God never changes; but human capacity for understanding is ever emerging.

Picture of a few of the members of the Statesboro Centering Prayer group and Father Tom Frances taken at the Christian Yoga & Centering Prayer Retreat, The Monestary of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. Nov 2008

Centering Prayer: A Christ-Centered Meditation Group in Statesboro
At Trinity Episcopal Church www.trinitystatesboro.org
4401 Country Club Road, Statesboro, GA 30458
912-489-4208 at the church or 912-687-1943 at Brooklet Bodyworks
12-1pm each Tuesday
FREE. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

Our readings and discussion topics are taken from The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living by Father Thomas Keating.

The meeting schedule will be as follows:
12 noon Arrive/Introductions/Opening Prayer/4 Guidelines/Scripture
12:10 20-minute silent prayer sit begins
12:30 Topic & discussion
12:45 Closing prayer/depart

My Journey Toward Balance Thru Centering Prayer

In today’s busy and complicated world it is almost impossible to remember that Jesus Christ called us to a simple life. A life filled with love and kindness. He summed up all the laws and teachings in just two easy-to-understand commandments 1) love God 2) love others. (see: Matthew 22:34-40) Then, He gave us a Helper – the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

Only two rules? Wow! Should be simple, right? But I found myself wondering, “How can I love God and others when I don’t even have enough time to take care of myself or meet the needs of my family? I’m tired…I’m stressed out…” Where is the disconnect? I didn’t know, but I felt sure that if Jesus gave me the rules, and left me with a Helper, that God would provide the answer. I was familiar with the promise that if I ask it will be given, if I seek I will find, and if I knock, He would answer. So I prayed: “Why is my life so complicated? Why am I always so busy? Why can’t I seem to have peace?” I prayed for many years. Then, one day – AHHHHH -- God answered!

(Actually, He had been attempting to answer me all along, but I wasn’t listening!)

God’s answer is so simple! He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things shall be added to you.” (Mt 6:33) Seek Him and He will do the rest? He will meet my needs? He will fill me in such a way that I have overflow? Yes!

God is everywhere and He loves me unconditionally. God is responding, but am I listening? I now understood that I needed to draw near and be still and listen, but how? Then God showed me: One minute at a time! He showed me that I can build my relationship – directly with Him – one minute at a time.

As Christians we are called to a spiritual path -- a journey. For many this journey begins by hearing the Gospel and becoming "Born Again." For others, this journey is a gradual awareness that a higher power exists. No matter how it happens, this acceptance is the beginning of a relationship. And like other relationships, our relationship with God can be either shallow or deep. The relationship can remain in our head (shallow) or dig way, way down into our heart (deep). When we seek a deep, loving, intentional relationship with God, His Holy Spirit has the opportunity to communicate with us and through us. Jesus was the perfect example. When He needed strength, peace and wisdom He spent time alone, in silent prayer with God.

I have found that when I take the time, daily, to surrender and rest in God's presence, my heart is more attuned to God, and I'm eqipped to share God's love with the world around me.

Who are you? What is your purpose? How can you be satisfied? How can you balance work/life/family? What is your calling? I don't know the answers for you, but God does!   When you spend time with Him, surrendering to His precious Spirit, you will find peace, you will find power, and you will find answers. You will be able to discern His voice.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
[John 10:14, 16]

Simply learn to rest in Him -- one minute at a time. That's what I am committed to doing and that is what I am called to share with others.

I am often asked to describe the benefits of my daily practice of Centering Prayer.  I always find myself tongue-tied and promise myself that I will be better prepared the next time someone asks.  However, the next time someone inquires, the only response that comes to mind is usually: "You have to be there..."  But, honestly, the fruits of the practice are so far reaching and intimate that I find them difficult to put into words. After 5 years of practice, here is what I can share about my personal experience with this type of prayer:

My feet are bare
My eyes are closed
My mouth is silent
Slowly, my body enters His rest

The candle flickers as I surrender
Gently, I lay each and every thought at the feet of my Lord

I breathe deeply
His breath of life

My mind is free
With His peace I am blessed

My heart is open
With His love I am fulfilled

Each day my ears hear the Spirit say,
“Yes – head beneath heart – I AM the way.”

He is in me
I am in Him
Together, we walk in His love

This is the prayer of my Heart

- Kim Owens, LMT

Rest in God’s Presence with Centering Prayer

Father Thomas Keating, suggests four steps to develop a practice of centering prayer.

1. Choose a sacred word. This is to focus all attention on God's presence within. (Examples: God, Jesus, Father, Mary, Amen, peace, listen, trust)

2. Be still. Sit comfortably and quietly with eyes closed. Then gently begin to say the sacred word inwardly.

3. The sacred word may disappear in time when no longer needed. Return to sacred word when distractions or thoughts creep into the silence.

4. Continue the prayer for 20 minutes. At the end of this time remain silent for two minutes to bring silent atmosphere into other areas of life.

Source: "The Method of Centering Prayer,” a brochure by Father Thomas Keating, OCSO, a publication of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. For more information, visit www.contemplativeoutreach.org.  

Relax with Breath-work

A person’s respiratory rate is the number of breaths he or she takes per minute. The normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is 12 to 25 breaths per minute.

There are a number of breathing techniques that can be used to invite a relaxed, more quieted state of being.  This is my personal favorite, an eight count breath while praying.

1. Take a moment to be aware of your breathing. Is your breath shallow, fast, labored, tight? 

2. Find a quiet space.

3. Get comfortable, make sure that your spine is aligned and lengthened.

4. Be positive and think about inviting, nudging or yielding to the breath. (Forget words like control, force, push or hold.)

5. Breathe in slowly and gently while silently reciting: 

Je-sus Christ, (pause) The Son of God.

6. Breathe out when silently reciting:

I Rest in Your Mer-cy and Love.

7. Repeat. Try this method for 10 breaths (It is easiest to keep track of breaths by counting on your fingers.) 

8. When you are done, notice how you feel. The more you practice relaxation techniques, the easier it will be for you to enter into a more peaceful and healthy way of living.

Source: Exercise is based on a workshop taught by Dayna Gelinas of New Day Yoga.  www.newdayyoga.com

The Still Journey Experience

A few years ago while working in Atlanta, a musician, Ron Cagle, and I teamed up to create the Still Journey Experience. This is a complete mind, body, Holy Spirit experience. We created 1000 copies of the CD along with a written mind/body exercise guide which incorporates visualization, breath work and gentle, restorative Yoga poses. This is a limited time offer, and I think I have about 20 left. If you are interested in recieving the CD and guide please email me at kim@brookletbodyworks.com. There is a $10 fee which includes tax and shipping charges.

Kim Owens
Licensed Massage Therapist
For more information feel free to call me at Brooklet Bodyworks
Call 912-912-687-1943