“I am learning to step back and observe my thoughts.”
This is what a practice such as Centering Prayer will do for you.
It helps you slow down.
You are not your thoughts.
You are not who your family, friends, employer or even the community says you need to be.
The ability to take a step back and observe your thoughts is true freedom.
They are just thoughts.
Many of them are just not true.
Do you ever find yourself getting caught up in an endless loop of destructive thoughts?
It really is not very productive.
It stops you from living in the present moment.
These thoughts stop you from doing the things you are capable of doing.
So……
The next time you find yourself thinking thoughts that say you are not good enough, take a step back.
Observe them.
Separate them from you.
They are not you!
Let them go!
Go further:
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer
The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s Perfection by Michael Singer
Tools Matter: Beginning the Spiritual Journey (The Matters Series) by Mary Margaret Funk
Thoughts Matter: Discovering the Spiritual Journey (The Matters Series) by Mary Margaret Funk
Open Mind, Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition by Thomas Keating
Resurrecting Jesus: Embodying the Spirit of a Revolutionary Mystic by Adyshanti
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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.
A Journey of Discernment with the teachings of Mary Margaret Funk and other contemplative voices by Contemplative Outreach, Mary Margaret Funk: This e-course explores the contemplative approach to discerning the small and large decisions in life, which comes from cultivating a life practice of unceasing prayer (whatever types of prayer that may encompass for you). Discernment means sorting our thoughts and following the impulse of grace given by the Holy Spirit. As Sr. Meg writes, “Since we are not our thoughts, we can observe them rising and follow the ones that are from God.” This is a way of coming more awake and discovering the spark of divinity burning in our hearts.
Poetry and Prayer from the Celtic Tradition by Carl McColman: The traditional Celtic people of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales wove prayers, blessings, poems, and songs into every aspect of their daily lives — using the power of language to blend a rich spirituality of presence and wisdom into the very fabric of their being. Many of these poetic invocations and charming poems were collected by folklorist Alexander Carmichael over 100 years ago and preserved in the book Carmina Gadelica — the “Charms of the Gaels.”
Celtic Spirituality At the Edge of Mystery by Carl McColman: Consider it a pilgrimage into one of the best examples of everyday spirituality. Celtic wisdom and poetry encourages us to recognize the holy all around us, honors and protects the sacred earth, gives inspiration to free our creative voice, and presents a holistic path that links the quest for holiness with an embodied sense of Divine love.
Drawing from the wisdom of monastic life, modern psychology and best practices in personal productivity, the Monk Manual provides a daily system that will help you find clarity, purpose, wisdom, and peace in the moments that make up your life.
