Force and flow.
Centering Prayer teaches us to let go.
We go with the flow.
We do not need to force things.
That is just too tiring.
It does not mean we do not work hard.
It does not mean we do not set goals.
It does not mean we do not accomplish things.
It does not mean we let others walk all over us and tell us what we must do.
We are still in charge of our lives.
It just means we learn to get into a flow.
This flow seems more natural and life giving.
We listen to what life tells us and we act accordingly.
We flow with life.
P.S. Need help listening to what your life tells you? Contact me about my coaching. I can help you.
Go Further:
Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin Laird
Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation by Phileena Heuertz
Four Gifts: Seeking Self-Care for Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength by April Yamasaki
Becoming an Ordinary Mystic: Spirituality for the Rest of Us by Albert Haase, OFM
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Enjoy my newest Centering Prayer video: We are not always our thoughts.
I just updated my New Books and New Courses section on my Resource Page. Feel free to peruse.
Embracing Living: The Welcoming Prayer by Contemplative Outreach, Mary Dwyer, Therese Saulnier, Cherry Haisten, Jim McElroy: The Welcoming Prayer is a method of consenting to God’s presence and action in our physical and emotional reactions to events and situations in daily life. If Centering Prayer (or another daily prayer) is practiced for one hour of the day, the Welcoming Prayer is for the other 23 hours. It is a “letting go” in the present moment, in the midst of the activity of ordinary life.
Ignatian Spirituality for Everyday Life by Margaret Silf: This e-course invites you into a journey of exploration into this practical, real-world approach to Christian spirituality. Discover something of the real Ignatius. Let him guide you into the creative power of your own desires and offer you tools for making wiser choices. Try out some of the methods of prayer and reflection that he suggests, and engage with the power of scriptural meditation. Learn to notice what is moving in your heart, and discern which movements are coming from the deepest core of your being, where God is indwelling.
Promises of the Heart By Carl McColman: This all-new e-course celebrates the wisdom of the heart by drawing from sources like The Heart Sutra in Buddhism, the poetry of Rumi from the Sufi Muslim tradition, the writings of Christian mystics like Julian of Norwich, and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a Hindu sage. All over the world, great teachers have revealed the promises of the heart — promises we can weave into our own spiritual practice to embody a more joyful and conscious life.
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.
Prayer-Bracelet: Authentic Orthodox prayer ropes and bracelets are handmade by monks in the Orthodox monastaries reciting a prayer for every knot they tie. Peruse their prayer ropes and bracelets that are all handmade, provided by several orthodox churches around the globe.
Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks – This is a great way to listen to books with your cell phone while you drive, walk or relax at home. I frequently listen in my car during my commute to and from work. I’m a proud affiliate.
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.
Rich, you are so faithful in sharing your message and in providing helpful resources. Thank you for caring.
Thanks. Centering Prayer has been so life giving and life changing to me that I simply wish to share it with those who want to learn more.