Q: People practicing Centering Prayer speak of experiencing a sense of peace. Can you please comment? A: The word peace can have different meanings, but what does it mean in the […]
Centering Prayer and Other Types of Meditation
Q: I did Centering Prayer for some years but with family (care-giving) responsibilities, I stopped because my head was always spinning and I couldn’t get centered. So, I will soon go on a […]
Often I am more aware of my pulse than my breath
Q: I have used the sacred word and the sacred breath at different times in my practice of centering prayer. But often I am more aware of my pulse than […]
It seems the interest to do Centering Prayer has died
Q: I had been practicing Centering Prayer since 2008. But for the past year it seems the interest to do it has died. I would rather say the rosary or […]
Eight Contemplative Attitudes and Centering Prayer
Q: I am reading all I can about the process…as well as doing it twice daily.. I have examined closely the “contemplative attitudes” such as opening/gentleness/simplicity etc…. is it ok […]
Books, Retreats and Centering Prayer
Q: I've been doing Centering Prayer faithfully for over 20 years. In the first 10-15 years I was hungry for information and read just about every book on spirituality and […]
The Contemplative Dimension of Giving
Q: During this time when giving has so much to do with emptying shelves and wallets, what is the contemplative dimension of giving? A: When I reflect on the word […]
My prayer has not gone to a deeper level
Q: I have been doing centering prayer faithfully for a number of years. However, I am still operating on the surface, as a beginner. My prayer has not gone to […]
The Active Prayer Practice
Q: The active prayer is my daily "go to" practice along with Centering Prayer. Can you please clarify the differences and similarities between receptive and active contemplative practices, and how […]
Exploring Other Traditions
Q: I am a Christian contemplative, but find myself increasingly drawn to Buddhist meditation, but am afraid that I am deserting God as there is no emphasis on God in this […]
Struggling with Thoughts During the Night
Q: I just read Fr. Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart book. What should I do during the night, while lying in bed, and I find myself with a bunch of general thoughts […]
The Maturation of the Sacred Word
Q: During my Centering Prayer practice, I notice that my sacred word can change, become vague, become softer, a bit different, or more subtle, like there is no word, but only […]
Extending Time in Centering Prayer
Q: Our group had a recent discussion about increasing one’s practice to two to three hours per day. What insight does Contemplative Outreach have in regards to this type of extended practice? Our […]
The Welcoming Prayer and Taking Action
Q: I understand the Welcoming Prayer is about acceptance. But what about change and action? If your boss treats you bad, your doctor ignores your health, if someone threatens […]
Centering Prayer and the Transformation of Suffering
Q: I’ve been a Centering Prayer practitioner for several years and I’ve just finished reading The Better Part – Stages of Contemplative Living by Fr. Keating. I think that I’ve been going […]
The Difference Between Centering Prayer and Dom John Main’s Christian Meditation
Q: I'm a longtime meditator and student of contemplative practice traditions. As such I have maintained an interest in and appreciation of modern Christian approaches to meditation. In regard […]
Back to Basics
Q: I heard at the CO September 2017 conference that Fr. Thomas is emphasizing a return to the basics. What does this mean in your view? A: Thomas is […]
What Texts to Use With Lectio Divina
Q: I’ve been listening to The Spiritual Journey on CD’s and watching DVD’s to become thoroughly familiar with Centering Prayer. I am praying Lectio Divina, per Fr. Keating’s guidelines of […]
Lectio Divina and Attuning to the Spirit
Q: Recently I attended a poetry gathering … The young man who teaches poetry used Lectio Divina as a method to find interpretation of the poetry and called it that. […]
Thomas Keating & The Three Biological Needs
Q: Thomas Keating identifies three essential biological needs for human beings: (1) Security & Survival, (2) Power & Control, and (3) Affection & Esteem. Can you please tell me if […]
Welcoming & Security Issues
Q: I need help. Every day I pray the Welcoming Prayer. I trip up at “I let go my desire for security and survival.” I’m a mother. How can I […]
Praying to the Old Man on the Throne?
Q: Recently, when I concluded my session of Centering Prayer and recited the Lord's Prayer, as is my custom, I was struck by the disparity between the Trinity in Whom […]
Distinguishing Awareness and Presence
Q: I was listening to this video of Fr. Keating: https://youtu.be/bcc5_R9415Q If a clearer or fuller context is required, it might be necessary to listen to a few minutes […]
Sacred Feeling as a Sacred Symbol
Q: I feel led towards using what I would call sacred ‚Äúfeeling‚Äù when doing Centering Prayer. My feeling is love for God that I feel in my heart. It seems […]
Placing Your Attention IN
Q: I have been doing Centering Prayer for 6+months now, and have hit a bit of a road block. In reading Cynthia Bourgeault’s book, The Heart of Centering Prayer, and […]