This third lesson is a continuation of the explanation of the method of Centring Therapy that will help your concentration and enable you to learn about contemplation. Contemplation is when you begin to have a sacred gaze. This is a desire to turn towards God (a power greater than yourself) and away from sin - Lizzie Maitland​​

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So since you have now arrived at lesson three you may be able to relate to what the author of The Cloud of Unknowing says when he calls you:

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'Who are you and what have you deserved, to be called like this by our Lord?'

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How do you feel? Have you recognised how sluggish and slothful the soul is to react to this invitation of love? How difficult do you find it for your mind to be still? How much of a challenge is it? The answer will have a lot to do with what you were like when you were young. In childhood was your mind naturally still and only stirred with fear or love?

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When I was young two things aroused my mind to react otherwise it was like the proverbial lake of Galilee on a quiet day. One of these was fear quite a good idea to ask a question if you do not agree with something that is a threat to physical or spiritual peace. Another was love how difficult is it to keep quiet if love demands a response. Telepathy takes on a whole new meaning if you want to speak to a loved one and cant get to a phone.

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Was your mind like this when young? Or was it continual chit-chat of fear and love so only rarely did the still smallness of calm get a look in. If your mind was like mine then it should be relatively easy to jump into Centring Prayers lake. I felt I was coming home when I started to meditate. Perhaps I can return to the peace in my mind that I had as a child I said to myself.

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However if your mind was naturally full of movement you may have quite a struggle on your hands. Hang on in there it will be worth it. It is not much easier for either types of mind, still or noisy, it is a struggle. Only sometimes does God appear and make it easy. What is important is that we show up and make progress.

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Finally, before we start some Lectio Divino, please be reminded that: We must not consider ourselves any holier because we now meditate rather we should be humble and grateful. We should recognise who is our spiritual husband and in control. Who loves us and is willing to share His wisdom and grace in order that we can answer his calling. It is the Holy Spirit who guides us to this practice and we must pray continually for strength to continue it.

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Just a few reminders for guidance:

1. Definitely practice daily if only for few minutes. It is a bit like feeding the wild pheasants. If you feed them little and often they will keep nearby and keep returning.

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2. Keep your sacred word for as long as possible and allow it to become meaningful. Choose it prayerfully. It will remind your mind throughout the day to be still in Gods presence. The names within the Holy Trinity are of most benefit.

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3. At some stage you may be able to use the sacred gaze more fruitfully than the sacred word. Be aware of this. Of course you will have to be able to know what Gods presence is like. When you look for Gods presence this is the sacred gaze.

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4. Before you start it is always a good idea to sit in silence and do nothing. You will always be able to talk your body into sitting and doing nothing. So it is a good way to start. Starting and ending with a prayer is helpful. You can use the verse on lesson 1 and end with the Our Father if you like.

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BE HAPPY!