The Still Point of the Turning World
Training the Heart to Embrace Paradox
June 13, 2026
Presented by Thomas McConkie
Online contemplative mini-retreat
The Still Point of the Turning World | 90-minute mini-retreat
Human life pulses between opposing poles: relationship and solitude, control and surrender, joy and sorrow.
Most of us navigate these tensions by choosing sides—defaulting to one pole while resisting the other. But the contemplative traditions, and Christian mysticism in particular, point to something more: a still point at the center of all opposites, a place of rest that doesn't resolve tension so much as hold it with grace.
In this 90-minute workshop, we'll explore how to find that still point—not as a concept, but as a living, embodied reality.
Participants will:
Recognize the polar tensions already at work in their daily lives—and why these tensions are meant to be held, not resolved
Experience the still point directly through guided meditation practice
Develop a practice for returning to stillness, even in the midst of tension
Leave with a felt sense that the still point is always available as a source of divine power, inspiration and guidance
Presented by Thomas McConkie
Thomas McConkie is the founder of Lower Lights School of Wisdom and has spent nearly 30 years studying and teaching across contemplative traditions—including Buddhism, Integral Philosophy, and Christianity. He was authorized to teach by Shinzen Young in 2011 and is the only master teacher of Integral Polarity Practice under John Kesler. A certified STAGES researcher with a master’s from Harvard Divinity School, Thomas integrates adult development and classical awakening in his teaching. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife, two kids, and rescue dog.
Event Details
When: Saturday, June 13th, 10:00am - 11:30am ET (7:00am PT | 3:00pm BST)
Cost: Suggested $25, Reduced $15, or Pay it Forward $40
Scholarships: we believe that there should be no financial barrier to spiritual formation.
To inquire, email events@closerthanbreath.com
Where: Online via Zoom
All workshops are recorded so you won't miss a thing!