Confusion
led me to the practice of centering prayer. I needed silence and
stillness to learn to accept my limitations, to learn that couldn't
achieve peace on my own. I needed to learn to pray with openness to
the Spirit.
Centering prayer is a meditative form of prayer influenced by
Eastern spiritual traditions. Fr. Thomas Keating, the founder of
centering prayer for lay people, describes it as "a contemporary
form of prayer of the heart, prayer of simplicity, prayer of faith,
and prayer of simple regard." It is one way to facilitate the
development of habits that allow us to respond to the inspirations of
the Holy Spirit. Through practice and learning about the false self,
one becomes less self-centred and more cognizant of the power of the
Spirit in one's life.
I met with a group of others to learn about the practice and
to pray in silence. We were encouraged to spend two twenty-minute
periods of time during the day in silence. In order to dispel
thoughts, a sacred word was to be repeated to regain the experience
of no thoughts. After some months of practising this type of
meditation, I began to feel psychologically healthier and happier
with everyday living. I was not trying to be in total control of
every event that presented itself. Two years later I decided to take
part in an eight-day intensive retreat to consolidate and reinforce
what we had learned in weekly meetings. We would also be instructed
about "lectio divina", a prayer method based on scriptural
reflection. I underestimated the difficulties in prolonged sessions
of meditative prayer, scripture reflection and twenty-four hours of
silence. However, the imposed routines taught me the difference
between a contemplative lifestyle and contemplative prayer in daily life.
Now I try to sit alone in silence twice a day seeking a
compassionate heart to respond to the others who enter my daily life.
I am not called to do great things but if I can be forgiving and
loving in little events, like being less judgmental or patient with
my husband, I know the Spirit is there to guide. The practice of
interior silence brings calmness and joy to the day. Attending to
gardening, listening to the calls of the birds or enjoying a walk are
occasions to see the beauty in being alive. Centering calls me to be
more understanding of the neighbour, the cashier at the grocery store
and my in-laws. Often I miss the mark but centering opens my heart to forgiveness.
The practice of centering prayer roots a person into the ordinary
routine of daily living. Spirituality is a lived reality. The
challenge is to listen to the silence. Contemplation is not just for
the mystics but has a place in all our lives. To quote Fr. Keating:
" 'I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you
gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me.' In light of
these words, the exercise of compassion does not sound like a big
deal. It could mean giving someone a cup of water, a smile, or
showing concern to someone suffering a loss. We do not have to wait
until we can speak at the United Nations or go to Moscow for a summit
conference. Somebody is in need right next door or in our own family,
at work, on the bus - everywhere we turn."
Welcome
to the site of the TransCanada Province of the Spiritans. We are a
Roman Catholic Religious Congregation of over three thousand members,
founded in 1703. Our missions are spread worldwide. While we may be
found involved in many diverse ministries, we have dedicated
ourselves to working with the poor and in those situations where the
Church has difficulty in finding ministers. We hope you enjoy your
visit to our site and that while browsing you will keep us in your
prayers. May God bless you.
