“It is hard to sit still.”
How will sitting still help me?
I should be doing things.
There is much work to be done.
Sitting still is a precious gift you can give to yourself.
When you sit still you rest your body.
When you sit still and let go during Centering Prayer you still your inner chatter.
Your inner chatter often tells you things that are just not true.
-I cannot handle this.
-I am not good enough.
-I should not speak up.
-Who will listen to me anyhow?
-What can I possibly bring to the table?
-Who am I to try this?
-What will other people think?
Your inner chatter regrets past decisions and worries about future actions.
It stops you from living and enjoying life NOW.
When you sit still and let go with the use of your sacred word during Centering Prayer you open to the presence and actions of God within.
God acts in you.
God prays in you.
God replaces your inner chatter with:
-I love you!
-Let your voice be heard.
-You are confident.
-You can do this.
-You can handle this.
-Don’t deprive the world of your special gifts.
-Don’t be afraid to try new things. It is never too late to start.
-Stop worrying about what other people will think.
During the silence and stillness of Centering Prayer God teaches you to enjoy the present moment and that it is okay to share your often hidden gifts with the world.
P.S. Need some help with sitting still? Contact me. I can help you.
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.
Centering Prayer: Renewing an Ancient Christian Prayer Form by Basil Pennington
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
I am currently reading World Without End by Thomas Keating.
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