Conversatio Divina

Ali Male August 11, 2024

Desert Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom for Overcoming Vices with Virtues

Perhaps you have discovered Christopher Hall’s video series, Desert Spirituality. If not, it’s not too late.

If so, you know that his purpose was to share wisdom from a variety of abbas and ammas who found authentic transformation in that arid, solitary learning space. The desert, and desert experiences, were welcomed as a good place to come to know God.

We are pleased to announce this week that Alison (Ali) Male, MD, an accomplished geneticist, Renovaré Institute alum, and student of the Enneagram, has written a leader’s guide for small groups which follows the order of the videos.

Truth be known, “abba” Chris graciously agreed to use the order of the Enneagram in creating his teaching sessions. That was all “amma” Ali needed to create this wonderful resource for small groups.

Desert Spirituality covers the nine vices and corresponding virtues highlighted by the Enneagram. And Ali’s study guide follows this pattern in creating a simple, user-friendly study guide that allows participants to:

  • Meet a desert personality
  • Consider a vice
  • Be inspired to cultivate a virtue
  • Receive an invitation into practices which can help us to learn how to love better.
  • And consult her excellent Appendix section to gain deeper insights from the perspective of the Enneagram.

Enjoy the learning space.

Part 2 of 10
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Anger

Ali Male
Session 01
Part 3 of 10
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Pride

Ali Male
Session 02
Part 5 of 10
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Envy

Ali Male
Session 04
Part 6 of 10
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Greed

Ali Male
Session 05
Part 7 of 10
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Fear

Ali Male
Session 06
Part 9 of 10
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Lust

Ali Male
Session 08
Part 10 of 10
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Sloth

Ali Male
Session 09