March 31st - April 28th (Every Tuesday), 2026
The Old School
Spiritual masters from across the ages have recognized that spiritual desire is not enough to do the difficult work of transformation. We all need some kind of scaffolding, some structure to keep us aligned with our heart’s deepest longing. In the Christian monastic tradition, this was known as a “rule of life.”
But historically, an external authority would impose a particular rule of life with little or no input from the seeker. While this system created powerful containment and a sense of belonging to a tradition, it ignored, even erased individual differences and needs.
Human spirituality, human consciousness are evolving. Among the emergent capacities of the human being is the ability to hold contradiction and paradox. In the example at hand, both extremes are problematic:
No spiritual scaffolding can lead to chaos and dissolution, or perhaps stagnation and aimlessness.
Too much structure (especially when imposed from the outside) can suffocate the unique spiritual impulses and fire of the seeker.
We can learn to hold both qualities of form and flexibility without compromising the integrity of either. In short, a rule of life is a creative constraint that energizes and illuminates spiritual life.
Rule of Life, Upshifted
At Lower Lights, we see a rule of life as an invaluable tool for creating spiritual potency in our personal spiritual lives and in community. What’s more, we believe a rule of life is as vital for lay practitioners, “householders,” as it is for monks and nuns in the monastery.
The term “monastery” derives from the early Greek, “monachos.” Monachos simply means “one” or “single.” So whether we are raising a family, building community, or offering service to the world through the work we do professionally, a rule of life can help us live with an eye single to our deepest commitments and highest aspirations.
Ultimately, the true monastery is within.
Whether you consider yourself religious and are already participating in a tradition, or are post-religious and hungry for guidance and companionship on the meditative path, a rule of life can offer just enough structure to help you give more of yourself to what you really value in this “wild and precious life.”
In our upcoming 5-session Zoom series, we will:
Explore the key elements to creating your own Rule of Life:
Lineage & Spiritual Direction
Sacred Text
Rhythm of Meditation Practice
Conduct
Relationship
Livelihood
Practice contemplative listening—“obedience” as ob-audire, listening from one's depths toward a higher truth—and drawing inspiration from one another as we chart our own unique paths.
Offer you support in creating your own rule of life—inspired and informed by the wisdom traditions, but ultimately authored by you.
*Participants in the course will have the option of joining a journey group after the 5-week offering concludes. These groups will be limited to 20 participants, meet monthly, and continue to deepen their meditative rhythms together throughout 2026.
Course Details:
When: Every Tuesday, starting March 31st from 6-7:30 pm MT
Dates: 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28
Where: Online via Zoom
Tuition (2 Options):
$250 - Live, weekly via zoom (recordings will be sent after each session)
$200 - Recordings ONLY (will not receive zoom link)
Scholarships: Thanks to our generous donors and supporters, we have scholarship funds available for each of our offerings. Please email us at info@lowerlightswisdom.org to be considered. In your email tell us about your financial situation and why you would like to be considered.
Cancellation Policy: No tuition refunds will be available within 30 days of the course. If you have registered for the course and can no longer attend, you have the option of finding someone to take your spot within the 30-day cutoff, or enjoying the recordings. Otherwise, you will forego the tuition payment. If you sign up for the course and withdraw at least 30 days before the start of the retreat, Lower Lights will refund 90% of your tuition payment. The spirit of this policy is to encourage participants to take full responsibility for the retreat spot they reserve.
This will be an intimate group of intentional pilgrims breaking new ground with Thomas and the Lower Lights team. We invite you to join the caravan!