Centering Prayer and Unloading of the Unconscious

 

Q: I am 76 years old and belong to a recovery program. I have read several of Fr Keating’s books on Centering Prayer and by Fr Pennington. I practice twice per day for 20 minutes and have done so for over two years. My problem is I don’t seem to be getting any deep “messages” from my subconscious. I’m sure I have a lot of garbage in my subconscious. I wonder if you can help me.

A: Thanks for reaching out regarding messages from our subconscious. It is wonderful you have established a practice through reading. I would also encourage you to visit the 12 Step Centering Prayer website (www.cp12stepoutreach.org) and see the list of meetings available online. I wasn’t sure from your email if you had connected with a group or not.

The reason I am suggesting this is that it has often been my experience that it is through others sharing their experience that I come to see movement in myself. When we are talking about unconscious material, the unloading process is sometimes very difficult for us to connect to our practice. By definition it is unavailable/unconscious to us.

I assure you that by practicing twice a day you are doing your part. Fr. Thomas’s teaching reassures us that what the Divine Therapist is doing within us is trustable, even if we know nothing about it. Radical, invincible trust is our part. It is much like our 12-step work in ‘leaving the results to God.’ If you have the chance to connect with a Centering Prayer/11th-step meeting it may really help.

Hope this addresses your question. If not, please feel free out again.

Blessings,
Mary Dwyer