listening in stillness | serving in joy

A School Without Walls

In a world increasingly broken and divided
by hatred and violence, shrill voices and conflicting directions, there is a school that strives to teach another way.  It is

"a school without walls" building bridges of understanding, cultivating contemplation, 
teaching practices of prayer, nurturing inner peace, strengthening the soul, centering the spirit, promoting unity, practicing oneness, demonstrating love in stillness and simplicity, companioning the seeker 
in small groups, auditoriums, hospitals, colleges, prisons, churches  sanctuaries, on the streets, at the shelters, in the soup kitchens, beyond the boundaries and barriers, which have for so long
separated the souls of humankind.  
 

The School for Contemplative Living founded and directed by Dr. William Thiele, has for over fifteen years offered small groups, workshops, classes, retreats, spiritual direction, and an annual conference to help transform lives through the practices and principles of centering prayer, meditation, sacred yoga, compassion cultivation, and the contemplative tradition. 

​Dr. Thiele retired in April 2025. 

 

The SCl Board recently announced that Alison McCrary will begin leading the school as director in 2025.  Uniquely qualified for a new chapter in the school's history, Alison invites us all to dream about future possibilities for our shared contemplative life.