Students of Life: Transforming the World Together
About This Event
In these uncertain and challenging times, the importance of connection and togetherness is paramount. Both action and contemplation are essential for a complete spiritual journey, but we cannot undertake this journey alone.
Students of Life: Transforming the World Together is a celebration of our collective journey — a call to unite in contemplative action through the transformative power of shared purpose.
Through speaker presentations, workshops, and discussions, we will explore how our inner spiritual work, grounded in the Christian contemplative tradition, can translate into impactful, real-world change when done together.
Becoming Students of Life
To be a student of life is to embrace all of life as an opportunity for prayer and connection. The day-to-day moments we experience become the curriculum of our lives, teaching us what we need to know to grow together in faith and community, and to work towards the healing of our world. Drawing strength and stability from spiritual practice and from each other, a student of life learns to rely on their connection with God and others to navigate life’s complexities with grace and resilience.
On our own we can do very little. But together, we can face challenges, support one another, and work hand in hand to transform and heal our hurting world.
Speakers
Carmen Acevedo Butcher
Affiliate Faculty
Carmen Acevedo Butcher, PhD, is an award-winning author, poet, and translator of spiritual texts. She teaches at UC Berkeley, focusing on language evolution and inclusive communication. Her work highlights the power of words and the connection between personal and global healing. Learn more.
James Finley
CAC Faculty
Dr. Jim Finley is a clinical psychologist and contemplative practitioner. Drawing from his experience as a former monk and spiritual directee of Thomas Merton, Jim offers trustworthy guidance for the spiritual journey through this website, online courses, and retreats.
Learn more.
Barbara Holmes
CAC Faculty
Rev. Dr. Barbara Holmes was a spiritual teacher, activist, and scholar focused on African American spirituality, mysticism, cosmology and culture. She was President Emerita of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Memphis Theological Seminary (2005–2010). Learn more.
Brian McLaren
Dean of Core Faculty
Dr. Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” that is just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. Learn more.
Richard Rohr
CAC Founder & Faculty Emeritus
An internationally recognized author and spiritual leader, Fr. Richard teaches primarily on incarnational mysticism, nondual consciousness, and contemplation, with a particular emphasis on how these affect the social justice issues of our time. Learn more.
Randy Woodley
Affiliate Faculty
Randy Woodley, PhD, is the co-founder of Eloheh Indigenous Center for Earth Justice and Eloheh Farm & Seeds, promoting sustainable farming and Earth justice. Randy, a retired professor, writes and speaks on American culture, faith, justice, race, and Indigenous issues, emphasizing the natural world’s role in our lives and Indigenous wisdom. Learn more.
Event Details
This 3-day in-person conference is for former Living School students and CAC partners. This event is invite-only and will take place in New Mexico at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya (north of Albuquerque) on November 1 – 3, 2024. Event details are subject to change.
Main Stage & Elective Sessions
Each day features mainstage teaching from CAC faculty, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Brian McLaren, and guests. Elective sessions will explore the themes of each day’s mainstage presentation more thoroughly and from diverse perspectives. These sessions are designed to enhance your understanding and engagement with the core concepts discussed on the main stage, allowing for personalized and in-depth exploration and discussion. We will share more details about the elective sessions closer to the event.
Meals
Lunch will be provided daily. Coffee, water, and other beverages will be available in the morning and throughout the day. Registration also includes a special reception dinner on Saturday, Nov. 2. Please indicate any dietary needs when you register.
Registration Details
Registration will be open from July 10 through October 23 or until the event has reached capacity.
A webcast option will be available for registration in September, and will only feature portions of the mainstage presentations. All in-person registrations will have access to the webcast for 30 days after the event.
Cost
The cost to register for this event is $695.
This price accurately reflects the cost of hosting an in-person event of this scale. To support those who may experience this amount as a barrier to attending, we are offering a limited number of scholarships to help offset the cost of registration. Scholarships are not applicable towards travel and lodging expenses.
Apply for a scholarship to Students of Life.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please apply prior to registering. Contact our Community Support team with any questions or to learn more.
Location
This event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya (north of Albuquerque) on the Santa Ana Indian Reservation. The Tamaya was the original venue for Living School symposia from 2013 – 2015. Fees from this event will directly benefit the Pueblo of Santa Ana.
We have reserved the Hyatt Regency Tamaya for conference participants and guests to ensure a dedicated space for attendees to deepen connection and strengthen our community.
You will have the opportunity to pay for a room at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya when you register for the event. You will need to use a separate form to reserve a room at the Santa Ana Star Casino.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Room Rates
Room rates are based on the number of guests staying in each room and cover check-in on Thursday, October 31, 2024, through check-out on Monday, November 4, 2024. Conference attendees may bring guests. Although the conference is only open to those who register, guests staying onsite at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya are welcome to take advantage of the many amenities available. Learn more about amenities at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya.
When you register you will be asked to select the number of guests staying in your room. Available room types include King (1 bed) and Queen (2 beds).
- 1 or 2 guests: $1,175
- 3 guests: $1,375
- 4 guests: $1,425
Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Santa Ana Star Casino Room Rates
We have reserved an additional block of rooms at the nearby Santa Ana Star Casino for $159 per night. This rate is specially discounted for Students of Life in-person participants and guests. The rate will increase after Oct. 17 or when all the rooms in our block have been reserved.
You will need the group code BKG609 and password BKG609. You can also call 1-844-466-2378 and give the code BKG609 to their reservation agents. Click here to learn more and reserve.
CAC will provide transportation between the Santa Ana Star Casino and the Hyatt Regency Tamaya, where the event will occur. The locations are approximately 2.5 miles apart. We will share more transportation details closer to the event.
Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 31
Arrival and Check-in
Friday, Nov. 1
8:30 am: Welcome and Opening Ceremony
9:00 am: Session 1: Contemplation as a Transformative Path
Featured speaker: James Finley. This session includes a dialogue with James Finley, Richard Rohr, and CAC staff.
10:20 am: BREAK
10:40 am: Session 2: Contemplation: Past, Present, and Future
Featured Speakers: Brian McLaren, James Finley, Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Randy Woodley, and CAC staff.
12:30 pm: CATERED LUNCH
Optional BIPOC Affinity Group Lunch: This is a lunch for BIPOC attendees to get to know each other and learn how their involvement with CAC is impacting their lives. Please scroll to the bottom of this section for more details.
1:30 pm: Elective Session #1
Topics include self-guided practice, collective contemplation, embodiment practices, action-oriented workshops, information on CAC programming, and theological and philosophical panel discussions.
2:30 pm: BREAK
2:45 pm: Elective Session #2
Topics include self-guided practice, collective contemplation, embodiment practices, action-oriented workshops, information on CAC programming, and theological and philosophical panel discussions.
3:45 pm: BREAK
4:00 pm: Closing Session
4:15 pm: End of Day One
7:00 pm: Optional Evening Activity
Celebrating the Spirituality of Dr. Barbara Holmes
An optional viewing of the last recorded teaching from Dr. Barbara Holmes for the new Living School Essentials Course. Featuring CAC staff reflecting on working with Dr. B over the last few years.
Saturday, Nov. 2
8:30 am: Welcome and Opening Ceremony
9:00 am: Session 3: Personal Transformation Through Difficulty
Featured speaker: Carmen Acevedo Butcher. This session includes a dialogue with James Finley, Carmen Acevedo Butcher, and CAC staff.
10:20 am: BREAK
10:40 am: Session 4: Collective Transformation Through Difficulty
With CAC Faculty and Staff.
12:30 pm: CATERED LUNCH
Optional LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Lunch: This is a lunch for LGBTQIA+ attendees to get to know each other and learn how their involvement with CAC is impacting their lives. Please scroll to the bottom of this section for more details.
1:30 pm: Elective Session #1
Topics include self-guided practice, collective contemplation, embodiment practices, action-oriented workshops, information on CAC programming, and theological and philosophical panel discussions.
2:30 pm: BREAK
2:45 pm: Elective Session #2
Topics include self-guided practice, collective contemplation, embodiment practices, action-oriented workshops, information on CAC programming, and theological and philosophical panel discussions.
3:45 pm: BREAK
4:00 pm: Closing Session
4:15 pm: End of Day Two
7:00 pm: Optional Evening Activity
Catered Banquet
Sunday, Nov. 3
8:30 am: Welcome and Opening Ceremony
9:00 am: Session 5: Eloheh: A Vision of Harmony
Featured speakers: Randy Woodley
10:20 am: BREAK
10:40 am: Session 6: Partnering Together in Loving Action
Featured speaker: Brian McLaren. This session includes a dialogue with Brian McLaren, Richard Rohr, and CAC staff.
NOON: Closing Ceremony
This session includes a dialogue with Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Brian McLaren, and Randy Woodley.
12:30 pm: Boxed Lunches Catered
END OF CONFERENCE
Optional post-conference activities will be announced closer to the event.
BIPOC Affinity Group Lunch Details: Friday, Nov. 1
Who is this for?
Those who have a lived experience of identifying as Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, Biracial, or Multiracial. This lunch is not for those whose lived experience is as a white person, even if they have non-white genes, have lived as a white minority in a BIPOC majority culture, see themselves as an ally, want to learn about the BIPOC experience, or want to learn about racism.
What’s the purpose of this lunch?
This is a lunch for BIPOC Students of Life attendees to get to know each other and learn about each other’s involvement with the CAC and how that involvement is impacting their life.
What is the format?
After a brief welcome and introduction, participants will be given two questions to answer as conversation starters. There will be a facilitator at the table to help keep the conversation going.
LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group Lunch Details: Saturday, Nov. 2
Who is this for?
Those who have a lived experience of identifying as LGBTQIA+ even if they have not come out. This lunch is not for those whose lived experience is as a straight and cisgender person, even if they have family members who are LGBTQIA+, see themselves as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, or want to learn about the LGBTQIA+ experience.
What’s the purpose of this lunch?
This is a lunch for LGBTQIA+ Students of Life attendees to get to know each other and learn about each other’s involvement with the CAC and how that involvement is impacting their lives.
What is the format?
After a brief welcome and introduction, participants will be given two questions to answer as conversation starters. There will be a facilitator at the table to help keep the conversation going.
Event details are subject to change.
Electives
The Students of Life elective sessions will take place in the afternoons and will be led by some of today’s most inspiring contemplative thinkers and practitioners. There will be two sessions each day, with four options in each section.
In addition to the elective sessions, join us for planned book signings throughout the weekend with CAC faculty and conference presenters. All times are in MT. Event details are subject to change. Please keep in mind that elective sessions are only for those registered for the in-person event and are not included in the webcast experience.
Friday, Nov. 1
Elective Session 1
1:30 – 2:30 p.m
Yoga Practice: Trauma-informed, gentle yoga class. All levels are welcome!
Creation Care: Envision a sustainable future through an Indigenous perspective, examining the current climate crisis and how we find our way out.
Engaging Across Political Difference: Use active listening and storytelling to find common values and move towards empathy.
From Spiritual Consumer to Practitioner: Learn how to build a daily contemplative practice that supports and sustains a well-integrated life.
Elective Session 2
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Yoga Practice: Trauma-informed, gentle yoga class. All levels are welcome!
Cultivating Joy: Learn how to develop a practice of cultivating ineffable joy.
Seasons of Leadership: Explore the gifts and limitations of seasons of our lives, organizations, and movements. Learn how these ebbs and flows help us co-create a more just and connected world.
Queering Contemplation: Explore how the contemplative dissolves our preconceived notions and expectations. All genders and sexualities welcome!
Saturday, Nov. 2
Elective Session 3
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Sound Bath: Journey through sound with bells, singing bowls, and chants. Pillows and blankets welcome!
Guided Movement Practice: Listen to the wisdom of the body as a pathway to integration and connection. All types of ability welcome!
Sharing & Holding Stories of Grief: Explore the sacred and transformative act of grief storytelling on the healing path. Learn how to be a safe place to both share and receive stories of grief.
Franciscan Hearted Advocacy: Participate in facilitated Franciscan Justice Circles and learn how to advocate with compassion.
Elective Session 4
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Sound Bath: Journey through sound with bells, singing bowls, and chants. Pillows and blankets welcome!
Guided Movement Practice: Listen to the wisdom of the body as a pathway to integration and connection. All types of ability welcome!
Healing Soul & Society: Discuss how deep, internal work, such as the ritual of pilgrimage, directly impacts how we embody equity, justice, and peace in our communities.
Spirituality & Money: Weave together contemplative, social justice, and transformative money practices that bring our engagement with money into alignment with the mystical heart.
Event details are subject to change. Please keep in mind that elective sessions are only for those registered for the in-person event and are not included in the webcast experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, only Living School alumni and CAC Partners can attend the Student of Life Conference. CAC Partners are organizations the CAC is in relationship with whose work supports or aligns with our mission and vision.
Guests of conference attendees are welcome to enjoy the Tamaya Resort or engage in independent plans during the event. Please note that guests will not be able to participate in the Saturday, Nov. 2 dinner.
We have reserved an additional block of rooms at the nearby Santa Ana Star Casino for $159 per night. This rate is specially discounted for Students of Life in-person participants and guests. The rate will increase after Oct. 17 or when all the rooms in our block have been reserved.
You will need the group code BKG609 and password BKG609. You can also call 1-844-466-2378 and give the code BKG609 to their reservation agents. Click here to learn more and reserve.
A webcast option will be available for registration in September, and will only feature portions of the mainstage presentations. All in-person registrations will have access to the webcast for 30 days after the event.
This registration price accurately reflects the cost of hosting an in-person event of this scale. To support those who may experience this amount as a barrier to attending, we are offering a limited number of scholarships to help offset the cost of registration. Scholarships are not applicable towards travel and lodging expenses.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please apply prior to registering. Contact our Community Support team with any questions or to learn more.
We cannot pair people together for room sharing. However, if you were in the Living School, you can contact other alumni to find out if there is anyone looking for a roommate.
No. You can select your room at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya when you register for the event (while available). If you stay at the Santa Ana Star Casino, you will reserve and pay for your room separately from your event registration.
Yes, our online payment processing is secure. If you want to use a different form of payment, please contact our Community Support team.
We understand plans sometimes change. Please read our cancellation policy carefully:
- To cancel your event registration and request a refund, please send your request to our Community Support team or CAC Customer Service, P.O. Box 12464, Albuquerque, NM 87195.
- If written notice of your cancellation is received by the CAC on or before August 1, 2024, the amount of each cancelled registration will be fully refunded to the credit card used to register. If your registration includes a room, that amount will also be fully refunded.
- If written notice of your cancellation is received by the CAC on or before September 2, 2024, the amount of each cancelled registration will be assessed a fee of $50, with the remainder refunded to the credit card used to register. If your registration includes a room, the amount of your room will also be refunded minus a $350 charge.
- If written notice of your cancellation is received by the CAC on or before October 1, 2024, the amount of each cancelled registration will be assessed as a cancellation fee of $100, with the remainder refunded to the credit card used for registration. If your registration includes a room, the amount of your room will also be refunded minus a $700 charge.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to refund event registrations or rooms that are cancelled after October 1, 2024.
Yes, the daily lunches and the dinner on Saturday night (Nov. 2) will have gluten-free and vegan options. If you need additional dietary requirements, please indicate them when you register.
The conference agenda and schedule will be available closer to the event.
Once you register, you will be notified when there are program updates and when the full agenda is available.
All Tamaya event lodging purchased at the time of registration covers check-in on Thursday, October 31, 2024, through check-out on Monday, November 4, 2024, with check-in being at 4:00 pm, and check-out at 11 am. All additional lodging must be booked directly with Tamaya.
If you do book any additional night’s stay at Tamaya, please notify Community Support. While we cannot guarantee the Tamaya will keep you in the same room for the entirety of your stay, they are trying to accommodate this where possible.
CAC will arrange transportation to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya for those staying at the Santa Ana Star Casino. Details will be shared closer to the event.
CAC will not be able to organize any transportation to and from the airport to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya or other accommodations.