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In 1982 Pat Johnson and family moved to the Lama Foundation in New Mexico and there two months later she met Fr. Thomas Keating. She served as the Lama liaison for two 16-day centering prayer (CP) retreats that he led at Lama in 1983 and again in 1984. These were the first intensive contemplative practice retreats using CP in the Christian tradition and inspired by Zen shessins he'd experienced.
In 1984 she served an experimental 9-week retreat Fr. Keating led at St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, CO where he was a monk. This began the Snowmass CP retreats at the monastery. From 1984 until 2018, Pat served and oversaw these retreats. She has also served as a Board member of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. and was its overall interim administrator for several years.
Contemplation as stillness – “the still point”
Impetus for starting retreats – Lama Foundation history
Two principles: need determines function, we are not separate
Importance of deep listening
First 10 years at St. Benedict’s Snowmass – the “earthy” years, farmhouse living
Construction of a modern center with hermitages
Ongoing monthly 10-day silent intensive retreats (with and without teaching)
Role of silence on retreat
Minimizing ideation and conceptual activity on retreat, e.g. reading books, the story of Bob
Value of doing nothing - “amazing magic happens”
Developing intimacy with others and lifetime bonds
Who was Thomas Keating? Pat’s personal testimony
Generosity, vulnerability, self-protection, and The Good
Message for difficult times “we are not separate”
Hermitage, Meditation/Prayer Hall, Mt. Sopris, Snowmass CO
References Mentioned
Contemplative Outreach of Colorado
Open Mind, Open Heart, Thomas Keating, the practice of centering prayer