Q: Thomas Keating identifies three essential biological needs for human beings: (1) Security & Survival, (2) Power & Control, and (3) Affection & Esteem. Can you please tell me if […]
The Four Consents: A Retreat Conducted by Mary Anne Best, Contemplative Outreach US
Fr. Thomas speaks to the different levels of awareness in his chapter on ‚ÄúThe Four Consents,‚Äù in Invitation to Love: ‚ÄúEach time one consents, one comes closer to transforming union […]
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New Contemplative Leaders Exchange
Last year, at the invitation of renowned Cistercian monk Fr. Thomas Keating, four of among the most prominent living western Christian contemplative teachers gathered in Snowmass at St. Benedict‚Äôs Monastery. […]
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Introduction to Conscious Work
Is prayer a retreat for you into a separate place where you find rest and peace? If so, why do you not find peace, wholeness and harmony in your […]
About Contemplative Outreach Dublin
Contemplative Outreach Dublin has been in existence for 10 years and currently has 11 active volunteers on the team. As autumn approaches it signals the time for preparing for […]
Welcoming & Security Issues
Q: I need help. Every day I pray the Welcoming Prayer. I trip up at “I let go my desire for security and survival.” I’m a mother. How can I […]
Reflections on San Antonio Board Meeting
When I lean into the first impressions I had of the meeting with the Board and the Transition Advisory Team in San Antonio this past May 2017, the words that […]
Proof of God’s Existence? Or the Experience of God’s Presence?
When I was a junior in high school I took a class on world literature. We read many great novels, such as Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky, All Quiet on […]
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Praying to the Old Man on the Throne?
Q: Recently, when I concluded my session of Centering Prayer and recited the Lord's Prayer, as is my custom, I was struck by the disparity between the Trinity in Whom […]
I Am the Clay in the Potter’s Hand
“God loves me!” Father Tom began our eight-day silent retreat with Pope Francis’ request to Christians to reflect on this, and so we entered into silence at Mount St. Anne’s. […]
Distinguishing Awareness and Presence
Q: I was listening to this video of Fr. Keating: https://youtu.be/bcc5_R9415Q If a clearer or fuller context is required, it might be necessary to listen to a few minutes […]
Sacred Feeling as a Sacred Symbol
Q: I feel led towards using what I would call sacred ‚Äúfeeling‚Äù when doing Centering Prayer. My feeling is love for God that I feel in my heart. It seems […]
Placing Your Attention IN
Q: I have been doing Centering Prayer for 6+months now, and have hit a bit of a road block. In reading Cynthia Bourgeault’s book, The Heart of Centering Prayer, and […]
In The Silence
A nippy spring morning in May, Harsh winds and arc-like rains Finally subsided, Overdue cleanups, lengthy lawns, Untilled gardens and untold repairs await. 6 weeks ago we celebrated the Paschal […]
Explanation of the Contemplative Outreach Symbol
The symbol chosen by Contemplative Outreach is called ‚ÄúJob‚Äôs Redeemer‚ÄîPatient Waiting.‚Äù The heart and soul of Centering Prayer is consenting to God‚Äôs presence and action in our lives. Like Job, […]
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Another Easter . . .
As I read the latest “Voices of the Community” articles from the current Contemplative Outreach e-bulletin, I noticed something I had not seen before . . . one could go […]
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament & Centering Prayer
Q: I am fairly new to the practice of Centering Prayer. In my Catholic faith I participate weekly in the Adoration of our Lord through the Eucharist. I feel at […]
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“Living Wisdom” – An Appreciation
Contemplative Outreach of Chicago recently launched a new program known as Living Wisdom, to give interested members an opportunity to explore ‚Äúthe wisdom tradition.‚Äù So far, the program has offered […]
Taking a Break From Our Personality
Is humility to look down at others, wear not too lavish clothes, not standing up for yourself? I think that humility is to take a break from our personality and […]
Just Be in the Silence
Q: I’ve been practicing Centering Prayer for about two years. It has helped me in more ways than I could ever express. My question has to do with what happens […]
HORIZON
I look our across fog.Gray ocean meets gray sky,and I think of my young friend,cancer battle in full force,of my struggle to accept. There‚Äôs no line drawnbetween here and there,and […]
Guiding New Practitioners
Q: While debriefing the 20-minute prayer practice as part of the Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop, two participants shared experiences about which I would like some advice. One mentioned going in […]
Facilitating a Centering Prayer Support Group
Facilitating is a ministry that empowers people and enables group process. As a ministry, it helps group members to become more aware and more loving. Empowering others in this way is […]
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A Report and Reflections on the Transition Process
[The Governing Board held an in-person meeting January 6-10, 2017and follow-up conference call on January 24, 2017.] Greetings from the Governing Board and the Transition Advisory Team! I write as […]
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Union
I sometimes wonderas I see the early morning frost.Could it be that the blanket of white that covers everything Is compassion?And the sky’s soft glow after sunset is empathy?Could it […]
