I am currently doing some research for a Doctor of Ministry thesis in which, within the Canadian experience, I am focussing on what I percieve as people's indifference toward "organized religion" but who still have a deep desire to develop a "spiritual life".

I would be interested in hearing from people who are not so keen on  participating in regular church congregational worship, but may already be including or are open to including in their spiritual journey the classic ancient Christian spiritual disciplines (practices) such as Lectio Divina, walking the labyrinth, meditation, service, simplicity, fasting, prayer, retreat, devotional reading, to name a few.

I look forward to hearing any comments, reflections and personal experiences that anyone might have with respect to why they find (or might find) participation in the ancient disciplines more helpful to their spiritual journey than "organized religion". I would also appreciate it if you could pass along the contents of this posting to any of your friends or acquaintences who might find it of interest.

Many thanks.