THE MOUNTAIN IS OUR MONASTERY
Contemplative climbing is turning a regular mountain climb or hike into a deeply spiritual one. This is an opportunity to practice mindfulness while on the trail. When we do this, we attempt to experience wholeness, mind-body connection, and of course a deep connection to the Sacred. In this spiritual practice, the trail is our teacher and the mountain is our monastery.
THIS PRACTICE IS FOR THOSE WHO:
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desire to spend some quiet time in nature;
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are discerning or want some space away from the daily grind;
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search for the Sacred and long for a deep encounter with It; and
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want to integrate physical and spiritual practices.
CONTEMPLATIVE CLIMB HAS THREE MAIN PARTS:
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Pre-Climb. This practice starts even before the actual climb. A few days before the day of the climb, the participants are given a guide to help them prepare themselves both physically and spiritually. This involves committing to some quiet time and reflecting on the thoughts, feelings, and desires they are bringing to the climb. This can be done in solitude, with a spiritual director, or with a small group.
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Actual Climb. On the day of the climb, the participants are given some reminders on how to practice contemplation and mindfulness while on the trail. They are guided on how to become more present to their surrounding as well as their inner stirrings.
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Post-Climb. After the climb, the participants are provided with a guide to help them look back at the experience, bring together everything that happened, and sense any invitation moving forward. As with the pre-climb, this can be done individually, with the help of a companion, or with a small group.
MT. TALAMITAM, NASUGBU, BATANGAS
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Between 3:30-4:00 am - assembly at a designated place, usually in Makati or Mandaluyong.
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Between 4:00-4:30 - departure to Nasugbu
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Between 6:00-6:30 - arrival at jump off point and registration
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Around 6:30 - start of actual climb. The pace is slow to allow the participants to rest, pause, and reflect at some points along the trail.
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Around 12:00 pm - back at the jump off point
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Between 1:00-1:30 - departure from Nasugbu
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Around 4:30 pm - arrival in Makati or Mandaluyong
GROUND 1 ARTS RETREAT SPACE, TANAY, RIZAL
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At 6:30 am - call time in Cubao
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At 7:00 am - departure to Tanay
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Around 8:30 am - arrival at jump off and registration
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Around 9:00 am - start of hike; around 1.5 hours of slow-paced hike
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Around 10:30 am - arrival at Ground 1 Arts Retreat Space and rest
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At 11:30 am - group presence practice (open invitation)
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At 12:00 pm - lunch (bring your own); personal time
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At 2:00 pm - spiritual conversations (open invitation)
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Around 3:00 pm - start of hike back to jump off
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Around 4:00 pm - arrival at jump off and departure to Cubao
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Around 6:00 pm - arrival in Cubao
