Chris Whittington - The Abbot, the Monk and the Book

Learning to Be Compassionate: A Story of Healing and Acceptance (followed by 20 mins of silent meditation)

🔔 This recording is from a recent online practice gathering. These happen every Saturday between 08:30-09:30 UK time and every Wednesday between 20:00-20:45 UK time. Sign up here to join us - it's free and everyone is welcome. www.linktr.ee/schoolofcontemplativelife

In this reflection, we explore the profound wisdom of compassion through an ancient desert story told by Thomas Merton, featuring Abbot Anastasius—a figure whose quiet grace reflects the boundless, non-judging love of God.

What happens when we stop judging ourselves and others, and begin to offer true compassion? How might our relationships—and our own inner life—change if we lived from that place of love?

Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, the radical insights of Julian of Norwich, and lived experiences from our own meditation community, we reflect on how learning to be compassionate with ourselves is the first step toward healing, growth, and loving others more deeply.

Join us for this meditative reflection on what it means to be met by God as the Good Parent—one whose love is unconditional, spacious, and always inviting us to be more fully ourselves.