Q: In his book, Into the Silent Land, Martin Laird seems to suggest that the sacred word and sacred breath can be used together, and I have been doing this. However, I find that usually one or the other dominates. Recently, I have just used the sacred breath, but almost continually, so that my focus is on this rather than letting go of any thoughts, sensations and so on. It’s as though I want to preempt these, and yet my regular deep and slow breathing does seem to bring me to a good place. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
A: I am grateful that you reached out to us about your Centering Prayer time and its evolution over your spiritual journey. Our team is delighted to have the opportunity to share our experience with the prayer and Fr. Thomas’ teachings with those who reach out to us.
Martin Laird’s book Into the Silent Land has inspired so many in their ordinary contemplative lives. Your mentioning it made me pull it off my bookshelf to spend time with it again. Thank you for the reminder of this lovely book.
Your experience of the sacred breath entering your prayer time is normal at some parts of the spiritual journey. It seems that when we have been praying this method for years, the Spirit seems to ask us to mix up our practice a little so God can draw us closer in a way we are not used to. It sort of reminds us who is in charge of the prayer time – not us! As you know, our main part in the prayer time is to consent to God’s presence and action within, and don’t give up if the prayer time becomes too difficult.
It seems your desire to combine the sacred word with the sacred breath or to pray only with the sacred breath may be a move in that direction. Thomas’ teaching is to use the sacred breath in the same manner as we would the sacred word – when we find ourselves engaged with our thoughts to return ever so gently to our sacred symbol. Engaged is meant that we moved from time with God to time with ourselves (our thoughts) – or the conversation has moved to one between me and myself.
We are also asked to not change our sacred symbol during the prayer time, especially if it is a conscious thought like “this word isn’t working, I’ll use the sacred breath now.” I don’t think that is what is happening in your prayer time; it sounds like you are naturally moving between the two symbols to return your face to God. This natural movement is without thought so it would seem inspired by the Spirit. And of course, that is saying ‘yes’.
Part of the prayer practice is discipline and those moments that you find you are focusing on the breath to keep away thoughts, sensations and feelings is a distraction from your relationship with God during the prayer. In the Centering Prayer method if we use the sacred breath, it is to notice our breath in an instant. We don’t focus on the sacred symbol. It could be that in a way you are learning a new form of the prayer, and it takes practice to not focus on the sacred symbol in the new form of the breath.
Although Fr. Thomas taught that we don’t analyze our experience of the prayer especially during the prayer time, it may be helpful for you to take time outside of the prayer to sit with God in conversation and ask why is it you are focusing on the breath rather than letting go of your thoughts, sensations and feelings when you pray your sacred breath. Is there something God is asking you to let go of that you may not be ready to let go of? If you realize that there is something hidden, you may be able to tell God and yourself that you are ready to let it go.
In “The Seven Moments of Centering Prayer” video, Thomas says that when God releases something from our unconscious, it is for our healing, and freedom. The unloading leaves a place for the Holy Spirit to rush in and fill that place with the gifts of the Spirit. That thought, at least for me makes the unloading less painful. I hope it will for you as well.
If you would like to watch the video (about 13 minutes long), here is a link: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/course/48-the-seven-moments-of-centering-prayer/
My hope is that this encourages you to continue your deep ‘yes’, breathing yes to God’s presence and action in your contemplative prayer and ordinary life. If you have any other thoughts, please let me know.
Peace and Love,
Leslee Terpay
