Wellsprings of Life
Quaker Wisdom in Chant

An inspiring collection of 19 soul-nourishing chants, composed from words of Quaker writers and leaders spanning the course of three centuries.

The words reflect the contemplative wisdom of Quaker spirituality, which is at the root of Quaker practice of peace, integrity, simplicity and equality. While this album has some songs similar to Paulette's first album of Quaker chant-like songs, sung in monophonic a cappella style, most of the chants here are beautifully embellished with piano, bass and harmony vocals and are shorter and meant for group singing. Flute, cello and native flute are also part of the mix.
"Paulette’s chants open a door to the pearls of transformative wisdom waiting to be discovered in the Quaker mystical tradition. This new album sparkles with the message of joy and steadfastness, even in the midst of troubled seas. Concepts as subtle and challenging as inner stillness, non-attachment, and the inward Christ Spirit come powerfully alive through these mystical chants. One can drink these chants in, almost like an elixir of hope!"
      -Cynthia Bourgeault, author and teacher of the Christian Contemplative and Wisdom traditions

Story of the Album

PictureCynthia, Marcelle, Nick, Paulette and Andrew (behind the piano!) at Pendle Hill, May 2019.
These new chants were primarily composed in conjunction with two "Quaker Wisdom Schools" held at 2017 and 2019 at Pendle Hill, a Quaker retreat center near Philadelphia.  Marcelle Martin, a Quaker educator, joined Paulette and contemplative Christian author and leader Cynthia Bourgeault in co-leading the sessions. Paulette created new chants based in large part on the inspiring texts that Marcelle selected for her teachings on Quaker spirituality.  At the 2019 Wisdom School,  a mix of 80+ Quakers and Wisdom Community members joined in singing the new chants together, aided by the soulful and often spirited accompaniment of Andrew and Nick. By the end of the week, participants decided to start a pledge drive to make sure the songs could get recorded. Administrative support was generously provided by Northeast Wisdom, an organization that supports the work of Cynthia Bourgeault and the Wisdom Community in expanding and deepening contemplative Christian practice for spiritual transformation. You can learn more about their organization at: https://northeastwisdom.org/ or contact directly at [email protected].

Photo Page

A story of joy and rehearsals on this photo page with captions.

Friends journal article

Read an article about Paulette Meier's ministry in the Friend's journal.