Meet Liz Rees
CONTEMPLATIVE GUIDE & RETREAT FACILITATOR
My work is rooted in silence, wisdom and radical inclusion.
I draw from the Christian contemplative tradition, Deeptime, and eco-spirituality to create spaces where the spiritual journey can unfold authentically and expansively. I hold silent surrender as my greatest teacher, trusting that the committed inner journey will naturally give rise to the wisdom, compassion and deep presence the world so desperately needs.
There is space here
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as you stand on the edges of tradition
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as you’re beckoned by the Great Silence
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as you feel called to a sacred journey
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as you seek the kindred spirits
My Story
In my early 30s my heart split open. It felt as if a chisel had struck a hardened surface, cracking it wide. Tears poured for months. I knew it was either going to be strong drugs or a fierce inner journey. I chose the latter.
I immersed myself in healing, radically vulnerable prayer, and Buddhist meditation. Somehow it is always suffering that brings an authentic spiritual journey.
It wasn’t until many years later that I found myself yanked back to my spiritual roots, taking a deep dive into the mystic teachers of my own cultural DNA. I reached a point in life where surrender was the only answer, and stumbled upon the Centering Prayer community, joining a weeklong retreat. It was like being held in a womb. Guidance came, I mean really came, and I began to share the contemplative work arising in me. One brave foray led to another.
There are those of us who are called to the deep inner journey, yet we are contemporary people with a non-traditional mindset. We are all in on the journey to Oneness, and old boundary lines don’t fit. We value justice and radical inclusion to the level that most institutions haven’t caught up with. We are New Monastics.
It is an honour to share this journey of breaking open and the mystic wisdom that continues to guide me. May we make sanctuary together.
HOW I HOLD SPACE
My work is rooted in silence, surrender, and the sacred depths.
I draw from the deep wells of the Christian contemplative tradition, Deeptime, and the living world, bringing everything I have learned from the mystics, the cosmos, and my own long unfinished journey. I show up as I am, and I welcome you to do the same.
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I am a presenter of Centering Prayer, commissioned by Contemplative Outreach. I am trained in Eco Ministry and Deeptime Leadership, feeling the call of our times to wake up out of the amnesia of disconnection to our living planet and sacred cosmos. I am re-membering intentionally. I have a background in Life Skills coaching and love the process of gathering people into a circle to set out on a journey of transformation. I spent many years studying and teaching meditation in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. My active work in the world has included refugee accompaniment in Central America and creating and leading multicultural youth programming.
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Enter the Great Silence
Surrender at the heart-shrine within
Be radically brave and open
Shine your benevolence boldly
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Some guides who show up in my work include the deep teachers of surrendered silence Thomas Keating and Thomas Merton, rabble-rousing theologian Matthew Fox, cosmologist Brian Swimme, geologian Thomas Berry, and cosmic mystic Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
I am indebted to the brilliantly articulate mystic teachers Cynthia Bourgeault and Beverly Lanzetta, invitational poet and philosopher David Whyte, and my long-term teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche who rooted me in compassion and wisdom.
There are many other teachers, artists, and friends who have shaped me. I bow down to everyone who has taught me something about love and awakening. Most of all, my work arises from the surrendered silence, which means it comes from how the Divine moves through me.
Voices from the journey
“I have known Liz for many years, and I find myself returning to her wisdom again and again. She is a gentle teacher and a deeply wise guide, creating a sense of safety and groundedness in every session. Because Liz has travelled both deep and wide in her own spiritual life, she invites us into a more spacious way of being—pilgrims attentive to the movement of Spirit. Time with Liz leaves me with fresh curiosity, renewed energy, and a surprising peace that lingers.”
Pearl in Calgary
“As a "monk without a monastery" this Wisdom Journey gathering has become my monastery, my sanctuary, my church for which I am deeply grateful.”
Judy in Calgary
“The Wisdom Journey evenings led by Liz have given me an opportunity to deepen my contemplative practice and connect with others in a meaningful way. Liz guides from the heart with a rhythm that is a perfect balance of teaching and reflection. Her quiet confidence and hospitality encourages all to feel welcome and participate as they feel comfortable. This kind of experience is not easy to find and I am so thankful to Liz for the offering.”
Darolyn in Calgary
“I was drawn to a posted image illustrating Merton’s Palace of Nowhere as a focus of the Wisdom Journey. My curiosity was leading me in a rich direction. I discovered the embodied hospitality and passion of facilitator, Liz Rees. Going deeper into this inward journey of contemplative practice is nuanced. It is individually affirming yet simultaneously has invited a broader sense of shared community and oneness. I am grateful to be walking this hopeful path of being human.”
Anonymous in Calgary
“Liz chose great material and she offered it to us with grace and deep understanding/experience with the content, with space around it all to let it resonate uniquely in all of us.”
Retreat participant, Edmonton
“Liz continues on a decades long intentional spiritual journey, affirmed by her engaged and deep presence. She skillfully brings alive the richness of Contemplative Wisdom traditions, past and present, to awaken us to the sacredness all around us; challenging and encouraging us to engage courageously in our spiritual contemporary lives.”
Heather in Edmonton
“Liz will take you on a Wisdom Journey where you will meet mystics like Fr Thomas Keating, musicians like Alana Levandoski, poets like Rumi and many more fascinating characters as you pray and listen for that inner voice to help guide you.”
Doug in Calgary
“Although it’s clear that Liz comes to each of these events well prepared, beyond
preparation, she has a gift that enables her to gently invite participation while leading
and teaching much in the lineage of Thomas Merton, Cynthia Bourgeault and, of
course, Thomas Keating, whose gift to us of Centering Prayer finds its place as a silent
reference point in the work Liz does.”
Bill in Calgary
“It's been three years since I attended the series on Centering Prayer at the Wisdom Centre. At a time of dramatic change in my life it was a balm and resource I continue to draw on daily. Also rich spiritual growth in the weekly Wisdom Journey community-building at Living Spirit Centre, which includes strong social justice and peace-making aspects at a crucial time in the world. I'm very grateful.”
David in Calgary
Ways to gather
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Wisdom Journey
WEEKLY
Monday evening gathering — wisdom for the contemplative journey, silent Centering Prayer, and community.
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New Monastic Saturdays
MONTHLY
Saturday afternoon sessions to deepen our silence and connection as we create community together.
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Silent Retreats
RETREAT
Themed silent retreats rooted in the Centering Prayer tradition. The next is a week-long experience in July.
