Fear, Worry, Anxiety, Anger, Sadness

The silence of Centering Prayer is a safe place to sit with and then ever so gently let go of your often harmful emotions.

– Fear

– Worry

– Anxiety

– Loneliness

– Sadness

– Anger

– Rage

– Jealousy

You do not need to carry the weight of your emotions with you all day.

It is just too tiring!

It impacts your productivity and focus.

It hurts  your relationships with others.

Bring these emotions to your silent sit and leave them there.

I have noticed that the silence often seems to replace these emotions with:

– Inner peace

– Wisdom for daily tasks

– Excitement for life

– Confidence

– Joy

– Compassion

– Empathy

– Patience

I arise from my sit a different person than the one who entered it.

I then take these new dispositions into my daily life, relationships and tasks.

Whenever I again feel the heavy weight of these harmful emotions, all I need to do is once again enter the silence of Centering Prayer.

And let the silence heal me and soothe me.

Go Further:

Open Mind, Open Heart 20th Anniversary Edition  by Thomas Keating and Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening were the first two books I read as I began my Centering Prayer practice.

Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer  by Richard Rohr

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life — A Companion Journal  by Richard Rohr

Living In God:  Contemplative Prayer and Contemplative Action by Nicholas Amato

Christian Meditation by James Finley

 

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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.

The Teachings of Meister Eckhart: An Invitation to Experience God in Every Moment:  The 13th-century mystic Meister Eckhart was the most brilliant Christian scholar of his day, but he was also legendary for the way that he opened listeners to the direct experience of God during his public talks. Today, his written wisdom remains alive as ever, ready to illuminate us. James Finley, one of today’s best-known teachers of the Christian contemplative tradition, invites us into Eckhart’s insights in the same way that this luminary teacher delighted in sharing them—through the spoken word.

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.

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