Life of the Beloved:
Henri Nouwen and the Wisdom of the Trinity
Dr. Robert Jonas
November 6, 13, 20, 27, 10 am-Noon EST

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What does St. Paul mean when he maintains that we have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16)?  What did renowned spiritual writer Henri Nouwen mean in calling us to the “life of the beloved?” Following a trail of scriptural sayings, as well as the teachings of ancient Christian mystics, and stories from Yale Divinity School professor Henri Nouwen, Dr. Jonas, long-time friend of Nouwen, explores the possibility that any of us can discover and awaken the mind (Greek: nous) of Christ. In his award-winning new book, My Dear Far-Nearness: The Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice (Orbis, 2022), Jonas suggests that Jesus’ consciousness was trinitarian and non-dual. With attention and practice, this consciousness can– through the grace of God– be awakened in us, as well. By casting a clear, fresh light on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, this presentation will support people in ministry, in addition to helping professionals who walk with others. By offering accessible, down-to-earth spiritual practices, this presentation will show us how to deepen our connection to God in the midst of our daily lives, and how to draw from the well of grace as we encounter the demands and challenges of ministry.

For more information about the presenter, visit his websites: mydearfar-nearness.org; emptybell.org.

Robert A. Jonas, Ed.D. (Harvard University), M.T.S. (Weston Jesuit School of Theology) is the author of The Essential Henri Nouwen, (Shambhala Publications), as well as Henri Nouwen (Orbis) and Rebecca (Crossroad). His book, My Dear Far-Nearness: The Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice, was winner of an award from Illumination Book Awards in 2022. Dr. Jonas is the director of The Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, MA, whose website (emptybell.org ) is an extraordinary resource for contemplative Christians and Buddhist-Christian dialogue.  Trained as a psychotherapist, Dr. Jonas is now a retreat leader, author, video artist, musician, and environmental steward. A Christian in the Carmelite tradition, he also received spiritual formation with Buddhist teachers. He has been a guest speaker on many spiritual platforms, including Spirit Matters Talk, The Myth Salon, and Maine Jung Center. Dr. Jonas has been a guest lecturer at the Northwind Seminary since 2020. Jonas is a past Board member of the Henri Nouwen Society and a current member of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies and the Eckhart Society. He recently retired as Chair of the Board of the Kestrel Land Trust in Amherst, MA (www.kestreltrust.org). Jonas is a student of Sui-Zen, the Japanese bamboo flute (shakuhachi). He has performed in many secular and spiritual contexts, including three Buddhist-Christian retreats with the Dalai Lama and a performance under the Bodhi Tree in India. Jonas has produced three CDs of shakuhachi music: “Blowing Bamboo,” which is available on iTunes, “New Life from Ruins” and “Many Paths, One Joy.”