It seems like just yesterday I was shelving the books I’d used for this course and moving the pointers to the folders off my favorites list on my computer.  The monastic rule of St. Benedict suggests that we are always beginning again. Another day, another round of psalms, another academic year.

As part of Bryn Mawr’s 360 program I’m once again teaching a course on the history of contemplation and mindfulness in the Western tradition in collaboration with two colleagues, Marc Schulz in psychology and Hank Glassman (from Haverford).  The three courses each have their own structure, but intertwine through shared readings and shared experiences, including field trips to a silent retreat house, Buddhist monasteries in Japan and MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) training.