Your Spiritual Journey
We believe that human spiritual flourishing, religious intelligence and deep practical wisdom are sorely needed right now. So we invite you to get involved and help transform the world.
View contentYour Spiritual Journey
Here at the University of Winchester we take very seriously the challenge to encourage everyone to explore the spiritual dimension of their lives. Coming to university is the last ‘great rite of passage’ and we really hope that your time at Winchester should be an adventure, a fantastic challenge you will want to rise to and relish, and a real opportunity to discover both who you are, what you are called to do, and the difference you hope to make to humanity and to the whole of creation. We believe that human spiritual flourishing, religious intelligence and deep practical wisdom are sorely needed right now. So we invite you to get involved and help transform the world.
Student Contemplative Community
Who we are
The Contemplative Community was set up in 2018. We are a group of students from all faiths and none: currently Atheist, Pagan, Buddhist, Christian, ‘spiritual seeker,’ Humanist – but we are open to everyone!
We have five staff mentors (currently Atheist/Humanist, Muslim, Christian, Pagan and Buddhist) who offer their experience and help ensure no one group dominates.
What we do
We meet twice a week for contemplation (Monday for breakfast and shared silence; Fridays for silence and shared lunch) and in regularly for listening to experienced practitioners and discussion. We have committed to volunteering with a local charity working with the homeless. Twice a year we go on retreat. We each continue with our own religious practice, if we have one.
Our vision
We are learning from each other and sharing our experience of silence, meditation or contemplation. We strive to make a difference in a world where religious intolerance seems to be growing. We hope one day to form a residential community. Come and join us.
Winchester Institute for Contemplative Education and Practice
Who we are
The Institute enables students and staff from the University's faculties, and professional services, to work together to develop the presence and effectiveness of contemplative disciplines, pedagogies and studies in the life of the University community, thereby supporting the University's mission to educate, advance knowledge and serve the common good.
What we do
The aim of the Institute’s work will be to create an inclusive , curious, and sustainable community of practice that welcomes academic and professional staff, students and external membership. The Institute promotes:
- The development of contemplative approaches to teaching and learning
- Alternative and embodied ways of knowing
- The integration of contemplative practices within both academic learning/teaching and personal spiritual development/awareness
- The development of a robust research and publication agenda
The Institute is an independent, extra-departmental unit that warmly welcomes external membership and collaboration.
Membership of the Institute
Membership is open to anyone within the University. Currently members come from Psychology, Archaeology, Business, Education, Performing Arts, Chaplaincy, Learning and Teaching Development, Theology, Religion & Philosophy, Student Wellbeing, Health & Wellbeing and Music.
The Institute also welcomes external membership including staff and students from across the Higher Education sector; teachers from schools and colleges; staff at local businesses and members of the public.
To join the Institute, please contact: WICEP@winchester.ac.uk