Feeling the weight of global and personal unrest, writer Mary DeTurris Poust came to the Garrison Institute for our 2025 retreat honoring the work of Father Thomas Keating, a Trappist monk, leader of contemplative inter-spiritual dialogue, and founder of the Centering Prayer movement.
Mary remarked, “I was stunned by how my inner view of the outer world could be transformed so quickly and completely (at least for a time) by the shared practice of contemplation and community.”
In her recent article in the National Catholic Reporter, Mary shares how she experienced a profound shift upon entering the retreat space, where spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds gathered in silence and shared intention. Guided by leading Centering Prayer advocate Cynthia Bourgeault and other interfaith voices, the event became a deeply moving experience for her—blending laughter, reflection, science, and song.
The collective practice of contemplation restored her hope, revealing that deep inner stillness can change how we relate to a fractured world. Inspired, Mary returned home after the retreat committed to forming a Centering Prayer group, affirming that contemplative community can be a wellspring of healing and unity.
