Welcome to Centering Prayer Meditation with Kathryn Pile 5pm.
Dear Meditators
We will start the new year with reflections from a lecture by Thomas Keating on The Human Condition. Whilst each form of meditation has its own way of quieting the ordinary mind and taking us deeper into a state of ‘being,’ what many of us especially appreciate about Thomas Keating is the work he has done to make accessible the practice of Centering Prayer. In this practice, Father Keating has melded elements of Christian mystical tradition into a practice elementary enough for any of us to learn, but which over time, may help effect a process of spiritual transformation… a practice bringing us to a deeper experience of God, freedom and joy. (A more detailed introduction to the practice of Centering Prayer can be found here on the website).
The aim of our meditation as always is to create a sacred space for God’s Presence…and by maintaining our intention towards that Presence, through breath, image or word (if distracted), and ultimately through silence…experience a response from God’s Presence at an individual heart felt level. This is the heart of Centering Prayer.
Let’s begin…with some words from Thomas Keating on ‘The Human Condition,’ to take us into our meditation
- ‘Where are you’? This is one of the greatest questions of all time. We know that in Genesis God asked this of Adam and Eve…it’s not just about Adam and Eve, it’s really about us…the same question…Where are you, God asks? Why are you hiding? Where am I? Where am I in relation to God, to myself, and to others? These are basic questions of human life…as soon as we have answered; we have begun the spiritual search for God.
- The spiritual journey is primarily a process of grace…the false self is deeply entrenched…when we quieten our thinking mind and place ourselves in the presence of God in faith, we open ourselves to the Spirit, calling us to transformation of our innermost being…into the divine way of being and acting.
Relax now in body and mind, slow your breathing, and enter your meditation, centering your prayer, your will and intention on a fresh discovery of ‘where am I,’ allowing yourself to respond to the Spirit calling you to transformation of your innermost being…
Love and every blessing for this new year,
Kathryn
Thomas Keating, The Human condition, p 7-22.
Remember to watch an introduction to Centering Prayer Meditation. You can see it here
Let me know how you are finding this time – If you have any suggestions or requests. I always like to hear from you.
Kathryn