On September 24th, Shaila Catherine, principle teacher of IMSB, and Erik Swanson, pastor of Westhope Presbyterian Church, spoke about living a contemplative life in Silicon Valley. They guided the meditation together that included mindfulness and Lectio Divina, and then led an inspiring discussion. Study, reflection, and silence are practices common to both traditions. Shaila and Erik each model the possibility that it is possible to have a deep contemplative practice in the midst of the busyness that is characteristic of this area. We shared in meditation and prayer together, and explored the question, “what is the distinction between meditation and prayer?”