Alexander J. Shaia

NZ and Australia – Australia and NZ

ashaia — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:59:45 +0000

I continue in the land of Kiwi and OZ … affectionately known as New Zealand and Australia. Have just finished a series of talks and retreats on the North Island of New Zealand – in and around Auckland and as far out as the Great Barrier Island. Now, I head to Australia for three plus weeks. Primarily I will be in the States of Victoria and New South Wales – offering a series of days – including a weekend retreat – for everyone and two preaching and worship days with clergy. I am also looking forward to consulting with two spiritual formation programs in Australia. Step by solid step, the work deepens.

Come late March I head back to NZ where I will lead an Easter Retreat at Peacemakers Centre in Helensville – about an hour from the Auckland airport. Retreat opens mid-day on Wednesday April 4 through mid-day on Easter Sunday. This retreat and celebration is not the usual. These days return to the Easter celebrated in the second through fifth centuries – a present moment experience of death and resurrection that renews community and relationships.

Stay tuned!

Hello Australia and New Zealand!

ashaia — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:24:19 +0000

I am in Australia and New Zealand to teach, explore and share Quadratos “down under.” This week I address the Australian Spiritual Directors Network for four days. Next month I will do the same for the New Zealand Spiritual Directors Network. In between, I will be talking and preaching and touring. Follow along on Facebook – Alexander Shaia page – as I post a pic and a thought most days. Some are humorous. Some are simply what catches my eye. And some are reflective with a spiritual message. All come with my good wish from winter down under - enjoy!

Follow along as I journey across Australia & New Zealand

ashaia — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:32:47 +0000

On June 22nd I fly from the U.S. to Melbourne – beginning a month in Australia and two weeks in New Zealand. Beyond the miles – I will experience a significant change of weather and light. I am curious as to the effect of leaving the U.S. at the height of light (Summer Solstice) and arriving “down under” at the Winter Solstice. While there, I will be presenting to various national conferences, organizations, retreat centers and church groupings. I will end my stay with a week in Christ Church NZ where I will address “facing change” after a major earthquake – physical and spiritual.

Early August I return to the States to lead a retreat/study week on the shore of Lake Tahoe, NV. Sponsored by “Companions on the Inner Way” – we will reflect on the beautiful and dangerous garden of John’s gospel.

Follow along on Facebook and Twitter – as I post a pic, experience or thought each day.

Easter – a glorious garden

ashaia — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:31:31 +0000

Am already in Santa Barbara at La Casa de Maria Retreat Center where I lead the Easter Retreat. This year for the fifth time. This is an ancient Easter – far different from that noted by most Christians. In this Easter there is not a Holy Week. The great days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday are celebrations of Resurrection as we note the continual cycle of death and rising. We begin with a prayer about the Christ – the spark before time that moves through all time and through the entire cosmos. From all here – I/we send our prayer that All May Be One. This is not a prayer about uniformity, but a prayer that we may be a vibrant diverse people in the one spirit of Jeru-Shalom. We pray with our Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Jewish, indigenous and all peoples who perceive Divinity as calling us to responsible thoughtful living with each other and all creation. We pray here in the name of the Christ – and ask all to pray in the name they have for the one Divinity. Truly – May All Be One! That prayer is a glorious Easter garden for all.

Nicodemus Mind?

ashaia — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:21:42 +0000

Nicodemus Mind is a metaphor from the Christian gospels. But it refers to a thinking style that harms relationships and vital community life. Anytime you believe there is a “natural order” that is unchanging … you have come close to Nicodemus Mind. Take a read. Your thoughts?

http://www.quadratos.com/blog/nicodemus-2nd-sunday-of-lent-matthew-year/

A Pattern Underneath Everything? Really?

ashaia — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:31:59 +0000

This Sunday at Baltimore’s Cathedral of the Incarnation – join me at 9 a.m. as I discuss the pattern of practice that is underneath everything. Yes, I mean it. Ohhhh…set your clocks ahead Saturday night or stay up till 1 a.m. and watch your cell phone clock switch to 2 a.m. !!!

Hello Baltimore – Cathedral of the Incarnation

ashaia — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:06:28 +0000

Sunday I preach at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Join me. Beginning Sunday March 13th, I lead a five Sunday (lenten) series on the Practices of Being Community. Sunday mornings at the Cathedral Peabody Room: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Beyond Labels

ashaia — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:37:59 +0000

Today I finish a month on the road. And what a month it has been coast to coast. I am moved beyond belief at the hunger amidst Christians for this great tradition to resume its primary role as teacher of spiritual practice and holder of a path to transformation. Tomorrow I head East. Next Sunday I begin a five week series at the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Are you ready to go beyond labels and return to a focus on the practice of community? Join us.

Da Beach

ashaia — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:28:38 +0000

Headed to Santa Barbara. Thursday night talk at Community Church on State Street. All day Saturday seminar at La Casa de Maria Retreat center in Montecito. If you have never liked Easter … or perhaps are just looking to refresh it … Join us.

“I never liked Easter … “

ashaia — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:25:39 +0000

Thanks to all at St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Saratoga, CA. And thanks to the some 35 clergy who gathered from five denominations. One comment struck deeply, “I never liked Easter till now. This makes sense … this resonates.”