Beginning and Renewing our Meditation Practice
Event Information
Description
In this half-day workshop we'll be looking at the basics of centering prayer - a silent meditation practice facilitating our consent - our yes - to the divine life within us. A further session on Deepening our Meditation Practice (16th March) will follow on from this - come to either, or both.
The session will be suitable for those new to contemplative practice or looking for a fresh approach; as a refresher for experienced CP practitioners; and for people in 12-step recovery developing their step 11 practice. We'll be drawing on Contemplative Outreach's classic teachings on centering prayer and also some new material from David Frenette's book 'The Path of Centering Prayer'.
The workshop will combine short presentations, contemplative time in silence, some simple chanting, and space for heart sharing. We will explore:
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The subtle but significant difference between centering prayer and contemplative prayer.
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Prayer as entering into a relationship, rather than as something we ‘do’.
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How to work with a sacred word as a way of orientating towards a sacred intent.
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Intentional silence as a way of deepening our intimacy with both ourselves and God, and indeed all of creation.
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What we mean by ‘letting go of thoughts’ and how the gentle practice of Centering Prayer facilitates this.
The session will be presented by Liz Day, who has been practising centering prayer for 16 years. During this time she has offered and taken part in many workshops, groups and retreats on centering prayer and the Christian contemplative tradition, and she has studied with national and international teachers.
Liz says, "It's always good to have beginners mind - whether we're starting something for the first time, or revisiting something familiar. Beginners mind is the vastness of what we don't know - and the humility to receive what we need for our next step. I'm looking forward to getting back to basics in this session, and sharing some of the riches of this tradition of prayer."
Tea and coffee will be provided.
This workshop is offered on a gift basis - pay what feels right for you. We are asking for a £12 payment up front as a token of commitment and to reserve your place - this can be revised - up or down - on the day.
See also Deepening our Meditation Practice on 16th March.
Feedback from a recent group facilitated by Liz:
"I really enjoyed the 8 weeks. I think Liz is very skilled at holding the space and keeping a balance between our contributions and the plan for the session. It felt respectful and loving and I didn't feel inhibited about joining in, even though my experience has been very different to that of most of the other participants. I really valued being part of this loving, accepting and thought provoking group." Penny Marais
"This group was invaluable to me - the practice, conversations, explanations, silence and quite deep sharing for a newly formed gathering. Above all I think it was the sincere intention from everyone to seek. Thank you Liz for your generous leadership; without a ‘know it all’ perspective but what felt to me like a genuine shared journey." Lynne Davies
About David Frenette's book:
Practising centering prayer awakens one to deeper meaning, as life itself becomes a spiritual journey. With centering prayer and Christian contemplation, God becomes a living reality instead of just a fundamentalist belief. This book on the subtleties of contemplation and centering prayer reflects what I have searched for in my own life: the knowledge of how to better discipline yourself, what to do in practice as the contemplative journey deepens, and how to say yes to the transcendent mystery of life and God. - David Frenette
David's primary spiritual gift is in bringing forth new dimensions and nuances of contemplative practice... This is an extremely important endeavour, for a spiritual tradition stagnates unless it continues to breathe new life into itself with resources appropriate for longtime practitioners, new generations of seekers, and changing social conditions. This book in my view is the best, most comprehensive and most practical book on centering prayer. - Thomas Keating
More about centering prayer
For those new to centering prayer - it is a non-conceptual, silent meditation practice, originally pioneered by Trappist monk Fr Thomas Keating in the 1970s. It is now practised by thousands of communities and individuals worldwide - including 12 step recovery groups - and an organising body called Contemplative Outreach provides support and resources.
www.contemplativeoutreach.org.uk
Contact
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Liz on
07951 928877 or
liz@norwichmeditation.co.uk
