Are you seeking deeper peace, a closer relationship with God, or the companionship of others on the contemplative path?
Perhaps you’ve felt drawn to meditation, but are unsure how it fits with your faith. Or maybe you already have a practice but struggle to maintain it on your own. You’re not alone.
In this short video, Chris Whittington, founder of The School of Contemplative Life, who began his meditation journey at the Benedictine Monastery of Prinknash Abbey, shares a little about this ancient way of silent prayer and the importance of community to sustain a personal practice.
We exist to help people develop a regular meditation practice and cultivate contemplative awareness in daily life.
Our gatherings are welcoming to people of every background, orientation and belief. Join us on:
Saturday 08:30 – 09:30 UK time
Wednesday 20:00 – 20:45 UK time
Each gathering includes a short live teaching from Chris, a period of silent meditation, and space for shared reflection. No experience is necessary.
People who meditate in the practice community regularly speak about feeling more peaceful, compassionate, and connected – to God, to others, to themselves and to all creation.
The impact isn’t just personal. It ripples out, shaping how we live and relate to those around us.
Each time we return to stillness, we extend an olive branch – both to the scattered parts of ourselves and to the world. It’s the beginning of peace.
Join the UK’s largest online Christian meditation group
Receive teaching, encouragement and companionship
Suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike
Free to join, welcoming to people of any background or belief
“The School of Contemplative Life will provide an opportunity for people of all traditions to discover new openings for growth in contemplative maturity.”
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury
“I’m calmer with friends, family and colleagues. I am also more able to see when I’m not at peace and take action to change that.”
“I have a growing appreciation of the community – which was unexpected, as meditation is otherwise solitary.”
“A sense of community is something that took me by surprise. There is unity in the silence and the internet doesn’t take it away.”
“Meditation is a game changer. It’s no exaggeration to say that it has improved most aspects of my life.”
“I only began meditating under a month ago and it has truly deepened not only my prayer life but my relationship with myself too.”
“Previously, I signed up to another group but it does not provide the level of teaching here. They fill me with awe, inspiration and strength”.
“I was anxious at first, thinking meditation was Buddhist or New Age (through ignorance). I was so happy to find you on Instagram. It all fell into place.”
“Finally, I have found a spiritual home within my belief structure.”
Our journey begins where the spokes meets the outer rim of the wheel. When we look sideways from this point, we appear to be separate from all the other spokes. In meditation we look beyond our always moving thoughts and feelings towards the centre of the wheel, the hub, the still, silent presence of God within us.
Glimpsing the hub, we see that all the spokes are rooted in and radiate from this one centre. The closer we comes to the centre, the closer we seem to come to each other and all creation – until we see that we were never separate. Arriving at our common home, we realise we never left, but simply forgot.
What is Christian meditation?
It is a form of silent prayer. We rest from striving and allow ourselves to become self-forgetful, open, and attentive to the presence of God within and around us.
Can beginners join the online group?
Yes. Many people joining the group are completely new to meditation. Each session includes a short introduction, a teaching, some silent meditation and conversation.
When does the online group meet?
Every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning (UK time). You can join from anywhere in the world.
Is the online meditation group free?
Yes. Our online meditation practice community is completely free to join and open to everyone.
