“Nothing seems to be happening so I am going to quit.”
You begin a meditation or silent prayer practice only to quit a few weeks later.
Don’t quit.
Give it time!
You need to be in it for the long term.
When you first start to play an instrument you learn how to read music and play the notes.
One note at a time.
Soon you are playing simple songs.
So you continue to practice and hone your skills.
Day after day.
Week after week.
Month after month.
Year after year.
And now you are playing longer and more beautiful and powerful pieces.
Meditation is like this.
Meditation is an act of love for yourself and others.
Each time you sit, you slow down.
And continue to slow down.
And continue to slow down.
Eventually it becomes a place you come from.
It grounds you.
It prepares you for your daily life.
And you cannot imagine your life without it.
Go Further:
Be Still and Listen: Experience the Presence of God in Your Life by Amos Smith
The Path of Centering Prayer: Deepening Your Experience of God by David Frenette
An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation, and Liberation by Martin Laird
The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice by Cynthia Bourgeault
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Contemplative Light offers courses on contemplative practices (Christian Meditation, Centering Prayer, The Examen, Lectio Divina, The Jesus Prayer), the Christian mystics (ancient and current) and spiritual writing. Peruse their wonderful offerings.
Centering Prayer as a Way of Life by Contemplative Outreach, Pamela Begeman, Mary Anne Best, Julie Saad: In this, the third offering of this year’s trilogy on Centering Prayer, we will explore how the practice of Centering Prayer evolves into a surrendered life of inner peace and equanimity despite the busy and often tumultuous circumstances of daily life in the 21st century. As the inner room begins to expand its walls beyond the twice-daily practice of Centering Prayer, the Spirit takes over our life more and more, and we begin to accept ourselves just as we are, God as God is, and all reality as it is. From this disposition of true humility, enlarged under the influence of God’s grace, we live in the Kingdom of God here and now, which is a state of consciousness ever-attentive to the presence of God in the midst of ordinary life.
Centering Prayer as Practice and Process by Contemplative Outreach, Pamela Begeman, Mary Anne Best, Julie Saad: If you are new to Centering Prayer or wishing to renew your practice, this retreat will assist you with deepening your relationship with God. We will focus on teaching and practicing the method of Centering Prayer; review its place in the Christian tradition, its conceptual background, and psychological process; and share insights into establishing Centering Prayer as a way of life.
Lean In, Lighten Up and Let Go Practices for a Deeper Commitment to the Contemplative Life by Contemplative Outreach, Mary Dwyer: This retreat encourages a life of prayer and practice, both “on the chair” and in daily life. It will support you in making a deeper commitment to your relationship with God, and strengthen your ability to live the contemplative life through dedication to prayer and practice, all within the normal routines of everyday life.
For over 2000 years men and women have set out for the hills, fields and mountains to become Monks – searching for happiness, freedom, peace, joy, balance, fulfillment, confidence, stability, passion and God.
