Mary Dwyer: The Transformational Experience of Centering Prayer
Oct 15, 2023
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Mary Dwyer, a seasoned advocate of Centering Prayer with over 30 years of experience, shares her profound journey shaped by Father Thomas Keating's teachings. She highlights the transformative power of daily contemplative practices and how communal living fosters spiritual growth. Dwyer also discusses the significance of emotional awareness and the four essential steps of Centering Prayer. Additionally, the conversation touches on how digital platforms are reshaping modern spirituality, blending accessibility with the sacred.
Centering prayer is a transformative practice that fosters a deeper relationship with God through silence, consent, and intentionality.
Community support in contemplative prayer enhances personal growth and combats the loneliness often experienced during spiritual exploration.
Deep dives
The Journey of Centering Prayer
Centering prayer serves as a transformative spiritual practice that emphasizes the importance of silence and inner stillness. Developed by Father Thomas Keating, this method encourages individuals to consent to God's presence and action within them, fostering a deeper relationship with the divine. Participants engage in a simple structure composed of guidelines that include selecting a sacred word and returning to it when distracted. The practice challenges individuals not only to find peace but to engage in a profound journey of personal transformation.
The Role of Community in Practicing Contemplative Prayer
Community plays a crucial role in supporting individuals on their journey of contemplative prayer. Early experiences in the Chrysalis House illustrated how living in community fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to Spiritual practices while providing the necessary support for personal growth. This shared experience encourages practitioners to return to their practice consistently, countering the loneliness that can arise during spiritual exploration. The interaction and engagement with a group magnify the spiritual journey, emphasizing relational connections.
The Transformative Power of Spiritual Practices
Practicing centering prayer entails more than seeking relaxation; it encompasses a deep transformation and healing process. As practitioners confront their emotional attachments and false selves, they engage in what can feel like a tumultuous journey toward awakening. This transformative experience, described as 'divine therapy,' underscores the significance of commitment and discipline in the spiritual journey. By understanding that discomfort often leads to growth, practitioners can more readily navigate the challenges that arise throughout their contemplative practice.
Evolving Language and Accessibility in Contemplative Outreach
The conversation around centering prayer highlights the importance of adapting the language of spiritual teachings to make them accessible to a broader audience. As the community evolves, it aims to reach individuals who may not resonate with traditional religious structures while sharing the core message of divine union as a birthright. The podcast showcases how modern platforms like virtual gatherings and podcasts help expand the reach of contemplative practices, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary needs. This adaptable approach fosters a more inclusive environment for spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds.
On this episode, we welcome Mary Dwyer who has been practicing Centering Prayer for over 30 years. In the early 1990’s she lived in Chrysalis House, a contemplative community experiment blessed by Father Thomas, which became an incubator of practice and programs in the early years of growth for Contemplative Outreach and Centering Prayer. She attended Georgetown University and majored in economics, later she went back to school and became a licensed social worker. Mary is currently in private practice as a social worker, while serving Contemplative Outreach as a member of the community, welcoming service team, a chairperson for Contemplative Outreach, and a member of the faculty. Mary has been in complete service to the Contemplative Outreach community. We are so grateful to have her on the show.
Season 2 of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts was made possible by a grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer.
This episode of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC www.crysandtiana.com
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