Centering Prayer and Stilling an Active Mind
It can be difficult to find quiet times and inner peace in our fast-paced, constantly connected world. A method of calming the mind and nourishing the soul that I use is centering prayer, a contemplative practice with roots in ancient wisdom. In my own experience, centering prayer makes my day more stable and gives me a bigger buffer to handle the stresses of daily life. Following deconstruction, I began my own centering prayer routines. I began reading as many books as I could on subjects like meditation, faith, and doubt as I was deconstructing. I discovered recurring themes and ideas that, in theory at least, point me in the direction of a closer relationship with God's presence in the world around me. Today we'll go into the fundamentals of centering prayer from the perspective of a newcomer, look at its guiding principles, and talk about practical methods for overcoming distractions that could occur when praying. Along the way, I'll also share a little of my experience with centering prayer with you.
The Essence of Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is a contemplative practice that aims to transcend the limitations of language and mental activity, allowing us to rest in the spiritual moment and experience a profound sense of connection with the divine. It is a unique form of silent prayer that invites us to develop a deep, receptive awareness of the interconnectedness within and around us. By intentionally practicing silence and surrender, we can move beyond the clutter of our thoughts and emotions, creating a sacred space to rest in the loving presence of God. In this space of receptive awareness, the divine can permeate our being and guide us on our spiritual journey. While some may use centering prayer to have spiritual and divine experiences, I personally have not had such experiences yet through this technique, but I hope that changes. Even still, I find centering prayer effective at alleviating stress, and giving space to take note of my inner thoughts and worries.
At the heart of centering prayer lies the invitation to embrace stillness, both externally and internally. Through this practice, we create a sanctuary where the constant noise and distractions of the world settle, allowing us to attune ourselves to the gentle whispers of the divine. Cultivating inner stillness enables us to recognize the presence of God in the ordinary moments of our lives. This stillness is not about emptying our minds or suppressing our thoughts; rather, it is an intentional opening and surrender that allows us to be fully present in the eternal now, where the divine presence unfolds in all its beauty and grace. Embracing stillness and purposeful silence can be challenging in centering prayer, but I have had some success in entering a "flow-like state" when I do manage to achieve stillness, even though these moments have been fleeting. I believe that with continued practice and perseverance on my spiritual journey, I can improve my own outcomes over time.
Surrender
Surrendering and letting go lie at the heart of the transformative power of centering prayer. This contemplative practice encourages us to release our attachments, desires, and preoccupations, creating space within us to open up to the divine presence. By surrendering control and relinquishing the need to manipulate or orchestrate outcomes, we enter into a state of trust in the unfolding mystery of God's grace. Centering prayer invites us to let go not only of external distractions but also of the inner resistance that often arises when we confront the unknown or relinquish our sense of control. It is a radical act of faith and humility, acknowledging that we are part of a larger tapestry of existence, intimately interconnected with the divine and all of creation.
Embracing Stillness
Embracing stillness is a vital aspect of centering prayer, for it is in the depths of silence that we can truly encounter the divine. This practice invites us to quiet our restless thoughts and find a sense of inner calm and tranquility. By intentionally creating a space of silence, free from external distractions, we open ourselves to the present moment, where the divine presence reveals itself. In the stillness of centering prayer, we let go of the constant mental chatter and external noise that often dominate our lives. We allow ourselves to become fully present, fully attuned to the sacredness of each passing moment. By embracing stillness, we create the conditions necessary for transformation, healing, and a more intimate communion with the divine all around us.
Strangely, although my mind and body are generally in state of constant movement, I do not struggle with stillness as much as one might think when in centering prayer. Although distractions do happen (I discuss strategies for managing distractions below)., the conscious act to centering enables me to still my mind, at least for small moments, for a time. The practice opens a door for resting the mind that is typically closed off during other waking times. Perhaps the more difficult part is translating the embrace of stillness into normal life outside of centering prayer.
Nondualistic Thinking
Dualistic thinking, characterized by the division of the world into opposing categories, often limits our understanding and hinders our spiritual growth. In contrast, a nondualistic approach enables us to embrace a more expansive and holistic perspective. We are invited to recognize the inherent interconnectedness of all things, understanding that there is a deep unity that underlies the apparent diversity of the world. By transcending dualistic thinking, we begin to perceive the divine presence permeating every aspect of existence, from the mundane to the extraordinary. We come to realize that our connection with the divine is not limited to certain sacred spaces or moments but is ever-present, flowing through the tapestry of our lives.
In adopting a non-dualistic perspective, we move beyond the constraints of either/or thinking and open ourselves to the beauty and wisdom of both/and. We acknowledge the coexistence of light and darkness, joy and sorrow, certainty and doubt, recognizing that each facet of our experience can serve as a portal to encounter the divine. This holistic approach allows us to engage with life more fully, embracing the full spectrum of human experience and perceiving the divine presence that pervades it all.
I have much to say and write about nondualistic thinking, and my thoughts on the nature of the divine which can arise from this perspective. But this will wait for another time. For now it is good enough to acknowledge that through the lens of nondualism, we can view our practice of centering prayer as a tool to find interconnectedness with the divine that is all around us.
Contemplative Awareness
Several contemplatives and mystics share and emphasize the cultivation of contemplative awareness as a fundamental aspect of centering prayer. This awareness involves a way of perceiving and engaging with the world that is grounded in silence, stillness, and deep attentiveness. These teachers invite us to move beyond a superficial understanding of reality and dive into the depths of contemplation, where we can encounter the divine in profound ways.
Contemplative awareness calls us to be fully present in each moment, to quiet the constant stream of thoughts and distractions that pull us away from the richness of the present. Through contemplative awareness, we develop the capacity to see beyond the surface-level appearances and discover the deeper truths that lie beneath. This mode of perception allows us to glimpse the interconnectedness of all things, to recognize the divine spark within ourselves and others.
Navigating Distraction
Distractions are normal, and they will happen during centering prayer. We can employ strategies to manage and deal with distractions, but it is important to realize at the outset that distractions are a part of the human existence, perhaps especially so for the hyperactive mind.
Letting Go
Acknowledging and letting go of distractions form an essential aspect of centering prayer. Distractions are bound to arise during the prayer experience, and rather than viewing them as obstacles, we can embrace them as opportunities for deeper awareness and growth. The practice invites us to shift our relationship with distractions, adopting an attitude of gentle acceptance and non-judgment.
When distractions emerge, we can begin by acknowledging their presence without getting entangled in them. We recognize that distractions are a natural part of the human mind, and it is normal for thoughts, emotions, or external stimuli to arise during the prayer. By acknowledging distractions with compassionate awareness, we create a space of non-resistance and allow them to pass through without exerting undue effort to suppress or eliminate them.
Simultaneously, we cultivate the practice of letting go. With gentle intention, we release our grip on the distractions, allowing them to dissolve into the background. We refrain from attaching any significance to them or investing our energy in their continuation. Instead, we gently redirect our attention back to the sacred word or phrase that anchors our practice, returning to the stillness and presence of the divine.
In the process of acknowledging and letting go, we cultivate a sense of inner freedom. We learn to detach from the constant pull of distractions and find stability in the stillness of our prayer. It is important to approach this practice with patience and self-compassion, understanding that it is a continual process of refining our ability to let go and refocus. Over time, with regular practice, our capacity to navigate distractions deepens, allowing us to dwell more effortlessly in the presence of the divine all around us
Gentle Persistence
Cultivating gentle persistence is a useful approach when distractions persist during centering prayer. It is natural for distractions to resurface repeatedly, as the mind is accustomed to wandering. However, by embodying a mindset of gentle persistence, we can navigate these challenges and nurture our inner stillness. When distractions arise, it is crucial not to become discouraged or frustrated. Instead, we meet them with a gentle and patient attitude. We acknowledge that the mind may wander and that it is part of the human experience, and then persist in our prayer. Through this gentle persistence, we avoid harsh self-judgment and cultivate a compassionate response to distractions.
It is important to remember that cultivating gentle persistence is a gradual process that deepens over time. As we persistently return to the divine presence, our capacity for inner stillness expands. With each practice session, we strengthen our ability to maintain focus and remain centered, even amidst persistent distractions.
Anchoring Practices
Using anchoring practices is a valuable strategy to support our centering prayer practice when distractions arise. These practices serve as helpful tools to anchor our attention and bring us back to the present moment, cultivating a calm and centered state of mind.
One anchoring practice commonly used is focusing on the breath. The breath is always accessible to us and serves as a reliable point of focus. By directing our attention to the inhalation and exhalation, we can ground ourselves in the present moment and create a sense of stability amidst distractions. The rhythmic flow of the breath becomes an anchor that guides us back to the essence of our prayer.
Use of a sacred word or a short phrase that holds deep spiritual meaning for you (for example "peace", "Jesus", "everything belongs" are words/phrases I've used) can also be a way to anchor yourself during distractions. Repeat your word silently in your mind during the prayer as a way to anchor your attention and connect with the presence all around you. This word or phrase can serve as a reminder of your intention and help bring you back to the present moment whenever distractions arise.
Prayer beads or a rosary are a tangible anchor for your attention--like a holy fidget toy of sorts. As you move from bead to bead, offer a silent prayer, mantra, or a sacred phrase. The tactile experience of touching each bead can help create a rhythmic and grounding flow, aiding in the stilling of the mind and fostering a deeper connection with the divine.
Visualizing an image is another anchoring practice that can be utilized. This could involve picturing a sacred symbol or icon, a serene natural scene, or an image that holds personal significance. The visualization provides a focal point for our attention, enabling us to redirect our thoughts and reconnect with the sacred. By engaging our visual imagination, we create a supportive framework for stilling the mind and deepening our connection with the divine.
The use of anchoring practices does not imply a suppression or rejection of distractions. Instead, they serve as gentle reminders and tools to help us return to the present moment and the sacred intention of our prayer. These practices provide a sense of stability and focus, allowing us to navigate distractions with greater ease and sustain a calm and centered state of mind throughout our centering prayer practice.
Experimenting with different anchoring practices and finding what resonates with us personally can enhance our ability to maintain presence and deepen our experience of centering prayer. By utilizing these techniques, we create a supportive structure that nurtures our practice and helps us find refuge in the stillness of the divine presence.
Conclusion
Centering prayer offers us a profound pathway to stilling the mind, nurturing the soul, and connecting with the divine. By incorporating the practices of acknowledging distractions, cultivating gentle persistence, and utilizing anchoring techniques, we can deepen our experience of centering prayer and invite the divine presence to unfold within us.
Now, it is time to embark on your own centering prayer journey. I encourage you to carve out sacred moments in your daily life to engage in this contemplative practice. Create a quiet space where you can be undisturbed, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Settle into the silence, let go of your attachments, and invite the divine to meet you in the depths of your being.
As distractions arise, practice gentle persistence. Embrace them as opportunities for growth, acknowledging their presence with compassion and gently redirecting your attention back to the divine. Use anchoring practices, such as focusing on the breath or visualizing an image, to anchor your attention and foster a calm and centered state of mind.
Remember, this is a journey of discovery and deepening connection with the divine. Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate the challenges and blessings along the way. Trust in the transformative power of centering prayer to guide you towards a more profound encounter with the sacred.
So, I invite you to take that first step today. Dedicate time to stilling your mind, nurturing your soul, and cultivating a deeper connection with the divine through centering prayer. May this practice lead you on a transformative path of self-discovery, inner peace, and spiritual growth. The gift of centering prayer awaits you.