Fetzer Institute

How often do we pause to offer ourselves the same grace we extend to others? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute invites us into a loving-kindness (metta) practice—first turning inward with compassion, then expanding our care outward. We begin by offering love to ourselves, then to those we hold dear, those we find difficult, and ultimately, to all beings everywhere. Through this practice, we cultivate a foundation of hope, healing, and interconnectedness. As we dedicate time for the benefit of all, we affirm that we may: - know love - know grace - and be free from suffering. What would change if you led with loving-kindness today? #sacredmeditation #lovingkindness #leadwithgrace #connectionandhealing #fetzerinstitute

How often do we see rest as something to "earn" instead of something we’re already worthy of? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute calls us to rethink rest through the lens of liturgy, drawing on the words of Cole Arthur Riley’s Black Liturgies. This practice moves through prayer, breathwork, confession, forgiveness, and reflection — all centered around rest as an act of sacred defiance. We begin with breathwork, repeating this powerful reminder: "Inhale: I deserve more than exhaustion. Exhale: I return to myself." Through confession, we acknowledge the systems that push us to overwork and our own complicity in them. Forgiveness follows, not as permission to forget, but as an invitation to release guilt and self-loathing. This blessing lingers as we end: "Go in courage to lie down in sacred defiance of a world that would rather own your body than protect it." Rest is not laziness. Rest is sacred. How are you making space for it in your life? #sacredmeditation #blackliturgies #liturgicalpractice #restasresistance #spiritualawakening #mindfulnesspractice #fetzerinstitute

How often do we see rest as something to "earn" instead of something we’re already worthy of? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute calls us to rethink rest through the lens of liturgy, drawing on the words of Cole Arthur Riley’s Black Liturgies. This practice moves through prayer, breathwork, confession, forgiveness, and reflection — all centered around rest as an act of sacred defiance. We begin with breathwork, repeating this powerful reminder: "Inhale: I deserve more than exhaustion. Exhale: I return to myself." Through confession, we acknowledge the systems that push us to overwork and our own complicity in them. Forgiveness follows, not as permission to forget, but as an invitation to release guilt and self-loathing. This blessing lingers as we end: "Go in courage to lie down in sacred defiance of a world that would rather own your body than protect it." Rest is not laziness. Rest is sacred. How are you making space for it in your life? #sacredmeditation #blackliturgies #liturgicalpractice #restasresistance #spiritualawakening #mindfulnesspractice #fetzerinstitute

How often do we rush past wisdom that’s quietly calling us to slow down and listen? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute centers on the ancient practice of Lectio Divina — a fourfold approach to sacred reading that invites us to listen deeply. We reflect on this passage from 1 Corinthians: "We don't yet see things clearly... But for now, until that completeness, we have three things to do: Trust steadily in God. Hope unswervingly. Love extravagantly. The best of these three is love." Here’s how the practice unfolds: 1. Preparation: Settle your body and mind. 2. Reading: Slowly read the sacred text. Let a word or phrase rise within you. 3. Reflection: What do you hear? What does the Spirit want you to notice? 4. Rest: Release the urge to "do" or "solve." Simply be present with the love of God, Spirit, or the sacred mystery. This practice teaches us to trust, hope, and love with intention — even when we "see through the fog." What might change if you paused to listen more deeply to your life’s sacred texts? #sacredmeditation #lectiodivina #contemplation #spiritualgrowth #mindfulnesspractice #spiritualawakening #fetzerinstitute

How often do we rush past wisdom that’s quietly calling us to slow down and listen? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute centers on the ancient practice of Lectio Divina — a fourfold approach to sacred reading that invites us to listen deeply. We reflect on this passage from 1 Corinthians: "We don't yet see things clearly... But for now, until that completeness, we have three things to do: Trust steadily in God. Hope unswervingly. Love extravagantly. The best of these three is love." Here’s how the practice unfolds: 1. Preparation: Settle your body and mind. 2. Reading: Slowly read the sacred text. Let a word or phrase rise within you. 3. Reflection: What do you hear? What does the Spirit want you to notice? 4. Rest: Release the urge to "do" or "solve." Simply be present with the love of God, Spirit, or the sacred mystery. This practice teaches us to trust, hope, and love with intention — even when we "see through the fog." What might change if you paused to listen more deeply to your life’s sacred texts? #sacredmeditation #lectiodivina #contemplation #spiritualgrowth #mindfulnesspractice #spiritualawakening #fetzerinstitute

What if every sound around you — birds, breezes, distant hums — was sacred? This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute invites us to practice sound meditation, a practice of listening deeply. With eyes closed or gazing softly ahead, we’re guided to notice each sound, its tone, texture, and presence. Instead of labeling them as distractions, we welcome them as part of the moment. The practice concludes with words of loving-kindness for all beings: "May all beings know love. May all beings be safe from harm. May all beings be free from fear." Sound is more than noise — it’s presence. How might your day shift if you listened with intention? #sacredmeditation #soundmeditation #listeningpractice #mindfulnesspractice #spiritualawakening #fetzerinstitute

Focus is not just a mental task — it’s something you can feel in your body. This week’s Sacred Meditation at the Fetzer Institute invites us to experience movement meditation, guided by Yuritzi, a Fetzer partner. This practice teaches us to embody focus through breath, grounding, and movement. The session begins with a call to reclaim our energy from distractions. We visualize energetic threads pulling our attention in different directions, then guide those threads back into our energy field. With that energy restored, we ground it into the earth and visualize fresh energy returning to us. Next comes the invitation to choose a word — peace, focus, clarity, strength — and embody it fully. How does strength walk? How does clarity breathe? With each movement, we reflect on how our body reacts when we move from a place of intention. From balancing on one leg to walking around the space, we practice shifting our movements to align with our chosen word. Yuritzi reminds us, "The more focused you are, the more your body will follow." What word will guide you today, and how might it shift the way you move through the world? #sacredmeditation #movementmeditation #focuspractice #bodywisdom #spiritualawakening #mindfulnesspractice #fetzerinstitute

We’re counting down the days for this momentous occasion! The Lineages of Love & Liberation Film + Platform Premiere is almost here, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with you. This event will bring together BIPOC spiritual innovators who are reshaping what spiritual practice looks like—honoring sacred traditions while forging new pathways for connection and healing. ?? February 13 | Virtual & In-Person (Oakland, CA) ?? Virtual (11:00 AM - 12:30 PM PST) & In-Person (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM PST, Oakland, CA) What to expect: ? A moving film premiere that uplifts diverse spiritual voices ?Thought-provoking discussions with leaders in the field ?A night of community, storytelling, and live music We hope you’ll be part of this historic moment. #lineagesoflove #bipocspirituality #spiritualinnovation #culturalwisdom

In Journey-Faith in an Entangled World, Nancy Sylvester, IHM, invites us into a contemplative exploration of today’s most pressing social and spiritual issues. Evoking vivid thoughts through metaphors, she encourages us to see our words as paint and paper as our canvas. The hope is that we engage deeply with public life, liturgical seasons, and the future. Described as a "pure gift and quiet challenge," this book offers wisdom for both new and experienced spiritual leaders, regardless of their faith walk. Discover a fresh approach to reflection and action. Journey-Faith in an Entangled World is available now on Amazon: #contemplation #spiritualleadership #faithandaction #publiclife #journeyfaith #nancysylvester #journeyfaithinanentangledworld

#SeeingTheSacred with #FetzerInstitute and #InterfaithPhotovoice uncovers how cherished objects can symbolize connection and community. Captured by Alan-Joshua Carrasco, this photo showcases a squeaky toy shaped like a dog holding a dreidel – a gift from his former Jewish roommates. “My dog, Cyan, has treasured this toy since puppyhood. It’s not just a plaything; it’s a reminder of the bond I shared with my roommates and the cultural connections that enrich my life,” Alan-Joshua reflects. This simple object tells a story of friendship, shared traditions, and enduring love – a sacred connection in everyday life. ???? Photographer: Alan-Joshua Carrasco #sacredmoments #interfaithconnections #cherishedmemories #AlanJoshuaCarrasco