WCCM Audio

In this conversation, we sat down with Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, Camaldolese monk and musician, to talk about why the future of religion is surprisingly practical.Forget just "thinking" about the divine—Fr. Cyprian reminds us that our bodies are the "hinge of salvation." From yoga and breathwork to the rhythm of music, he explores how we can move past religious labels and into the actual phenomenology of the mind.Key Takeaways:The Body as a Friend: Exercise and diet aren't just for athletes; they are essential tools to still the mind for deeper meditation.Evolution of Consciousness: Our understanding of God grows as we mature through different stages of awareness.Music as Language: Melodies sneak into the psyche where words can’t reach, softening the soul for silence."The body didn’t just get peeled off like a banana peel and thrown away... nothing ever gets left behind. It gets sanctified."Read the full interview at https://wccm.org/interfaith-inter-faith/training-the-senses-stilling-the-mind-a-practical-guide-to-transformation/#WCCM #Meditation #InterreligiousDialogue #Mindfulness #IncarnationalSpirituality #MonasticLife #YogaAndPrayer #FrCyprianConsiglio

Laurence Freeman gave an introductory talk on Christian Meditation at the Major Seminary of Coimbra on Sunday, 3 May, in the presence of the Bishop of Coimbra, Virgílio do Nascimento Antunes.

A look into the rhythm and structure of monastic living, where silence, attention, and shared movement create harmony. This “choreography” becomes a model for a more mindful, centered way of living—something largely lost in today’s fast-paced, overstimulated culture.Continue watching the full collection 'Spirituality and Religion in a Time of Change' on WCCM+, WCCM video streaming platform. https://wccmplus.org/programs/spirituality-and-religion-in-a-time-of-change

The next level of consciousness can bring us to face our shadow and the half-forgotten turbulent experiences of the past locked in the hard drive of our memory. Provided we don’t get into excessive introspection, meditation brings healing and liberation at this level. Understanding how grace works on nature during the work of contemplation is part of seeing the Christian aspects of meditation.Continue watching at https://wccmplus.org/programs/the-forces-of-the-unconscious

"I feel like spirituality is shifting from something that was conditional and embedded in authority into something that it's more like wellness, self-care, a little bit like self-centered in a way. It's very often a truth that suits me rather than me surrendering to what actually is. So overall, I feel like religion is going beyond the institutions and still subject to the ego, to the self." We are having a series of conversations with meditators from our global community about the WCCM theme for 2026, The Future of Religion. This time, our guest is Javier, Mexican meditator & entrepreneur. Learn more about the 2026 WCCM Series 'The Future of Religion' at https://wccm.org/events/the-future-of-religion/#thefutureofreligion #wccmseries #contemplatives #contemplation #staycentred #valuescrisis----------- The WCCM is a global community of meditators united in a contemplative Christian tradition as taught by Fr. John Main, OSB. Our community is now present in more than 100 countries with 3000 weekly meditation groups, multiple centres, and a vibrant online community. Our mission is to communicate and nurture the fruits of meditation so as to foster the unity of all peoples, and to create social change by facilitating personal transformation through dialogue, silence and friendship. SUPPORT THE WCCM:In our mission to share the gift of Christian meditation for the unity of all peoples, the WCCM produces hundreds of hours of content each month, completely free of charge. Any gift, no matter how small, will help us continue our mission. https://wccm.org/support-us/CONNECT WITH USThe WCCM https://www.wccm.org/ Bonnevaux Centre for Peace: https://bonnevauxwccm.org/Join the mailing list: http://eepurl.com/tc5vHGet the app: https://wccm.org/app/

This is a dialogue between Paola (WCCM Marketing) and Prof Peter Tyler, a long-time friend and companion of the World Community for Christian Meditation with an extensive academic career. Peter is presently Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality at St Mary’s University, London. "Whenever I teach Christian spirituality, I always say there are two essential elements, two wings of the tradition. One is the desert monastic tradition. The other essential element is the one that forms the basis of the retreat, what's called the mystical tradition, a form of contemplation that's been around since the beginning of Christianity." Prof Peter Tyler will be leading a retreat titled 'Approaches to Meditation: Enriching Guidance from the wisdom of the Mystics', 28 April - 3 May, in Bonnevaux, France. Learn more at https://bonnevauxwccm.org/all-programmes/approaches-to-meditation-2026/#wccm #mystics #christianmeditation #stmarysuniversity  @StMarysUni  Music by SoulProdMusic (Canva)

Stefan Reynolds shares his journey into meditation, beginning at the age of 19 in India. He discusses the significance of places like Bonnevaux, and how the environment fosters a sense of community and tranquility. He also delves into the teachings of mystics, especially Teresa of Avila and John Main, emphasizing the importance of stillness and trust in the meditation process. Stefan highlights how these teachings can guide individuals in their spiritual journeys, likening meditation to learning to swim in the ocean of God.Stefan is leading the retreat Deepening Meditation - Launching Out (12-17 May in Bonnevaux). https://bonnevauxwccm.org/all-programmes/deepening-meditation-2026/Images by Michael Heck and Ben Kerckx (Pixabay and WikipediaSoundtrack by JoshMusic (Pixabay)

Homilies by Laurence Freeman OSB - Christ the King - Luke 23:35-43

Authentic spirituality is not above justice or human suffering. Spiritual truth is reflected in the gritty realities of the world whether it is honoured or denied. Feelings and relationships are part of our spiritual path but so too are social and political responsibilities. We are a single body, embodied in Christ. The old translation of St Paul`s phrase our conversation is in heaven sounds strange to us today. But reflect how our search for a peaceful world requires the recovery of the lost art of conversation – and we may see the link between silence and this fundamental value of civilisation. Continue watching at https://wccmplus.org/programs/our-conversation-is-in-heaven

These talks offer the maps and the practices from the Christian, Hindu and Buddhist traditions which will demonstrate to the participants how much sacred power and illumination they always have at their disposal. Continue watching at https://wccmplus.org/programs/radical-regeneration-with-andrew-harvey

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "We suffer more and more from an inability to make healthy, lasting relationships. Those sort of relationships that demand selfless attention. And how can we make such a relationship if we are only thinking about ourselves, if we are locked into self -fixation?" #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

Embark on a journey of transformation. Delve into the wisdom of visionaries, from medieval mystics to modern poets, who have glimpsed the "whole" amidst our fragmented world. Discover how beauty can liberate and awaken us, fostering profound connections with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Explore the depths of your own heart-work and embrace the transformative power of beauty.

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Without attention all these essential human aspects of growth, focusing, listening, tending towards the needs of others and our own needs, learning what we don't know, and understanding in a deeper and richer way, the mystery that we are part of... all of this growth process can be lost if we lose the art of attention." #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Even though at first we may feel as if we are failing at it, we have to fail better. We have to keep trying and we need to encourage one another." #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

Father Laurence Freeman explains that the theme of the John Main Seminar, 'INTEGRAL CHRISTIANITY: The Vision of Celtic Christianity for the Crisis of the 21st Century,' is urgent because the global environmental, political, and spiritual crises demand renewal. He asserts that to understand the way forward, we must draw inspiration from the past. The next John Main Seminar will be held at Balally Barish, Dublin and online from 6 to 9 November. More at https://wccm.org/jms2025/ #wccm #christianmeditation #frjohnmain #johnmainseminar

Sunday 28 September 2025. Contemplative Eucharist from Bonnevaux Gospel Luke 16:19-31

Meditation doesn’t destroy desire, but it does transform desire. It puts you into touch with what you really want. In quite a radical way of sorting and simplifying ourselves, it puts you back into touch with your basic need, which is your basic desire. Then joy springs up. Audio: Hamish Photo: Unsplash (Darius Baschar)

Sunday 14 September 2025, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Contemplative Eucharist from Bonnevaux

Celtic Christianity was one of the most vibrant expressions of the Christ-event in history. In this interview, Fr Jim, parish priest & Cinzia Angius, parish manager at Balally Parish, Dublin share their reflections on what makes Celtic Wisdom relevant today, why Balally is a contemplative parish and on this year's John Main Seminar theme 'The Vision of Celtic Christianity for the Crisis of the 21st Century'. Learn more at https://wccm.org/jms2025/

Beyond Success & Failure by Laurence Freeman

Luke 14:25-33 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Homily by Laurence Freeman, Contemplative Eucharist from Bonnevaux, France

This is the first of a four-part series of talks in which Laurence Freeman draws on the wisdom of the early desert teachers as a contemporary way of understanding the human condition. The mothers and fathers of the early Christian desert combined spiritual insight with sharp psychological perception. You can watch the full collection at https://wccmplus.org/programs/the-eight-big-problems-of-life

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Meditation reveals human equality (We're all distracted) as well as our uniqueness: we are all called to be clear and to be calm." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

John Deane Irish poet and novelist is the founder of Poetry Ireland, Ireland ‘s National Poetry Society, and its journal “The Poetry Ireland Review”. "I believe a good artist stands between God and Humanity and tries to link it" John will be one of the speakers at the next John Main Seminar at Balally Parish, Dublin, Ireland 5 to 9 November, where speakers will explore the reappearance of Celtic Christian wisdom today at a critical moment for human evolution - more info at wccm.org/jms2025

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "We can feel this fullness of being, pressing, wanting to be released through all that life continually presents to us. And although we may think we want to be fully alive, sometimes we resist it as well because it will change us." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "The seeing of reality is the real life purpose of the human being." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

As we emerge from crisis and seek renewal, Jesus’ command to “dwell in my love” throws us a lifeline, offering hope, vision, and the strength to live anew.'Dwell in my love' is the title of WCCM yearly retreat at Monte Oliveto, held at Abbazia Maggiore in Tuscany in 2022 and led by Fr Laurence Freeman, Benedictine monk & WCCM Director. You can watch the first full video reflection on WCCM video streaming platform, WCCM+. You can choose to subscribe if you want to watch the full retreat. More at >> https://wccmplus.org/programs/dwell-in-my-love

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "The giving of attention is such a sacred and beautiful thing. The act of voluntary attention is also the very dynamic and heart of consciousness." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. More at https://meditatiocentrelondon.org/events #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "For the true contemplatives of our Tradition, such as the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Contemplation is not an escape from but a journey into communion, into relationship, into the present." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. More at https://meditatiocentrelondon.org/events

Reflections from Tasting Wisdom video 7 Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "It is in heart consciousness rather than just mental consciousness that the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of ourselves find harmony and unity and integration, oneness." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. More at https://meditatiocentrelondon.org/events #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation

Meditation helps us to find again what we have lost. It helps us to recover. And how does it do that? In a simple but in a radical way. Reflections from Tasting Wisdom video 6 Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Meditation helps us to find again what we have lost. It helps us to recover. And how does it do that? In a simple but in a radical way." " Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. More at https://meditatiocentrelondon.org/events #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation

Reflections from Tasting Wisdom video 4 Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Recovery is healing. And by regaining the wholeness that we lost, we become more whole than we were before." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. You're welcome to join the book launch online or from London on 2 September. More at https://meditatiocentrelondon.org/events #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation

Reflections from Tasting Wisdom video 3 Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Meditation, the way we teach it, it is the work of the mantra, repeating the mantra. And this work is simple but demanding." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September.

Reflections from Tasting Wisdom 2 Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "Our Self-Knowledge and Knowledge of God are intertwined." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

Fr Laurence’s reflecting on one of the passages of his newly launched book ‘Tasting Wisdom’: "The tradition that we belong to and teach meditation from is a living transmission of the wisdom of the Holy Spirit." Please come and join Laurence Freeman to celebrate his book launch, live in London or online on 2 September. #booklaunch #wccmbooks #laurencefreeman #tastingwisdom #contemplativeleaders #christianmeditation #twseries

The Little Poor Man (Poverello), Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), was a new kind of saint and mystic. His convert, Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), sought to emulate his life of poverty and apostolic service by founding a female branch of the Franciscan order. Their writings and example formed one of the key traditions in Christian mysticism. In this video, Prof Bernard McGinn, mystics expert and Margaret Lane discuss the role of Francis and Clare of Assisi in the context of the Christian mystics, as part of a WCCM online series 'Into the Mystics'. You can watch the full series on WCCM video streaming platform, WCCM+ at https://wccmplus.org/programs/into-the-mystics Music: Final Soliloquy from YouTube AudioLibrary

John Main has become regarded as a modern spiritual master, whose teaching on contemplative prayer inaugurated a global community and spiritual movement. John Main studied Law at Trinity College Dublin (1950-54). After a short career as a diplomat in Malaya, where he discovered meditation as part of the universal wisdom, he taught Law at Trinity from 1956–58. After becoming a Benedictine monk he discovered meditation in his own tradition and dedicated the rest of his life to restoring it as central to Christian life. Set in the university context that helped form him, this conference explores key aspects of his life and teaching. John Main’s transforming insight is rooted in mystical theology and his emphasis on personal experience has brought new life to this tradition today.

In a conversation recorded in 2013, legendary investor Ray Dalio shares how more than 40 years of meditation profoundly shaped his life and career, deeming it the "biggest influence" on his success. He discusses its role in cultivating equanimity, creativity, and a unique detachment that enabled him to navigate high-stakes decisions and prioritize service over ego. Dalio advocates for meditation's physiological benefits, its ability to foster thoughtful disagreement in leadership, and its power to instill a sense of connection to the whole, ultimately believing it can even help address societal corruption through a deeper, more connected perspective.

EarthDaySession2andGroupAudio by Laurence Freeman

EarthDaySession1andDadirriAudio by Laurence Freeman

In the session, Tim Shriver explored ways we can relearn to live together, even when we disagree. This was session number 3 in our annual series, The Risk of Living Together (learn more here). You can learn more about Tim Shriver, UNITE, and the Dignity Index by visiting: https://www.dignity.us

Drawing on his 28 years at the IMF, including 14 as General Counsel, Sean Hagan shares his personal journey with meditation, emphasizing its profound impact on his ability to cultivate attention, find stability amidst pressure, and develop a crucial sense of detachment and other-centeredness essential for effective leadership and navigating the complexities of a global landscape.

In this series Laurence Freeman helps us rediscover the art of reading any sacred text contemplatively, by learning to engage with the books that make up the Hebrew and Christian Bibles.

In a thought-provoking reflection, Jane Williams explores Evelyn Underhill's call for church leaders to better equip people for a genuine encounter with God, highlighting Underhill's powerful assertion that "God is the interesting thing about religion." Williams argues that the great Christian mystics, far from being isolated figures, offer invaluable guidance on the pathways to and with God, demonstrating that profound prayer can lead to greater engagement with the world. She emphasizes that theology and contemplation are not opposed but complementary ways of exploring the divine, particularly through the insightful experiences of often overlooked women mystics who reveal the transformative reality of a God who actively seeks us. Ultimately, Williams suggests that following these mystical guides is an adventure into the heart of a loving God who satisfies our deepest longings.

John Main Talks: for before or after meditation These are extracts from the John Main Collected talks and you can order it going to the Medio Media website: tiny.cc/JMCT

John Main Talks: for before or after meditation These are extracts from the John Main Collected talks and you can order it going to the Medio Media website: tiny.cc/JMCT

John Main Talks: for before or after meditation These are extracts from the John Main Collected talks and you can order it going to the Medio Media website: tiny.cc/JMCT

John Main Talks: for before or after meditation These are extracts from the John Main Collected talks and you can order it going to the Medio Media website: tiny.cc/JMCT

John Main Talks: for before or after meditation These are extracts from the John Main Collected talks and you can order it going to the Medio Media website: tiny.cc/JMCT

Fr Laurence describes how to let new perspectives appear