Creative Contemplative Listening
Spiritual Direction Session
One to one spiritual direction session with me usually takes an hour a month or 6 weeks. I can meet you at a retreat center or online via ZOOM.
Guided Silent Retreat
A retreat is a time set aside to be with God. It is a wonderful way to be away from the normal daily things that fill our lives and our minds, and to have that space for reflection and listening to God’s invitations to us. It is a time to rest, to be quiet, to listen and to be attune to God. You can create your own retreat theme or have me assist you. For example, a five-day retreat on request can be designed for you personally or for your small group. A daily rhythm of morning communal silence and evening prayer focused on the retreat theme can provide generous space for your own encounter with God. I offer resource material for reading, reflection and spiritual practices during guided retreat.
Creative and Contemplative Quiet Day Retreat
I conduct Creative and Contemplative Quiet Day Retreat for those who would like to connect with God in creative ways. The retreat will use simple art-making process such as collage, clay or paint to pray and to deepen the reflective process. You are free to create with any materials you are comfortable with and be in touch with your inner self.
Contemplative Prayer Session
The Christian spiritual tradition is vast, rich and diverse. I can lead and provide opportunities for you or your group to experience contemplative practices such as but not limited to Labyrinth prayer, Lectio Divina (sacred reading), Gospel Contemplation and Centering Prayer that may enrich your experience of God.
Book Club
Book club is a small online group that engages in 12 weeks of Scripture, prayer, and reflection questions base on a book and the study guide provided. The purpose is to help you grow deeper in Christ through thoughtful conversations.
Contemplative Nature Walk
I can accompany you to take a contemplative nature walk to find God in creation for yourself. This can be done at the gardens around us.
Group Spiritual Direction
Group spiritual direction is similar to one-to-one spiritual direction. It is a listening group and there is a lot of silence in group spiritual direction. The group typically meet once a month over ZOOM.
Interested to find out more?
Email me at cclisteningspace@gmail.com to begin a conversation. I offer an initial one-time, no-fee, no-commitment hour of conversation. You can decide to continue meeting with me or not after the first meeting.
testimonies
A Sabbath Retreat Reflection
by Agnes Chen
21 October 2023
I participated in my very first silent retreat at Life Springs Canossian Spirituality Center, led by Spiritual Director Esther. I eagerly anticipated a time of reflection with the Lord, envisioning moments of stillness and silence, and I looked forward to wandering the labyrinth.
The retreat commenced with a simple introduction within our small group, consisting of five participants besides Esther. She offered an overview of what we could expect and guided us through a tour of the facility while helping us settle into our individual rooms.
From the outset, our spiritual director encouraged us to take it easy, to slow down our walking pace, and to savor our lunch without haste. I had expected the day to move at a glacial pace, perhaps feeling a bit awkward at times due to the reminders to maintain silence. However, to my surprise, the day didn’t feel sluggish, and I didn’t find myself uncomfortable in solitude because the sweet presence of the Lord permeated the surroundings and my thoughts from beginning to end. If anything, it was just strange not being able to converse with my friend during lunch, as we were reminded to observe silence.
The grounds offered numerous pockets of solitude with lovely vistas of Bukit Batok Nature Reserve. There were garden swings, a charming brown hut with a hammock and deck chairs along the perimeter, and the labyrinth. We even had the option to explore Bukit Batok Nature Reserve if we desired.
I deeply appreciated the simple notes and guiding questions provided by Esther. They helped me remain purposeful and reflective throughout the Sabbath. Questions like “Who is God?” and “Who am I?” served as constant reminders.
The scripture from Matthew 6:25-34, which discouraged worry by referencing the birds, flowers, and grass, resonated with me, as did “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). While walking the labyrinth, which initially seemed unimpressive, I was reminded of the realities of life — work, chores, ministry—that can sometimes feel underwhelming or even overwhelming. Nevertheless, I am reminded to press on, just as Paul encourages.
And when I finally obeyed and began my labyrinth journey, I was rewarded in His perfect timing. A thirty-minute downpour was followed by the emergence of sunrays. I seized the opportunity to venture into the reserve, where I was enthralled repeatedly by the Lord’s creative masterpieces—the beautiful stream, the busy squirrels, a playful family of White-crested laughing thrush birds, fungi, and the abundant and exquisite flora.
I am a fervent advocate for annual holidays and staycations, and after this silent retreat, I am adding “spiritual retreat” to my list. It was a timely day of rest with the Lord in a conducive environment, guided and encouraged by a spiritual director. I was genuinely blessed and refreshed by the experience and would encourage all to make a daycation with the Lord.