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Heartfulness Retreat

1/15/2012

 
By Katherine Leighton

Travel to the November Heartfulness retreat in Racine Wisconsin had elements of the spiritual journey ... delay, delight, lack of control, surprise, and discombobulation! I arrived at the Amtrak station one hour early and the train was 3 hours late. As I enjoyed gliding in the comfortable car along the Mississippi River, someone was stealing terribly important items from my suitcase i.e. a small cosmetics bag and a journal (blank). I arrived after dinner, knew not one soul and had to take a seat at the front disturbing the program. Oh well.

The retreat environment was lovely and grand silence began after the first evening program. Our leaders, Mary Ann Best and Susan Komis did an excellent job of encouraging the silence and facilitating discussion (the only break in silence). The schedule was built around listening to a dialogue between Thomas Keating and Mary Sue Flowers. Mary Sue is a practiced, effective interviewer and the resulting program is a distillation of Thomas Keating’s teachings.

The format involved listening to the conversation in twenty-minute segments, spending 20 minutes or so in discussion, periods of centering prayer, lectio...and free time. The grand silence provided the container for the fruits of the retreat to ripen. Perceiving the information in such a setting gave the opportunity for the message to drop into the heart.

The aim of heartfulness, as opposed to the Buddhist mindfulness, is not gathering data or intellectual understanding, but slow absorption of what the contemplative dimension of the gospel can mean. The rhythm of the retreat provided the possibility to let this teaching reach us in a transformative way. Solomon asked for wisdom of the heart ... this is an experience in opening to the true self, of opening the heart. The discussions in small group were full of the wisdom of contemplatives.

The contemplative dimension of the Gospel is rich and offers the opportunity to open mind and heart to God. In the early years of centering prayer practice, we gather abundant information. This retreat distills that information and encourages opening the heart for transformation and moving into the fullness of life.

I highly recommend this retreat experience as a welcome step on the spiritual journey.

Minnesota Contemplative Outreach is planning a Heartfulness Retreat in early October of this year. Stay tuned for information.

Pilgrimage of the Heart

2/14/2010

 
By Diane Boruff

On Saturday, February 13 over 70 people gathered at Colonial Church in Edina to hear Susan Komis from Contemplative Outreach International present a full day workshop on The Human Condition, The Welcoming Prayer and The Prayer of Forgiveness. Prayer was central to the day as there were 2 sessions of centering prayer in addition to sessions practicing the welcoming prayer and the prayer of forgiveness.

The morning session was devoted to The Human Condition and Divine Therapy as described by Fr. Thomas Keating in his book Invitation to Love. She illustrated out illusions and delusions; how we look for happiness in all the wrong places as well as our lack of awareness of the presence of God in our life. The DIS-ease and suffering of the False Self value system keep us from the happiness that we seek and keep us rooted in fear. Susan spoke of transformation and the desire to know when we have "arrived."

After reviewing the False Self, Susan introduced the three primary steps of letting go that allow us to be open to the process of transformation.

1. Awareness: a peaceful acknowledgement of our self. Ever so gently make friends with your false self.
2. Realization: you are powerless to change the way you are. It is bringing this to God. A regular practice of Centering Prayer or interior process facilitates this.
3. Consent: to allow the Holy Spirit to move and work in our heart and life.

Two means of bringing the gifts of centering prayer into daily life are the welcoming prayer and the prayer of forgiveness. The Welcoming Prayer deals with the wounds of the false self. It is a method that helps forestall the false self on a daily basis. Vilkommen can translate as come and make welcome. This prayer engages the body, mind and spirit as we focus, feel and welcome the divine indwelling by letting go. “Welcome. I let go of the desire for security, affection, and control. Welcome, I let go of the desire to change this feeling/sensation.” This prayer deals with the reality of what is happening now. The Prayer of Forgiveness is a guided meditation that allows a letting go of wounds and hurts from the past. Forgiveness is the name of love in a wounded world. Both of these prayers, as does centering prayer, have a simple format but are life-changing when practiced.

For me the day was energizing, inspiring, and challenging. My heart sings in joy with the gift of praying with so many people. The challenge of being faithful to the practice of centering prayer and extending it into daily life seems easier when supported by friends. The lovely setting and the wonderful hospitality at Colonial Church allowed us to relax and listen with open hearts. I am grateful for Susan’s presence and teaching and for all of you who shared in this beautiful and meaningful day of prayer and enrichment.

Diane Boruff is a presenter of Centering Prayer and a member of the Minnesota Contemplative Outreach Leadership Team.

    Presence & Action Blog

    MN Contemplative Outreach publishes articles written by, and for, practitioners.  They are designed to deepen understanding of the Centering Prayer Practice and its power to change lives.

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