Part of the discipline of Centering Prayer is that, at least during the time of our prayer, we stay in the present moment.
Centering Prayer teaches us to be present to life.
We enjoy our meals and our discussion with friends, family or co workers.
We are present and fully focused on our daily tasks.
We actually listen to the person who talks to us and not plan what we will say next.
We watch and listen to our child show us how proud they are when they ride a bike for the first time.
We notice when someone needs help and we stop what we do to assist them.
We read a book or watch a movie, not plan our day or ruminate on the past.
We drink a cup of coffee on our deck and look out at the trees and blue sky.
We feel the ground on the base of our feet as we stroll through the neighborhood, smell the barbecue aromas from the neighbors’ grills, look at the new shrubs and flowers in the neighbor’s front beds or listen to the children laugh and play.
To be present is a wonderful gift.
Don’t let it pass by you unnoticed!
Go Further:
Manifesting God by Thomas Keating
Intimacy with God: An Introduction to Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating
Open Mind, Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition by Thomas Keating
Invitation to Love 20th Anniversary Edition: The Way of Christian Contemplation by Thomas Keating
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Holy Silence: The Quaker Way by J. Brent Bill: Quaker silence is not about stillness, as such, but rather about encountering God in a living and vital holy hush. This e-course encourages women and men to undertake a journey of spiritual silence. The destination is a quiet inner place where God teaches us directly. Friends (as Quakers are formally known) have been honing their take on silence for more than 350 years. It’s a silence that invites us to an immediate and personal encounter with God. That’s because Quakers believe that when we are silent, then the Spirit of God grants us insights, guidance, and understanding of spiritual truth.
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Thank you for posting so many resources for centering prayer in one place.
Thanks for perusing. I appreciate it!