Further to our reflections on handling thoughts during prayer time, Cynthia Bourgeault in her book, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, suggests that the goal in Centering Prayer is not to stop thoughts, but simply to develop a detached attitude towards them. As long as they are coming and going there is no need to be constantly repeating your sacred Word. The Word is only used to help you jump off the boat and swim back down to your little diver’s rock on the bed of the stream (of your consciousness) once you realise you’ve been caught.
- Cynthia tells us that while it’s hard to describe exactly how this happens, it’s quite normal in Centering Prayer to know that thoughts are going on, but to know as well that you have absolutely no attraction to them. These two actions going on at the same time she calls simultaneity, where you are aware but honestly know that the activity at the surface is in no way disrupting your quietly gathered being at the depths.
- With faithful practice you will notice a pattern; a very important piece of spiritual learning – that access to the deeper realms is somehow related to this act of letting go…or
As you prepare to relax in body and mind, to slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, allow yourself hear the words of Psalm 46:10,
“Be still and know that I am God” surrendering to…
Be still and know that I am,
Be still and know,
Be still,
Be…
Love and every blessing
Kathryn
