Art of Contemplative Practice
2025 Art of Contemplative Practice 1
(DS8201W)
Overview and duration
This unit explores the foundational principles of contemplation and their relevance to our life, work and spiritual practice. The formation program will draw on the various contemplative elements of inner silence, solitude, spiritual practices, listening, discernment and the human experience of the Transcendent.
Participants will be invited to reflect on these aspects of contemplation, and the impact on their developing awareness of spiritual aspects and practices in their everyday life experience.
To see highlights of this course, view our Taste and See - ASC & ACP videos.
Duration: One semester
Course requirements / recommendations
Prerequisites
- none
Strongly recommended
-
Completion of the Art of Contemplative Practice 1 course is strongly recommended before enrolling in The Art of Spiritual Companioning 1. It can also be taken on its own without progressing on to the Art of Spiritual Companioning courses.
Course dates
Semester 1, 2025, dates TBA.
Intensives / In person (dates are inclusive) - WellSpring Centre, Ashburton, Melbourne - WellSpring map link
Online
Next intake: TBA
Course details, learning outcomes, assessments, structure & recommended reading
Additional course information
Art of Contemplative Practice 1 (DS8201W) is offered for those seeking to explore contemplation as a basis for living and ministry.
The teaching team comprises a diverse group of experienced spiritual companions. Together they bring a creative and balanced approach to this ministry.
Learning modes include lectures, personal reflection, sharing in triad groups and supervised practice; and numbers are limited to allow maximum participation.
This program has the attraction of the following features:
- A flexible program
- Participants may benefit from completing this unit on its own or using it to lead into other formation programs. (NB: Completion of this course is strongly recommended prior to enrolment in the Art of Spiritual Companioning.)
- Good balance between teaching, practicums and peer groups.
- Teachers and students come from diverse faith traditions, adding depth and richness to the program.
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an informed and critical appreciation of contemplation.
- Articulate an understanding of various experiences of contemplation.
- Assess models of spiritual practice, listening and action that relate to everyday life experience.
- Compare and contrast various approaches to contemplative practices as they relate to vocational engagement and systematically evaluate the traditional approaches to contemplative practice.
- Creatively apply the principles of contemplative practice to discernment processes in life decisions.
Cost (per unit)
This course is offered through Whitley College. Government fee help is available to qualifying Australian citizens.
For academic credit, costs are as per the University of Divinity fees schedule.
There is a reduced cost for Audit participants**. Please apply here: Application for Audit - WellSpring
Useful links for additional information:
- Fees – University of Divinity and 2024 Tuition Fees - University of Divinity (divinity.edu.au)
- Australian Government Study Assist and FEE-HELP
**NB: If you choose to complete the unit as an Audit participant, no academic credit can be claimed for the unit, either at the time of enrolling, or retrospectively.
Enrolment process
Please enrol directly with Whitley College
Registrar, Whitley College
Email: registrar@whitley.edu.au | Ph: (03) 9340 8000
How to Apply - Whitley College
For more information
Please contact us at WellSpring
