Centering prayer teaches me that I am not my thoughts.
I can observe them.
I might be angry.
Worried.
Anxious.
Afraid.
Or even in physical pain.
I mention physical pain because I sometimes have leg pain caused by my lower back.
During centering prayer, I create a little space between those thoughts, emotions, and sensations.
I remember:
I am okay.
I will be okay.
I will come out on the other side.
Who am I?
I am joy.
I am peace.
I am love.
That is my deepest identity.
That is your deepest identity too.
The joy of God.
The peace of God.
The love of God.
They already dwell within you.
Centering prayer helps us become more aware of this reality.
As we gently let go, we begin to experience the peace that has been there all along.
And the beautiful thing is that we do not have to wait until our next centering prayer sit.
At any moment, we can pause.
Let go.
Become aware of God’s loving presence within us.
And return to that place of peace.
What thoughts or emotions have been competing for your attention lately?
Perhaps simply notice them.
Create a little space.
And remember that they are not who you are.
You are God’s beloved.
P.S. If you would like to go deeper with your Centering Prayer practice, Opening to God’s Being & Becoming Within is a two-part online retreat led by Keith Kristich.
Learn more about the retreat here.
If you register through my link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.