newsletter - Australian Christian Meditation Community

Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015 Australian News 13
“THE HEART OF CREATION”
ACMC National Conference Canberra
5-6 December 2014
On the weekend of December 5-6 some 300 meditators
from the ACT, NSW, Victoria, SA and further afield Qld, NT
and WA gathered in the national capital to welcome the
visit of Fr Laurence Freeman. The theme of this National
Conference, Christian Meditation – The Heart of Creation,
was based on the words of John Main: “We find Christ
in our hearts and then we find ourselves in Him, and in
him, all of creation.” It was fitting that the conference
was held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and
Culture, that ‘sacred space within the heart of Australia,’
as retired Anglican Bishop George Browning described
it in his opening address on Saturday morning. On the
previous evening, the conference had been opened and Fr
Laurence welcomed by Catholic Archbishop Christopher
Prowse; (see picture). The closure and thanks was given
by Uniting Church Presbytery Chairperson Rev Ivan Roberts.
It is always a joy to welcome Fr Laurence, the modern-day St Paul who travels a shipwrecked world with a single
saving message: meditation opens us to the power of God; it is a truly saving work which introduces us to our
capacity for wholeness. It is a message which the pilgrim Laurence constantly refines and updates, sharing the voice
of his vast experience with faith, wisdom, and occasional flashes of sharp, dry humour. He is a traveller who draws
gems of teaching from his backpack: sayings and challenges which call on the Christian tradition as translated for
the contemporary world; challenges that confront the discipline of meditative prayer, of attentiveness, of God’s
healing power in the discovery of our own weakness; of learning that in ‘our poverty of spirit we are capable of
being surprised by joy.’
Saturday morning provided a symbolic image, if one were needed, of the power of the meditative experience in
a ‘chattering world.’ Dark clouds loomed, thunder growled and a summer storm burst over the Centre, yet within,
during the periods of prayer, 300 meditators were as one in the deep silence and the palpable and powerful
awareness of Presence.
As Fr Laurence continues on his pilgrim way, we are left refreshed, and renewed in the message at the heart of
creation, a message that tells of the energy and compassion released in fidelity to the meditative prayer; in an
awareness of inter-faith community; in the conviction that meditation purifies and strengthens us more than
anything else we do; and that the heart of creation is ‘within
SAVE THE DATES
Sept.18-20, 2015
Fr. Laurence Freeman will be in Sydney for
the first
WCCM MEDITATIO
event held in Australia focusing on
Meditation and the Environment
Details Page 19.
our own heart where the light of God enters into our very
being.’
This warm sense of a prayer community could not have come
about without the attentive planning of Jan Wylie and the
national committee, in particular Anna Loughlin and Lee
Milroy, and the untiring efforts of Canberra co-ordinators Rod
and Susan Page. Their efforts in caring for us, body and soul,
ensured that Fr Laurence’s visit, brief though it was, was joyful,
friendly, and above all, a flame of prayer at the ‘still point of
the turning world.’----Judy Kenny

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Australian News
Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
Clergy and Religious Retreat Morning Monday 8th December
On Monday 8th of December an 80-strong ecumenical group of
Clergy and Religious met at the Australian Centre for Christianity
and Culture in Canberra to share a morning with Fr Laurence
Freeman osb entitled ‘The Ministry of Meditation’. The gathering
was opened by retired Bishop Pat Power, and later closed in
gratitude by Rev Sarah Bachelard. (See Picture below)
This could well have been an historic gathering of women and
men in ministry: in urban and rural settings, in parishes and
chaplaincies, in academic life, or retired. Some were meditators
and some were not. All were offered a time to listen to Laurence
speak into both our activity and our contemplation, for some
time to reflect, for some time of meditation. We were given an
opportunity to listen to the silence that speaks volumes from
Christ’s presence planted in us. The morning allowed a segment
for questions from those gathered and was well wrapped in times of refreshments both before and after the retreat
time. Having those refreshment times also allowed people to connect informally. In bringing the morning to a close,
Rev Sarah Bachelard drew on one of Thomas Merton’s most compelling poems, ‘The Quickening of John the Baptist’,
reminding us that we are “living as listeners” and “waiting upon the first far drums of Christ.” Some of us are still
savouring what was shared that morning and are still listening to where those drums may be inviting us next……….
Fr Simon Falk
Following the open conference sessions, I found the clergy session to be valuable for both Fr Laurence’s talks and
the potential application of what he shared. His integration of parables and scriptural references gave a good picture
of how contemplative prayer is grounded in both the life of faith and the teaching of Jesus. This was helpful both
personally and for future conversations with others.
Some of the questions raised in the Q&A session were of particular relevance to clergy, and so were less likely to have
been raised in the general sessions. This was a uniquely valuable opportunity for clarification and extension of the
ideas presented in the talks. There were also opportunities for the participants to connect, to explore and discuss
their personal prayer practice/s and prayer in the life of their particular church(es). These have much in common but
each also brings its own demands, rewards and complexities……… Rev Helen Dean
During ‘The ministry of Meditation’ morning I was reminded of three truths:
• As I listened to Fr Laurence Freeman’s reflection on Mary and Martha, followed by meditation, I found it easy to
identify with Martha - the embodiment of stress and lack of personal integration, caught up in a culture of distraction.
The reflection was personally timely, for as clergy, I needed to grasp again the importance of the still space where I
experience the reality of God. In and through meditation we discover stillness, integration and focus;
• I was also struck by the internal and external reality of
Fr Laurence’s theme ‘The ministry of Meditation’, and the
congruence between title and reality. I had not thought
of meditation as a form of ministry, but rather part of my
own personal and spiritual journey, which would affect
my ministry. While being with and meditating beside my
colleagues, I discovered that I was supported by them and I
ministered to them. I was much encouraged. This is a pattern
for our ministry in the church;
• Meditation is the space where ‘...prayer calms the mind,
reduces sin and produces good deeds...’ - i.e. meditation
precedes and shapes our ministry and action, it has primacy
in our ministry and action so that our ministry and action
reflect the face of God in the world.……….. Rev Catie
Inches-Ogden

Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015 Australian News 15
During his recent visit, Fr. Laurence met with group leaders
in Canberra and then Sydney
Grahame Ellis reflects on the Group Leaders Meeting in Sydney
“The emotion for the gathering was controlled by the delight of being present - present to the Presence, present to
each other, and to ourselves. And especially and notably to the presence of Laurence himself. And further, it was
his presence that gave power to his words which made us all aware that we, although individuals, are part of the
worldwide movement of Christian Meditation . . . . .Laurence made it possible for us to experience the depth and
breadth of the Community as he shared his stories of what was happening around the world. As a group we found
ourselves moving from Georgetown University, Washington, to Canberra, Australia, via Singapore and discovering
the wisdom and the blessing of an ecumenical church. The statements Laurence made, although not completely
new to us, had a vitality that was fresh and challenging - ‘meditation creates community. . . . . . . ‘Don’t exaggerate
the difference . . . . . . .’the fidelity, not numbers, of the group makes the difference. . . . . . . .’fidelity resides in simplicity
. . . . . ‘we thirst for the experience of authentic spirituality. . . . . . . ‘Simplicity is radical and demanding.’
And thanks to Jan and the Committee for organising the evening and pulling me out of my Dee Why cocoon. Your
devotion and commitment is a special grace for the Meditation Community.”
Silence For Peace
In April this year, 2014, a small group of us here in Toowoomba organized “Silence for Peace,” a workshop exploring
different forms of meditation, and the potential of creating peace through meditating together.
From my experience of leading meditation groups, Christian and secular, I am always amazed by the incredible
sense of unity and connection created when a group of strangers come together to meditate in silence and stillness.
Unity and connection create peace. Fr John Main believed that regularly meeting in meditation creates community.
Unity. Community. Peace.
A Quaker, Buddhist and Christian each spoke about the practice of meditation within their tradition and then lead
the participants in a brief experience of it. A meditation teacher also spoke from a secular perspective. We were
reminded of ‘ dadirri ‘, a contemplative aspect of the Australian Indigenous culture.
The day was well attended with over 40 participants, and was highly rewarding on all levels.
Two of us from the Christian Meditation Community thought to start a monthly interfaith meditation group following
this workshop. Our first meditation a week later, had an attendance of 19, from all walks of life, which was wonderful.
At the following meeting a month later, attendance had dropped, so we decided to meet weekly and rather than
calling it ‘Interfaith Meditation,’ changing it to ‘Silence for Peace’ meditation.
Each week I send out a very brief reminder, and currently anywhere between 10 and 20 attend. I keep it simple – a
welcome, a settling and brief relaxation followed by 20 minutes silence and stillness. We each practice the form of
meditation with which we are familiar.
For me, coming from the Christian perspective, God the Trinity is very present. Together we are tending and growing
the peace in our own hearts, feeling it blossom within the group, and grow out into the community and wider world.
I have no idea of the background of many who attend. It simply doesn’t matter. We all have the same desire – PEACE.
Jo Anderson
Wanted
Editor for our quarterly Newsletter to take over from Janet O’Sullivan who has been the editor for 13 years.
She is now moving on to other avenues of promoting and spreading Christian Meditation according to John Main
throughout Australia.
You will receive training and support from Janet as you ease into the position.Please let us know if you would like
to use your gifts to serve the ACMC in this role and take over this position from April 2015.
Contact number on back page of Newsletter..

16
May I take this opportunity to wish
each of you a Happy New Year and to
look forward to the coming months
with hope and joy and in the busyness
of life allow space for the spirit.
It was wonderful to have Fr Laurence
with us in December visiting Brisbane,
Lismore, Canberra, Melbourne and
Sydney. Our National Conference
in Canberra was an uplifting time
with over 270 from around Australia
attending. Judy Kenny, from Canberra,
has written a beautiful reflection
which is included in this newsletter.
My thanks to Rod, Susan and the
Canberra community along with
some from NSW for a memorable
event.
When we have a national event we
usually take the opportunity to gather
together our national council. The
national council includes national
and state coordinators along with
those who have international roles.
Following the conference we met
for two days to talk about what has
been happening in our community
and to plan for our future. Fr Laurence
joined us for a morning to share with
us about the world community and
their ongoing vision.
Part of our discussion at the council
meeting was to examine our finances
and make decisions on how best to
manage our fundraising for the local
Australian community. We have over
500 groups meeting weekly and the
interest from outside the community
is growing which means we need
funds to expand our outreach as
well as maintain our ongoing care
and financial support to help provide
Essential Teaching Weekends, The
National School Retreat, Scholarships,
printed information, postage for the
CDs which come from WCCM and
more. Please read the information
in the article ‘New Projects and New
Appeal 2015’ in this newsletter.
Fr Laurence will be back with us again
in September, coming in to Perth he
Australian News
National Coordinator’s Report
will meet with the community there
and have a day with school teachers.
Then he comes to Sydney where we
will be holding a Meditatio Seminar
on The Environment and Meditation.
Again, please read more about this in
this newsletter.
On behalf of the national executive I
wish to thank you all for your ongoing
love, care and support for us and your
local community.
With my love, Jan Wylie
TAS Report
We look forward to the New Year in
which we are planning an Essential
Teachings Weekend and later in the
year a weekend silent retreat. More
information will become available as
arrangements are confirmed.
Meditation groups will continue
throughout the state after a short
recess for some groups over the
holiday period. Please contact
numbers below for more details.
Contacts:
North: Marie Shepherd 03) 63444793,
mlshepherd@aapt.net.au
South: Toosey Bannerman – 6223
8817
North West: Carmel Jones – 6428 3095
With Love Marie Shepherd
SA Report
The last event for ACMC-SA in 2014
was the Advent Twilight Retreat on
Tuesday, 25th November at Hawthorn.
The theme was “Active Waiting”
We begin the 2015 programme with
a Community Day at St Francis Xavier
Cathedral Hall, Wakefield Street,
City on Saturday 21st February from
11am-3pm. Fr Paul Mullins SJ will
speak on “Finding God within”. We ask
people to bring some lunch to share
and an entrance donation of $15.
May 2015 be a peaceful year full of
blessings for you
Bev Armstrong
Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
VIC Report
The 2014 year concluded with two
outstanding events; the evening
with Fr. Laurence on “Contemplative
Life and Public Square” which drew
over 190 meditators and a full day
on “Meditation with children” on 9
December with visitors from South
Australia and Regional Victoria.
Both these events were well attended
and everyone that attended
commented on how marvellous it
was to have been present. I thank the
Committee and Ruth Fowler for their
support in the preparation and the
running of these events. You were all
truly amazing!
I would like to thank Fr. Laurence
for his awe- inspiring input, and
Pauline Peters, Penny Sturrock
and Kath Houston for travelling to
Melbourne for these events and for
their encouragement, support and
guidance over the two days. It was
wonderful to have you with us.
As we prepare for the coming year
we are mindful of reaching out and
taking the gift of meditation into our
secular world-a world that is in need
of this silent prayer of the heart to
bring about peace and justice among
all peoples.
We commence 2015 with our
community day on Saturday 21
February.
Dr. Deborah Guess will lead the day
entitled, “Climate Change: A call to
Mindful Living.” This day will be held
at Living Well Centre, St Georges
Anglican Church Hall, 296 Glenferrie
road, East Malvern.
In March our Silent Retreat will be
lead by Dr. Cathy Day, Director of
Catholic Education Office Townsville
on “Contemplative Leadership” we
look forward to welcoming Cathy Day
to Melbourne.
Our Meditation and interfaith
dialogue will again be held this year
on 18 April.
I encourage all group leaders to make

Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
themselves available to attend an
essential teaching weekend this year.
These weekends give meditators an
opportunity to deepen their own
spiritual practice.
Each day as we practice our twice daily
meditation we strengthen the Christian
vision: that Jesus lives in our hearts
beyond ideas, the Spirit is poured into
each of us in silence so we start the day
in faith, and discovering that faith in the
Spirit’s silence. When each day begins
this way, the goodness, compassion
and the love of Christ bless and fortify
the work of the day with this active
presence in our action and thoughts.
John Main “Heart of Creation”
May New Year hold this joy and bring
it into fruition for you and your loved
ones.
Mirella Pace
State Coordinator ACMC Victoria
QLD Reports
The North Rockhampton Meditation
Group invited Kath Houston
to conduct a Meditation Retreat
Weekend, from September 05 to 08,
titled the Peaceful Life. This was the
first retreat the group had organised
so they were unsure what the level
of interest would be. Happily the
weekend was fully subscribed and all
attendees indicated they benefited
from their time together. Attendees
ranged from long time meditators
to beginners. Kath’s teaching and
leadership gently led us into a
deeper understanding of Christian
Meditation and silence and stillness.
The venue, The Haven, supported this
gentle approach with amazing sea
views, the rhythm of the waves and
a grassed labyrinth just to mention
some of God’s gifts that surrounded
us in this very sacred space.
Barbara Hoare
On 13 September a Quiet Day was
held in the lovely regional city of
Toowoomba. The historic St James
Anglican Church provided a peaceful
and inspiring venue. The day was
Australian News
well supported by groups from the
Toowoomba and Warwick Regions.
St Urusla’s Catholic College
Toowoomba hosted a workshop on
Meditation with Children for their
staff and staff from Glennie Anglican
School and Concordia Lutheran
College. The workshop was well
received by staff from all the schools.
Also in September a workshop was
held for teachers and chaplains
of Anglican Schools at St Francis
Theological College. This was the
first workshop led by Jo Anderson
and was very well received. Jo has
assisted with a number of workshops
for teachers.
On 1 November a Quiet Day was held
in Buderim for groups in the Sunshine
Coast region. The day was organised
by Jeff Lee and led by Kath Houston.
It was wonderful to experience the
spirit of community shared by the
Sunshine Coast groups and to meet
some new meditators.
On 2 December the Queensland
Community hosted an evening
with Fr Laurence at the Marymac
Community Centre in Brisbane. Over
130 attended with nearly a third
being new comers. The theme for the
evening was “The Sacred Language
of Christianity”. Fr Laurence reflected
on The Word of God made flesh in the
person of Jesus and dwelling in our
hearts in the Holy Spirit. He explained
how the Word is made known to
us in our own hearts in the silence
and stillness of meditation. A follow
up introductory day will be held in
February.
Kath Houston
The advertisements which imply we
will have instant happiness, improved
relationships and healthier families if
we just buy and buy, seemed to be
even more strident than usual in the
countdown to Christmas. In contrast,
meditation teaches us that ‘the gift
has already been given’ and that all
we need to do is to sit in stillness and
silence and say the mantra. ‘If you are
thankful, you will be joyful’. May we
all be more aware of the gift, more
thankful for it and thus come to the
true joy of Christmas.
Gabby Nelson
ACT Report
We are very grateful for the recent
visit to Canberra and teachings from
Fr Laurence as indicated in some
community reflections and in other
beautifully positive feedback we have
received over recent weeks. But all
are equally grateful for the generous
input and effort to make this happen
– from so many across the ACT and
NSW meditation community. ACMC’s
National Conference, Friday-Saturday
December 5-6th, was followed by
Fr Laurence’s Monday morning
retreat time with 80 clergy and
religious – from all major Christian
denominations. Thank you for
the individual reflections on the
Conference and clergy/religious time;
Rod and Susan Page
WA Report
17
The easy slide from the old year into
the New Year provides a comfortable
pivot for looking back and looking
forward. Looking back, the year just
ending, 2014, has seen our State
Community develop some new
momentum. Our Committee had an
injection of fresh blood with two new
faces – very welcome. In December
two of our committee travelled
east to attend the ACMC National
Council meeting in Canberra. Jenni
Berg (Secretary) and myself (State
Coordinator) returned to WA with
a clearer picture of the part ACMC
plays within the World Community
and how ACMC itself comes together.
Additionally, we have had a very able
and dedicated working group, led by
Rev Stuart Fenner, who are bringing
to reality the dream of Christian
Meditation being made available for
our local WA school children.
Looking into 2015, through the
efforts of this enthusiastic team Fr

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Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
Laurence Freeman will visit Perth in
September to launch this initiative
/ inaugurate this program / lead the
training Forum with local educators
Fr Laurence will also give a public
evening talk at Notre Dame University.
Other highlights of our Calendar
of Events for 2015 include special
programs to mark the centenary of
Thos Merton’s birth (March) and the
500th anniversary of the birth of St
Teresa of Avila(May). For full details
of these and our other events, please
refer to our WA Calendar of Events on
the ACMC Website.
In closing, we share with you our
hope and trust that our regular and
committed practice of meditation
does contribute to a better world.
With best wishes, Anne Zevis CMC
WA State Coordinator.
Anne Zevis and Committee.
NSW Report
On Saturday 11th October the Blue
Mountains groups gathered together
for a morning of reflection, meditation
and sharing lead by Barbara Smith.
They started with morning tea and
finished their time together with a
shared lunch.
The Newcastle area held their
weekend silent retreat at Lochinvar at
the end of October. Sr Carmel Moore
beautifully guided the 15 participants
through reflections on ‘The Teachings
of Meister Eckhart’.
As several were involved in
preparations for our conference
in Canberra in December we
postponed our Community Evening
in November and it will now be
held on 1st May at the Parish House,
Mary Immaculate Church Waverley.
We will be screening the film ‘ The
Journey of the Universe’ which will
be a wonderful introduction to our
Meditatio Seminar in September.
More details about the film night will
follow.
When Fr Laurence was here in
December we had the privilege of
inviting him to join our community
at St James Church in the city for
three gatherings. Firstly, over 50
group leaders came together in the
courtyard of the crypt to sit with
Fr Laurence, to hear his words of
encouragement, to ask questions and
share their experiences. After a light
meal the group leaders joined others
for a talk in the church, the theme was
‘Contemplative Life and Public Space’.
Despite the bad weather there were
over 200 present. Following this talk
Fr Laurence met with several younger
meditators to talk about and plan for
their future here in NSW. This is an
aging community and we are looking
to the younger generations to be
more involved in leadership roles.
Before Fr Laurence’s visit to Sydney
we held our National Conference
in Canberra and I would like to
thank those from NSW who travelled
there to attend and those from our
community who gave their time and
support to the Canberra community
during the planning, preparations
and while at the conference.
As we commence a new year may
I encourage you to attend your
weekly group regularly or start a new
group if the opportunity arises. And
for those not in a group at present
could I suggest you go online and
see where there is one meeting which
is convenient for you or email me at
janwylie@tpg.com.au
With love Jan Wylie
New Projects and New Appeal in 2015
One of the highlights of our recent National Council Meeting in Canberra was a discussion on how the work of
the Community in Australia is expanding and how we can best support this work into the future.
We are seeing wonderful growth in areas such as Meditation with Children, and this year we will be hosting
a Meditatio event on The Environment and Meditation (see page 19). A growing number of people in our
Community have National and International Roles.
In previous years the work of the Community in Australia has been supported through the Newsletter Appeal,
and the work of the International Community has been supported through the Friends Appeal.
We will continue holding 2 appeals each year. The appeal for Friends remains the same & will be held later in
the year. The Newsletter Appeal this year will be replaced by a National Appeal that will focus on support for
the expanding work of the Australian Community as well as a contribution to cover the cost of receiving the
Newsletter.
Details of the National Appeal will be in the next issue along with more details of projects proposed for 2015.
The National Council hopes that you will join us in responding with gratitude to the call to share the gift of
meditation by supporting the National Appeal.
ACMC National Committee

Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
Australian News
19
Meditatio Seminar on the Environment and Meditation
Renewing energy in an ancient land: Ecology, Economy and Meditation
September 18-20 2015
Kincoppal- Rose Bay, School of the Sacred Heart, Rose Bay, NSW, Australia
In a world of growing disconnection, where the human person is increasingly identified merely as a ‘consumer’,
and in an era of grave ecological crisis, it is urgent to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves within the
planetary context in which the human can flourish sustainably.
Meditatio, the outreach of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) brings the fruits of meditation
to the wider world in the fields of education, medicine, business, social justice - and the environment. In September
2015 it will hold a Seminar, hosted by the Australian Christian Meditation Community (ACMC), for dialogue
among spiritual, economic and scientific stakeholders and to raise awareness of the spiritual dimension of one
of the greatest challenges humanity has faced.
John Main, founder of the WCCM, said that
“all of us know that we cannot find ultimate or enduring meaning in just producing and consuming... We must seek
ultimate meaning” (Moment of Christ.)
In meditation we seek ultimate meaning beyond our self-definition as consumers. We rediscover our relationship
to ourselves, each other, other species and the earth.
The 2015 Meditatio Seminar in Sydney focuses on the relationship between ecology, economy and the human
contemplative dimension. Our conviction is that the contemplative experience – and in particular the daily
discipline of meditation - can contribute significantly to the global and personal transformation of the way we
are living.
The Sydney Meditatio Seminar will explore the role that meditation can play in the healing of our relationship
with the earth and with ourselves. In transforming human attitudes, in developing a sense of solidarity among
nations and in manifesting policies and actions that will relieve human pressure on the whole earth system,
meditation is a catalyst for change.
Significant contributors in the fields of eco-theology, sociology, economics and environmental advocacy will
speak from their own areas of expertise. Practitioners of simple living will share insights and inspiration from their
journey of walking lightly on the earth. So the Seminar will advance an integrative approach, with meditation
at its centre, exploring a resolution to the core human issues that are contributing to ecological degradation.
Donation details please
attach Name and
Address
POST to ACMC. PO Box 246, Uralla, NSW. 2358.
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* for Direct Deposit and Online (please put your full name for reference so we can record it) then please
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20
Australian News
Meditatio Newsletter - January 2015
HOW TO CONTACT US
International Website - www.wccm.org --- Australian Website -www.christianmeditationaustralia.org
ACMC NATIONAL COORDINATOR
Jan Wylie- 0418655291
email: janwylie@tpg.com.au
SECRETARY ACMC
Rod Page - 02 6281 2378
email: rod@rodpage.com
BENEDICTINE OBLATES OF THE WCCM
International Oblate Co-ordinator
Trish Panton - Ph: 02 9489 1780
P.O. Box 555, Pennant Hills NSW 1715
email: pantonamdg@ozemail.com.au
SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
National School Co-ordinator Kath Houston
mob: 0407 020 448
email: kah164@outlook.com
NATIONAL FRIENDS COORDINATORS
For Information and Contributions
Contact: Judi and Paul Taylor - Ph: 02 9954 1037
PO Box 127. North Sydney NSW 2059
email: palmy@ozemail.com.au
NATIONAL YOUNGER MEDITATORS COORDINATOR
Sarah Bachelard
Mob: 0401 009 156
Sarah.Bachelard@gmail.com
LIBRARY
Barbara Rossall-Wynne
Ph 03 9439 0290 or Mobile 0409 235 670,
email b_rossal@bigpond.net.au.
ONLINE MEDITATION GROUP
contact Shelley Romeike
shelleyromeike@gmail.com
WEBSITE AND NEWSLETTER DESIGN:
Leon Milroy. - 02 67783284
email leon.milroy@gmail.com
SEE SUBSCRIPTION FORM BELOW
* to receive the Newsletter or to notify change of
address: email: acmcnewsletter@gmail.com --or
*for general inquiries and correspondence
* to send a donation to ACMC
PO Box 246. URALLA NSW 2358
BOOKS & CDS
To order please contact:
Joe Panetta - ACMC Bookshop
10 Rotherwood Ave, Asquith NSW 2077
ph: 02 9482 3468; mob: 0409 784 357
email: jpanetta@ausgrid.com.au
latest price list at: www.christianmeditationaustralia.org
To inquire about meditation groups, seminars or
retreats in your region.
The State Coordinators below.
ACT Canberra Rod and Susan Page 02 6281 2378
NT Alice Springs Sue Woods 08 8952 6607
NSW Sydney Jan Wylie 0418655291
QLD Brisbane Gabby Nelson 07 37114227
SA Adelaide Bev Armstrong 08 8339 2809
VIC Melbourne Mirella Pace 03 94584645
WA Perth christianmeditation@ 0429 117 242
iinet.net.au
TAS Hobart Marie Shepherd 03 6344 4793
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
Janet O’Sullivan. - 02 9314 6386
239 Darley Rd., RANDWICK NSW 2031.
email janet_osullivan@aapt.net.au
HOW TO MEDITATE
Open to all ways of wisdom but drawing directly from the early Christian teaching John Main summarised the
practice in this simple way:
Sit down. Sit still with your back straight. Close your eyes lightly. Then interiorly, silently begin to recite a single
word – a prayer word or mantra. We recommend the ancient Christian prayer-word “Maranatha”. Say it as four equal
syllables. Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you say it, silently, gently, faithfully and above
all - simply. The essence of meditation is simplicity. Stay with the same word during the whole meditation and from
day to day. Don’t visualise but listen to the word as you say it. Let go of all thoughts (even good thoughts), images
and other words. Don’t fight your distractions but let them go by saying your word faithfully, gently and attentively
and returning to it immediately that you realise you have stopped saying or it or when your attention is wandering.
Meditate each morning and evening for between 20 and 30 minutes.