Speaker: Ruth Jackson, Meditator from the UK & Academy Student
Ruth Jackson: Hi, I'm Ruth Jackson, and I'm from England, and I'm going to speak briefly about my experience of being on the WCCM Academy. I'm finding it an extraordinarily rich and beautiful experience. I had reached a point of my faith which had become rather dry. I'd become uncomfortable with some of the Christian doctrines, and I was finding that the Church was politics were sometimes sort of getting in the way of deepening my faith. A contemplative prayer had opened a door into a new way, and the Academy has provided a safe space and the tools to explore this way of faith more deeply. The learning is enhanced by many talks and discussions and with many brilliant minds. And it's not just the speakers who lead each course, but actually everyone that is part of this Academy community. We're all from different walks of life, different faith experiences, nationalities, ages, and that really enriches the experience. Over the two years, we cover many different topics, including work, politics, ecology, writings of great mystics and also other faiths. And this has really helped to integrate the contemplative way into everyday lives, you know, the lives we actually are living. And indirectly, this also affects those that we that we encounter in our lives. Studying with the Academy is a commitment, but it's one that's totally doable in ordinary life. I've navigated the last two years with working as well and also raising my teenage children. And it's just been such a positive and extraordinary, experience that has really just benefited ume so much. And I really would recommend it to anybody who is seeking, who is looking and finding and exploring the contemplative way.
