Welcome to the Shalem Institute—dedicated to the support of contemplative living and leadership.

The Shalem Institute provides in-depth support for contemplative living and leadership—a way of being in the world that is prayerfully attentive and responsive to God's presence and guidance.

For over 30 years, we have offered a wide variety of programs and resources for spiritual directors, clergy, lay leaders and individuals who want to open themselves more fully to God in their daily lives and work.

At Shalem, we honor each individual spiritual path and welcome anyone who would seek to learn from the contemplative way.

Tilden Edwards

Some Thoughts from Shalem's Founder
& Senior Fellow, Tilden Edwards:

The heart is a dangerous place to our minds, because there we are dependent upon something, Someone, beyond our control and mental grasp. Our constricted ego self is relativized to this larger Being. Our tendency then is to beat a hasty retreat from the heart back to the mind and its defining images.

My guess is that all of us have found our spiritual heart, however faintly. Our problem is abiding in its obscurity and letting its fire slowly transfigure all dimensions of our being. If the fundamental spiritual discipline is prayer, opening to God, then the fundamental discipline of prayer is turning to our heart and inviting a sustained mutual presence.
from Tilden Edwards, Living in the Presence

News!

2008-09 Program Year Calendar

The new Program Year Calendar will be available on our website August 7!
Check back at that time for complete information and to register. 

New Job Opening At Shalem!

Shalem has a new job opening, Director of Finance & Administration, and we are now accepting applications for this position.  Click here for more details.

Cynthia Bourgeault CD Now for Sale

A crowd of over 250 men and women was inspired and energized by Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault at Shalem's Third Gerald May Seminar in May 2008. Now you can listen to her Friday evening lecture, The Divine Exchange, by purchasing this 2-CD set. For more details and to order a copy, click here.

"I'm grateful for the precious gift of having Cynthia Bourgeault speak and teach. I leave enriched and feeling profoundly inspired and changed." (From a program participant)

Shalem Graduates Offer Programs in Many Regions

Click here to find an offering near you.

We Invite You...

To join us each Wednesday at noon for our Weekly Prayer Peace Circle. To learn more, click here.

"Introduction to Contemplative Prayer"

A new audio offering written and recorded by Dr. Gerald May entitled "Introduction to Contemplative Prayer". Click here to download (MP3 Format).