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- Experiencing Unloading During Centering Prayer
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Henri Nouwen’s statement speaks to walking my Lenten walk. He writes “True Christian discipline is the human effort to create the space in which the Spirit of Christ can transform us into it’s lineage.” I couple this with the reflection that “‘failure’ in these practices may be the most important aspect of your personal Lent.” Together I rejoice that God lovingly reminds me that I am being transformed, I will fail, and grace covers all. <3 linda
Joan Chittister’s succinct phrase “thoughtful talk” speaks deeply to my soul. I engage in more conversations now than I have in many years. I discover that an amicable silence is a wonderful space to inhabit. This allows me to “be open to the other” with love. <3 linda
James Finley writes “The mystery of love is that it does not erase differences, but it refuses to be defined by them.” This thought resonates as my husband and I relocate to a new state, living with my brother, in order to have better access to medical care. The love has always existed between the three of us. The differences of a new living paradigm cause me to draw more frequently from the well of silence, resulting in an overall smooth transition. Thanks be to God! <3 linda
“As we grow in trust and surrender, we can choose heaven, a state of being which radiates goodness, peace and hope to others.”
This statement resonates as I write from a hotel room near the Knoxville, TN airport. Deep trust and total surrender were key to preparing for my relocation to AZ, while remaining in a heaven state of being. I’ve had moments of panic, of course, yet overall peace that passes all understanding prevails. I pray I may radiate goodness, peace and hope to all I encounter. <3 linda
What keeps me from lowering my nets deeper?
Fear of losing security/affection/control, which is interesting. Fear seems real, yet it does not represent our reality that we are God’s beloved. As Jesus prayed in silence, I release my illusions of losing security/affection/control, and hence my fears. Centering Prayer allows me to calm my soul enough to let God’s love surround her. Trust the process. <3 linda
Joan Chittister’s quote speaks volumes to Divine Love being experienced in ordinary life. We don’t need to perform “either great works or great denial.” On a daily basis, I do neither. I live a quiet life in a quiet corner of Eden. “Spirituality…calls for connectedness. It shows us how to connect with God, with others and with our inmost self.” When I pray, I know I “sit with all peoples, ‘past, present and to come.’” That is connectedness! What a wonderful summary of the power of contemplative practices. <3 linda
I have been greatly blessed by this online community of nearly 5000 worldwide practitioners. I have experienced myself as unconditional love, thanks to each of you. This knowledge and your continued prayers wrap me in God’s love and protection as I pack our household goods and prepare to move. My own practice helps “dismantle my own biases, prejudices and self-centered programs for happiness.” This prayerful collaboration is truly transformative. Thank you. <3 linda
These two sentences speak deeply to my journey: “Our work may not seem as miraculous as that of Jesus, but through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or quiet prayers, we offer what is needed most. In doing so, we become vessels of God’s love, filling the empty jars of the world.”
I have written lately of liminal spaces and find myself closing the door to my time in eastern Tennessee. An immanent relocation to a southern suburb of Phoenix, AZ beckons me forward. My jar filling here draws to a close. I pray my “acts of kindness, words of encouragement and quiet prayers” have aided healing those intended and sparked a bit of joy for God. <3 linda
Active blessing, to be used for any relationship: You are God’s beloved.
Daily goal: believe it!
<3 linda
Keating’s admonition that it is sincerity, submission to God’s inner and outer signals, and perseverance that enables us to transcend, rather than leave the path set before us. The Magi may have traveled lightly, yet they had to prepare for their extended journey. Bring only what is necessary. Trust provisions and assistance will be provided along the way. May we be overjoyed at each Star encounter this year. <3 linda
“A practicing Christian must above all be one who practices the perpetual return of the soul into the inner sanctuary, who brings the world into its Light and rejudges it, who brings the Light into the world with all its turmoil and its fitfulness and recreates it …”
Wow! No small tasks await during our centering times, do they? Perpetual practice (note: not perfection-forgive yourself if you miss a sit). Bring world to Light. Bring Light to world. Repeat: twenty minutes, twice a day. Amen. <3 linda
“To love as God loves requires us to confront the ways we cling to control, security, and self-interest.” What does it cost me to release control, security and self-interest? De-throning myself from God’s rightful place at my center. Ouch. Yet, the spiritual journey is a surrender worth making because the gains of deep peace and trust are very real, eternally lasting. <3 linda
Macrina Wiederkehr’s words speak to me: “Your homework is to be vigilant, sober, lucid, and aware. … Anticipate all the blessing that take place each day…” I must not only be present as fully as I am able, but I am also to anticipate God’s blessings. Anticipating God’s blessings sparks joy in my being. My mindset is something I can control, for the most part, via my daily centering prayer times. Draw deep from the well of silence, pour myself out with joy into all I encounter. Repeat. <3 linda
“Advent is opening to God under any circumstances…believing…that whatever happens is coming from a motive of incredible love…” Lord, open me, keep me open, under any circumstances. Help my unbelief. I know that I know that I know all Your motives spring from Your incredible love. Grant me your peace. Amen. <3 linda
“You do your best to reach out tenderly to touch and elevate as many people as you can reach. You bring your naked love and defiant courage and salty grace to bear as much as you can, with all the attentiveness and humor you can muster.”
Brian Doyle’s words brings to mind one of my foundational parenting phrases: do your best. Times are that my best, along with all the attentiveness and humor I can muster, means yesterday’s best/attentiveness may have been greater than today’s. Today, I lean into the humor. Tomorrow, I vow again to love my best, trusting God takes it and blesses it for my good and for the edification of as many people as I can reach. <3 linda
