This fourth lesson will give some points for further development of your contemplative practice. Centering therapy should be extended into daily life and so should its effects - Lizzie Maitland

​

The Gentleness of Centering Therapy

​

Thomas Keating asks us to return ever so gently to the sacred word. Have you noticed how you say the sacred word? This is important because our true nature is reflected in our everyday actions. If we learn to be gentle within our mind the gentleness moves outward it becomes the way in which we caress a loved ones cheek, a slight smile of greeting to a passerby at the airport, the softly spoken thank you. (c.f.The Contemplative Life Program Prayer in Action booklet.1)

​

During the prayer period you may be able to distinguish certain kinds of thoughts (c.f.Open Mind, Open Heart chap. 6-10):

​

•imaginative or dreamlike memories

•painful or pleasurable thoughts

•prayers or insights

•comments on progress

•thoughts from clearing debris of mind

​

What sorts of thoughts do you have most of?

​

It is advisable just to let them go. How easy is this to do? The sacred word is not supposed to be repeated continuously like a Mantra but just a single reminder of the mind to be still. You should be able to find some stillness for some period of time after the sacred word is said.

​

During the Centering Therapy session it is not necessary to try to achieve anything. It is best to relax rather than to expect to have no thoughts. You might cause yourself pain by trying too hard when it is with the GRACE that success will come. This is a prayer to build a relationship with this higher power and to be still and trusting in His presence rather than hassling him with our constant fuss! With practice we can get used to this language of love - STILLNESS.

​

What effects might we expect to experience in our daily life because we practice this type of prayer? Thomas Keating says the principle effects of Centering Prayer are experienced in daily life, not in the period itself.

(The Method of Centering Prayer booklet p.6)

​

We will start with this prayer:

​

Divine power and Holy Spirit alive at the centre of our being we consent in love to your action and presence within.

May the sacred word remind us of the stillness, power and peace of your holy presence.

​

After 20 minutes well end with a poem or a prayer.