Be Still and Still Moving: Exploring Images for Contemplative Anchoring

We must be still and still moving

Into another intensity

For a further union, a deeper communion

Through the dark cold and the empty desolation . . .

(T. S. Eliot, “East Coker” in Four Quartets, lines 204-207.)

The Christian spiritual tradition includes both the invitation to stillness of soul, while also affirming the image of travel and journey as a metaphor for a deepening inner life. The two are not offered as multiple-choice options. Contemplative anchoring embraces both.

The poet T. S. Eliot, in his masterful Four Quartets, holds together these dualities with the simple phrase, “Be still and still moving.” Contemplative anchoring that is truly transformative begins with these two images. We learn to be still, to find our solitude and to befriend silence in order to see God, ourselves, others, and the world as each actually is. At the same time, we are called to journey, to movement, to a life in the world that is forever becoming.

During this day retreat, we will be invited to explore images for this two-fold movement. Drawing on images from the Hebrew psalms, Jesus’ parables, writings from the contemplative tradition, and contemporary poetry, those on retreat will explore and consider their own invitations to “be still” while at the same time “be still moving.” Retreatants will have solitary space and time for personal exploration, as well as the opportunity to process explorations and discoveries in a communal setting. (No one will be compelled to share.)

Jerry Webber is a retreat leader, teacher, writer, and spiritual companion who explores the soul as part of his vocation in the world. He was the founder and lead pastor of The Center for Christian Spirituality at Chapelwood UMC in Houston for 18 years (2000-2018). He now lives in Northwest Arkansas with his wife Paula, leading retreats, writing spiritual formation curriculum, offering spiritual direction, teaching/mentoring seminary students, and serving as faculty for the Academy for Spiritual Formation. He has two grown children and two grandchildren. He loves reading and writing poetry, exploring in the natural world, and tending the plot of land that is his home in the foothills of the Ozarks. 

Join us in Contemplative Worship as we mark the 25^th anniversary of the Contemplative service at Chapelwood UMC. Jerry will assist in leading our time together in the Chapel.

After worship we will meet in The Anchor House to share what themes in the service connected with us and to have an opportunity for some Q&A with Jerry.

Please RSVP by emailing Haley Brown at hbrown@chapelwood.org.