A friend tells me centering prayer is futile, that her thoughts roam like wild horses, and trying to capture them is useless. She has labored to center herself … has tried for three days straight to be still but claims it’s impossible.
Not so, if you view your thoughts as a stream-of-consciousness parade instead of wild horses…or (worse yet) a tree full of chattering monkeys!
Just let thoughts go in peace, one by one. Imagine them as floats…a group of majorettes twirling by… a marching band... a clown or two…one float after another. Let them entertain you for a second, and then simply watch them glide away.
Choose a sacred word and stick with it. When a new thought appears, return to your word… over and over until you achieve inner solitude. Here are more guidelines from Thomas Keating, one of my contemplative mentors from way back when.
Fruits of Silence
What I’ve learned from centering prayer is that the answers I seek don’t generally come during the silence, but they materialize sometime later…like seeds planted that come to fruition in time.
I may be driving down the road or sweeping the porch… and voila! A flash of insight emerges out of nowhere. This is one fruit of silence: creative insight or inspiration.
Others are:
Deep, abiding peace. No matter how troubled the world becomes, there is a place of rest in the inner sanctuary of the soul. A man once told me that he knew of concentration camp survivors who had practiced centering prayer to endure sanity.
Advanced intuition. We know things without knowing, and tend to rely more on divine guidance because trust grows stronger during stillness. I’ve written about this here.
Inner healing. The practice of centering is cumulative, like an antibiotic. When a doctor prescribes the Z pack, directions specify “take all this medication…” It takes days for the drug to do its work.
Keating recommends 20 minutes twice a day. But others say even five minutes daily helps. What do we have to lose but unnecessary stress?
Creative insight, abiding peace, keener intuition, and inner healing are only four of the many fruits. These are just a few I’ve noted from my own experience with centering prayer and silence.
In quietness and trust is your strength.
What spiritual practices work wonders for you?
Please share your experience with us.
Hi, Debra!~
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that "the answers I seek don’t generally come during the silence, but they materialize sometime later…" which is why I think of meditation as sort of 'taking out the trash' to leave room for the new, good stuff. Although, I have experienced revelation during centering prayer/meditation, too.
When I feel too antsy for that type of prayer/contemplation, as your friend described, I find praying with beads or walking a labyrinth to be very helpful.
Great post on an important topic -- thank you!
Hi Linda! “Taking out the trash to leave room for the new, good stuff” is a great metaphor for meditation. All your ideas work wonders: bead-praying and labyrinth-walking are just variations on the centering theme, and I’ve found them all to be uniquely effective. When she lived near me, a friend had a labyrinth in her backyard, which I walked many a morning. Have you considered marketing those exquisite prayer beads of yours?
Deletethank you for asking about the prayer beads again. i am preparing to market them -- shhhh! my biz mgr doesn't want me to tell everybody till we're ready to go ;-)
DeleteMy lips are sealed.
DeleteHi, Debra!
ReplyDeleteAgain, another marvelous post with such helpful insights and imagery. Letting thoughts go as if watching a parade is priceless!
While I spend much time in quiet reflection over the scriptures, I have not consciously tried contemplative prayer. It is something I do want to explore and will add it to my "take-ons" of Lent if not before. Your descriptions of the fruits of silence are just too tempting not to want to go for it.
Blessings, my friend! :)
Hi Martha! Considering thoughts as a parade instead of wild horses or, as it’s sometimes called, “monkey mind.” is far more effectual. You sound like a Lectio Divina type, which I also enjoy in small group settings. Are you familiar with this practice? For more info, check out this link.
Deletehttp://www.gotquestions.org/lectio-divina.html
Contemplative prayer and/or lectio would be good Lent take-ons. But you don’t have to til then, go for it now:-) Have a great weekend!
Like Martha,I spend most of my quiet time with the Gospel for the day or the Psalms. Reading lives of saints are also helpful; five minutes deep breathing ~ outside the workplace or inside my room to calm me down; drawing Mama Mary's face... these are just a few :)
ReplyDeleteI love Thomas Keating and his writings :) Thanks for sharing Debra :)
Melissa – Thank you for sharing your disciplines. Finding a sacred place to breathe deep and center is essential to peace of mind and calming the restless soul. Of the lives of the saints, do you have a favorite, one that resonates most with you? I’ve never thought of drawing Mary’s face; now there’s an idea for those who have a penchant for visual arts.
DeleteDear Debra, that's such a helpful post! I can see that thinking of those wild horses as a parade with floats going past will be of great assistance. Meditation is made more difficult with M.E. When I feel particularly poorly it affects me neurologically somehow, so that everything appears to be going on around me really fast. I liken it to those points in a film you are watching when they speed up the camera, horrible, and making meditation so difficult. I've been three times to courses at our local Buddhist centre, though it's very difficult for anyone to understand unless you have M.E. They run Pain-Management courses which are invaluable and I can recommend them.
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for posting this though I shall think of those floats from now on dear Debra. x
Hugs
Jane
Jane – This may sound like I live in the dark ages, but what does M.E. stand for? I’m not as informed on medical conditions as some. I’m very interested in what you’ve learned from the pain management courses. What techniques do they teach? How have you learned to deal with pain? What are your coping mechanisms? Sorry, I have so many questions. I’ve often wondered about this. xoxoxox
DeleteMy answers rarely come when I am in silence... The silence I seek is for nourishing within.. connecting...sometimes just saying hello!
ReplyDeleteAnswers come in various forms and always in the un expected way for me!... There are times when I seek the solace to remain grounded or connected with my surroundings and to observe the pendulum ...
Savira, it’s interesting that answers rarely come during silence, but they always do come on time. Inner nourishing, yes, and connecting with our divine essence. I love “just saying hello!”
DeleteHugs my dear friend from far away!
Debra, Excellent post! When I find my mind wandering during prayer time I turn to the phrase "Be still and know that I am God." I say it until I know and my mind is focused on Him. The other practice that has really helped me is to literally kneel to pray for 10 to 15 minutes each morning. When I started doing that it made all the difference in the world. I agree that often the insights then come later, and what a blessing they are. Peace, Linda
ReplyDeleteLinda, that Scripture, “Be still and know that I am God” is the one most often used to help us focus on Him because it works! I’ve heard that praying on our knees is the ultimate way of humbling our hearts. Thank you for reminding me; I needed this cue! ~ Many blessings
DeleteI'm working harder to find even those 5 minutes of daily centering. One thing I'm adamant, however, is when I walk my dog every day I do NOT plug into music or talk on the phone. I just try to be present and observant, just like my dog is.
ReplyDeleteJulie, it’s hard for many nowadays to find even five minutes for centering. But some attest to walking meditation being an effective tool for centering. Now that you mention it, I believe I should get back into the groove of walking meditation with my dog, just being present with every step. Wonderful practice! ~ Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful blog with profound posts that have brought joyful tears to my eyes. Wow!, thank you. I am returning a follow. I love the name of your blog because it represents God in his true form: PURE &SIMPLE and full of mercy and grace. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and life, I am hugely inspired!
Nicole Weaver
Trilingual Children's Author
http://mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com
http://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
http://mybirthdayiseptembereleven.blogspot.com
Nicole, my new friend, the feeling is mutual. And I’m so happy tonight to have met a fellow writer as fun and deep and prolific as you! Many, many blessings!!
DeleteMy answers come to me when I am least expecting them Debra! But sometimes the vision gets clearer during the "silence", sometimes I open my eyes to an answer I always had... Its unbelievable the world inside. Thanks for this beautiful post.
ReplyDeletewww.socialpotpourri.com
Kriti, it's amazing, isn't it, what sitting in silence can accomplish? The inner world is rich with treasures!
DeleteAnother great post, Debra, and something that's been on my mind lately: meditation.
ReplyDeleteI hear from a lot from people who try meditation that they cannot do it. They cant "concentrate". Or sitting down and trying freaks them out. That must be a frustrating experience.
I never try to control my thoughts. I simply become an observer of them. Quiet comes, then noise, then quiet again, then noise. It's the flow of the mind....
J.R., as a writer you know the flow isn’t always there; it’s a struggle to produce rare jewels all the time… and so instead of looking externally for our writing inspiration (that is, if we want to remain authentic and as original as possible), we explore the wealth within. That’s what meditation accomplishes for many writers, and it sounds like you’ve got the knack of it by letting the thoughts flow and just observing. The problem some have with meditation is that they struggle to keep rambling thoughts at bay, when it’s almost impossible. Just relax and enjoy the parade!
DeleteI loved this post Debra! Contemplative prayer/meditation has been an invaluable source of refreshment for me. I made the mistake for quite some time to always try to wait for that perfect moment to meditate, or become centered. Being alone and engrossed in meditation can be hard enough..wandering thoughts drifting by,calling out for further introspection that will get us involved in a thought, taking us from our center. Let alone when there is background noise or chance of a child wandering in...
ReplyDeleteBut then I realized that really, any moment is an opportunity ...and beckons for us to enter it fully. I love the time I'm able to set aside for meditation but I've also found a lot of wonder had in the moments when I'm fully aware, and feel myself connected with all that is...Moments in meditation and contemplative prayer definitely sow deep seeds that sprout up later spontaneously, bearing witness to the Divine.
Jessica, sometimes I think about those in prison and loud environments and wonder if they are ever able to tune out the noise. Would they ever be able to center with no solitude or silence? But as you say, any moment is an opportunity, and beckons us to enter fully. Also, employing any practice that works for the individual is best. Don't you just love seeing the seeds of contemplation sprout and bear fruit? Nothing like it!
DeleteSilence is something I don't even get in my sleep, my mind races a million miles a minute. On the rare occasions I do get that silence, I wonder if something is wrong. More like I expect something to go wrong.
ReplyDeleteThings just come to me in the mix of it all, I finally get an answer here or there.
I'd love to meditate, but fear I'd probably be distracted by myself ...
Debbie, everyone’s mind races a million miles a minute, doesn’t it? That’s why meditation would be beneficial, don’t you think? Maybe you’re just not used to silence. If you’re one who needs sound to feel safe, then you might be among the majority of folks! I have a friend who needs the TV on, whether she’s watching it or not, because she says it helps her feel less alone. Here’s a good article you might enjoy. Try it. http://www.copyblogger.com/writing-meditation/
ReplyDeleteDebra, thank you. I am headed over to read the article now.
DeleteHey Debbie, don't worry too much if you can't 'get' your mind to a place of calm. To meditate doesn't mean your mind has to be empty, it means to spend time thinking on something.
ReplyDeletePhl 4:8 Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things[are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just , whatsoever things[are] pure, whatsoever things[are] lovely, whatsoever things[are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength , and my redeemer.
Nicki, thanks for reminding of those two verses.
DeleteNicki, this is awesome advice! Thank you so much for sharing Phil 4:8 and Psalm 19:4. And I’ll add another: Psalm 1. The day and night meditation. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers!
DeleteThis is a wonderful post, it is much how I see things and could never explain to anyone. My kids think I'm nuts because I sit in my house in silence quite a bit. No tv no radio, just the sounds of the house and the noise of outdoors seeping in. I love the silence after all the years o bells ringing at work and kids yelling at home. Now is time for quiet and thought or maybe just silence and peace in my mind.
ReplyDeleteJan, I get it. After years of bells and noise, coming to the quiet is like sitting by a still lake that runs deep. Contemplative souls enjoy peace and calm almost above all else. By now, my kids accept my need for tranquil moments. It’s how we maintain our equilibrium. I’ve tried to teach my daughter, who is still at home with me, the essential need for finding a refuge from life’s storms.
DeleteI get most of my answers when I am working out in the gym. Sometimes I can go on lifting weights after I've done my mandatory three sets, while thinking about the issues plaguing me.
ReplyDeleteSulekkha, I read somewhere that working out at the gym is the new asceticism. You are working out your problems physically. I need to get back into the groove myself! My body is begging… xoxox
DeleteBerra,
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so inspirational and moving. Whenever I am in need of some thought provoking wonderful writing I come here. Again did not disappoint, I too suffer from wild horse thinking from time to time, I usually use breathing to overcome it but I like the central word idea and the float visualization. Will definitely try it out,
Aaron, after your comment here I realize that I forgot to mention the important element of breathing deep. This is key in helping us relax and center. I was so focused on the visual that I forgot one of the main ingredients to securing restfulness: breathing. Thank you for reminding me! xoxox
DeleteDear Debra, You say such good things about my writing and I find it so encouraging, it spurs me on to do some more!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you!
And thank you for your interest in M.E. It stands for
Myalgic Encaphalomyelitis. It's an organic illness with profound effects on many bodily systems,and although a lot of the patho-physiology of the disease have been medically explained, as yet there is no definitive single laboratory test which can diagnose M.E. Some of the abnormalities found in M.E. include: extremely low circulating blood volume (even up to an astounding 50% in some cases), enzyme
pathway disruptions, punctate lesions of M.E. brains resembling those of multiple sclerosis, sub-optimal cardiac function and abnormal cardiovascular responses, persistent viral infection of the heart, severe mitochondrial defects and significantly reduced lung functioning. The way these things present themselves varies from patient to patient which hampers the ability of researchers to come up with a single definitive test. There is strong evidence that even mild exercise has extremely harmful effects on M.E. patients, when permanent damage may be caused at worst, or at least a worsening of symptoms. These symptoms do not appear immediately after the exercise but are delayed and have nothing to do with fatigue or malaise as is the misconception engendered by the fact that in some countries of the world it not called M.E. but is known under the name of chronic fatigue. M.E. is not chronic fatigue but a specific type of acquired damage to the brain initiated by a virus infection with multi-system involvement and because the brain controls all vital bodily functions virtually every bodily system can be affected. So you feel like you've got the worst hang-over you ever had, on top of a migraine, on top of flu' on top of stomach pain and upset stomach, air hunger, muscle and joint pain,persistant headache, exaggerated response to light, smells, noise, stress, difficulty concentrating, the speeded-up flashy symptom I described and a horrible thing that I can only describe as an electric shock feeling inside your head coupled with the feeling that your eyes are ricocheting about your head even with your eyes closed. Some days it's worse than others and on good days you wouldn't think there was a thing wrong with me to look at me.
A lady called Vidyamala (meaning,'Garland of Wisdom')initiated the Pain Management course now called, Breathworks, for the Peace of Mind project at the Manchester Buddhist centre. It teaches Mindfulness as an attitude to life and therefore suffering. By talking, sharing, relaxation and meditation it teaches that by changing your relationship to a condition you can become larger than it. Although the condition may remain the same with it's pain and unpleasantness it can be perceived as only a part of one's life, recognised with awareness, kindness and acceptance rather than fierce resistance or rejection. Being aware in the present moment to moment and just being with your body.
This has turned out to be a massive comment dear Debra, I've post on your blog instead of emailing as I thought there might just be other folk out there who like you were in the dark about M>E. Most people who have actually heard of it reply with something like..."Oh yes, chronic fatigue isn't it? Ooh! I know just what that's like I get exhausted constantly too." Sometime I explain, when I'm feeling okay but most of the time when you do their eyes glaze-over in double-quick time. So, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for genuinely enquiring and for wanting to understand, after all, 'being understood' makes all the difference I can tell you! ;)))
Biggest hugs back to you XOXOXO
Your friend Jane x
Jane, I’m just being honest about the poet’s place, your imagery is so alive!
DeleteThank you for this enlightening response to my question, “What is M.E.?” I can use your feedback for future reference. The comments on pain management are also informative.
Vidyamala lives up to her name! I’ve heard that accepting rather than wrestling with the pain is key to co-existing with it. More people in the west are of the fighting mindset than those in the east, I believe. Thank you for the informative explanation Jane. ~ Love, prayers, and HUGS!!!
I don't really follow any structured practices as described above. I do decompress and clear my mind in other ways, either with music and walking. However, when my creative self is a mess I tend to return to some practices I read about in Twyla Tharp's 'The Creative Habit', it's not spiritual, but over the years I have found it to work for me. Having said this, and reading your post I am intrigued about the practice, and while I know I won't follow it to the there ( in the same way I can't stick to a any habit) I printed the post. I've a lot going on these days and felt myself giving way to the swirl. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteBrenda, to many wonderful writers and artists, creativity IS their spiritual practice. (I think of Madeleine L’Engle and Julia Cameron and Natalie Goldberg). And what Peter London wrote in No More Secondhand Art, "Art is a prayer... a fresh vital discovery of one's own special presence in the world." Thank you for the mention of Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit.” Would you recommend it for writers? This isn’t one of those “literary recommendations” is it ;-)
DeleteI can identify with the wild horses and the centering prayer. I usually get the ah ha moments in the shower a few hours after prayers/quiet. I wouldn't be able to write without that time of quiet because I need to hear Him to begin. Thanks so much for the tweet!
ReplyDeleteShelley, I’m so thankful you listen. Then share the words you hear in the quiet with others - even though the revelations don’t come during silence. When you’re in the shower or driving a car, you can’t capture the ideas either. Ever have those moments when you are in the middle of something and you hear brilliant words in your head and you get all excited and feel the need to fly toward paper and pen and jot down the light bulb experience? That’s when I pray, “Help me remember!”
ReplyDeletenice...i like the practicality of this...and i def relate to the coment you made above...i always keep a notebook with me and by the bed...just in case...
ReplyDeleteBrian, writers & poets need that notebook handy at all times...because you never know what will emerge out of nowhere ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis a great post on the difference between trying to control or make something happen and letting go and accepting whatever happens. Prayer like falling asleep works best when we relax into it rather than try too hard to accomplish it or fit it into a structure. I love your post and your wonderful suggestions. Thanks as always for your great insight and instruction.
ReplyDeleteLynne, that’s exactly what it is: letting go. It’s the same with everything, even writing. When we’re trying too hard, the writing hardly flows. Have you found this to be the case? Thank you for the kindest words! Hugs!
DeleteSometimes when nothing appears to be going your way, you may begin to question your own theories about the game. More often than not, it's just a bad run of cards that affects your mindset, but as one who doesn't rely too heavily on luck, I try to look within when things aren't going well.To be more specific, I haven't been all that pleased with my results in the larger buy-in no-limit hold'em events recently. Consciously, it doesn't seem as though I've been playing any differently, so perhaps it has been just a regression to the mean - as in, I play like a maniac and eventually that caught up with me!Eventually I realized that You have to trust in something: Your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life...I try to be with myself as much as possible..and it does help.
ReplyDeleteAlpana, it’ a good thing not to depend on luck ;-) When life isn’t dealing a good hand, go within for consolation and hope. It’s there. Always there. So true: we do have to believe. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Keep the faith girl! xoxox
DeleteHi Debra:
ReplyDeleteCentering oneself can tricky to master. I think with practice anyone can achieve it. My advice would be not fight the inability your friend thinks she has. When your friend finds their thoughts scattering to the wind, I'd say follow them. Let them take her where they will.
The worst thing anyone can do when trying to center oneself and become silent is force it. Follow your thoughts where they take you. You may just find a quiet place in the cacophony. When I began meditating (granted I don't spend the time I should) my thoughts scattered too, but I latched onto them and I found my place.
Now when I spend quiet time I know where to go, only because I let my initial thoughts carry me there.
--
Chris
Chris, that’s the whole point of the post, not to fight it. Wrestling thoughts when trying to center is defeating the purpose. It is tricky trying to center, and mastering the practice takes time, persistence, and more practice. Most people don’t ever completely attain interior solitude for more than a couple of minutes, I’d bet. The closest I’ve come to sustaining solitude is when I did practice twice a day for 20 minutes. It’s when I was facing a major decision and I needed divine guidance. Maybe it isn’t until we’re in a crisis or need clear answers that we devote ourselves completely. Now I mostly do what you suggested, and go with the flow – although I still aim to let thougts all go ;-)
DeleteMy goodness I am late on this one, Debra!! But so glad I made it...
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with everything you've said here. During my own periods of stress or anxiety, mediation and stillness has done wonders for me and I continue it as a daily practice.
Sound is another wonderful healing practice I've used that can shift our internal vibrations, bring us to stillness and allow us to tap into the deep wisdom within.
Kristen, do you have a consistent time of day that you practice mediation, a time that you find most effective? My prime time is morning, shortly after waking up.
DeleteOn sound… you mean music? Sound is an excellent means of tapping into our creativity.
WOW Debra!!! I can do the five-minutes – I know I can do that! And I'll start today! To be still – to be still and know – and meditate on him, on that one word, or principle, or thought of him – and just breathe – and let go – and listen. If I get answers – lovely. But regardless, I think the benefits will be awesome. Thank you for this! Thank you! God bless you and keep you – and all of yours!
ReplyDeleteHey Craig, I got an idea! Why not, when you wake up in the middle of the night, practice centering prayer THEN. I’ll bet anything it puts you right back to sleep ;-)
DeleteAnother remedy for insomnia: read the book of Numbers or either Leviticus, then meditate on a certain phrase. I promise, you’ll head straight back to the Land of Nod!
I agree with most. I find my answers when I least expect it and not in silence. I have tried meditation but it is not easy, thoughts are a riot then. But I let them come and after awhile there is a calm in my mind. A lovely post Debra. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeletehttp://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/02/dark-desire.html
Rimly, I have to share this with you. I call it The Cheater’s Guide to Meditation.
DeleteGo check it out. http://cjpwisdomandlife.com/2012/02/01/go-with-your-thoughts/
You may find this more do-able ;-) Blessings!
I've been absent from blogging for a long stretch and am now attempting to catch up with my favorite people. Of course I had to visit you and enjoy your world, your thoughts and the beauty you always create.
ReplyDeleteYour comment: "The practice of centering is cumulative, like an antibiotic."
What a powerful truth! When I fall off my own personal meditation wagon, I begin to see the effects. I think more clearly, my intuitive is sharper, my healing abilities are more profound, and I see the world with stronger clarity....all when I embrace meditation daily.
Do I wrestle with mind chatter? Absolutely, and I've been meditating for well over 25 years. The key process for me is to honor the random thoughts, give them a brief moment in the spotlight, then come back to quiet. Always come back to quiet. I go to different places with meditation. Sometimes a cave with a deep pool, sometimes a field full of spring flowers, fat bees buzzing about...and here, too, a pond with a dock. Water is always present in my meditative state; I find it has multiple purposes. To calm, to cleanse, to reflect, to soothe.
Beautiful post, as always, Debra!
With love,
Dawnie
Dawn, I've missed you! Where have you been hiding lately? Have you been in that cave? love and blessings!
DeleteI'm back to visit this post, because I just finished responding to your comment on my most recent post. I decided to treat myself and stroll through some of your archives, as this is one of my favorite places to visit in the blogging world.
DeleteThis year has been interesting in regard to meditation, to writerly inspiration, to finding time to blog and more. I think that yes, I did spend some time in that cave, and it was a necessary hiatus. Life is good these days and inspiration is flowing freely. It's good to be back! :)
- Dawn
I liked the line "centering prayer is that the answers I seek don’t generally come during the silence, but they materialize sometime later…" I don't pray I just shut my mind down and walk, this is my form of prayer. I often don't know how I got through my 3 miles. I remember starting and resume awareness when I walk into the drive, and wherever it was I was looking for or need to clarify is there at the end of walk. I don't always have every answer but more often than not I have a hint or a clue to the bigger picture. I realize this is different from what you are sharing with us here, but it's my private meditation. I realize I am doing this until I come here and see your words. I love that you share and help me (ok, others too) with their own forms of prayer and meditation. Thanks, Debra... you are a favored read.
ReplyDeleteBrenda,walking meditation works wonders too. Some of the best writers out there (including Natalie Goldberg)practice it. Whatever works for you is the best. love and peace! <3
Delete