Join us online for Centering Prayer Meditation m May 5pm via zoom with Kathryn Pile. ALL WELCOME!
Dear Meditators
This week is the third in a series of three meditations taken from Cynthia Bourgeault’s book, The Heart of Centering Prayer, where we’ll contemplate aspects of heart meditation that she clearly articulates from the ancient teachings of ‘Put your mind in your heart’ as opposed to hearing with contemporary ears and filters, heart equating with emotions..
This week, with its words on Being…
These words are intentional. It’s a time to experience where and if any word or phrase stands out for you. Take what you need of them into your silence as your centering prayer.
Cynthia first quotes Thomas Keating:
Thomas Keating recognized that contemplative practice allows a person to view life’s inevitable emotional upsets like a second-rate movie – you realize that you can just walk out. Whatever it is that allows us to take a step back is described as emerging from ‘ordinary unconsciousness’ into “awareness of being.” She says when you are completely empty of yourself, having surrendered to God’s presence, then you are intensely full of pure “I am;” the creative outpouring energy.
Since Centering prayer works entirely with “intention” not attention, there is no focal point for attention, not even breath or mantra [once we enter our Silence]. Like most beginners, Cynthia says, she thought that the aim in Centering prayer was to let go of her thoughts so that God could “fill” her with his presence. One day she suddenly realized that the God story was the side-show and the letting go was the main event. She recognized that thoughts were not the obstacle; they were the raw material, as every opportunity to practice releasing that focal point for attention deepens the reservoir of…freedom within and strengthens the signal of the homing beacon of our heart.
As you begin to relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intent on surrendering to God’s presence, release your focus point, and attention to breath, recalling your sacred image or word to help you to return to your center.
Love and every blessing Kathryn
Cynthia Bourgeault, The Heart of Centering Prayer, p 78-92.
We are using this app to assist.
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-mobile-app
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn. You can see it here
Let us know how you are finding this time – we always like to hear from you😊
Peace and health at this time Irene & Damien