The Center for Contemplative Practice
A Lay Cistercian Looks at Spiritual Reality
Month: January 2024
BITS AND PIECES: Random thoughts from Lectio Divina meditations.
Sometimes, I forget what my Lectio Divina thoughts presented to me, only to be dumbfounded that they seem to “pop up” later in the most unauspicious times and places. I might be in the bathroom and I get an impulse or virtual image. This… Continue Reading “BITS AND PIECES: Random thoughts from Lectio Divina meditations.”
ANTICIPATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE
I remember watching the movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and listening to Tim Curry sing the song “Anticipation.” God gives me crazy thoughts from the most unlikely places. In this case, I was mesmerized by how Tim Curry sang the song, dressed as a… Continue Reading “ANTICIPATION AND CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE”
I HAVE TO DIG DEEP INTO MY HUMAN NATURE TO UNCOVER THAT NEXT LEVEL OF EVOLUTION, ADOPTION.
I still remember those cherished hardbound books from the Library of Literary Masterpieces that I suddenly discovered in Middle School. In those early years, especially when I was sick and in bed, for many long hours, I read classics, such as Charles Lamb’s Dissertation… Continue Reading “I HAVE TO DIG DEEP INTO MY HUMAN NATURE TO UNCOVER THAT NEXT LEVEL OF EVOLUTION, ADOPTION.”
THE POWER OF ONE WORD IV: YES or NO
So much of what makes humanity human has to do with the ability to reason beyond the mere limitations of our nature. This has to do with choice, the most defining of human characteristics. This choice of what to do or not informs who… Continue Reading “THE POWER OF ONE WORD IV: YES or NO”
FIVE ADDITIONAL VERTICAL, CONTEMPLATIVE TOOLS TO KEEP MY FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRESENCE
Having completed my first iteration of contemplative tools that I use to probe ever deeper into vertical contemplative practices, I found there are a few more techniques that have been helpful. The tools for good works are found in Chapter 4 of the Rule… Continue Reading “FIVE ADDITIONAL VERTICAL, CONTEMPLATIVE TOOLS TO KEEP MY FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRESENCE”
SEEKING WORDS OF WISDOM… LET IT BE.
Here are some quotes from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a founder of the Cistercian Way. Taken in whole from AZ Quotes.com.
THE AWARENESS OF THE LIMITS OF MY HUMANITY
I am not only a man of constant sorrows, I must constantly forage into virgin territory with which I am unfamiliar or have never entered before. That is how I describe my Lectio Divina these days. I know that my Lectio is, and always… Continue Reading “THE AWARENESS OF THE LIMITS OF MY HUMANITY”
St. Issac the Syrian: How to deny yourself.
This website entitled Sensus Fidelium is jammed with great, short examples of those who have gone before us with the sign of peace. I offer this for you as a resource.
FIVE VERTICAL, CONTEMPLATIVE TOOLS TO KEEP MY FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRESENCE
A Lay Cistercian reflects on spiritual reality with the totality of his life experiences. As I mature in my daily attempts (and failures) to keep a profound focus on the most enigmatic and illusive concept in my Lectio Divina, I use all the tricks… Continue Reading “FIVE VERTICAL, CONTEMPLATIVE TOOLS TO KEEP MY FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRESENCE”
ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE ENIGMATIC PATH OF THE WAR?
Have you been following the machinations of all the wars? The ineffectual United Nations condemns Israel for the genocide of the Palestinians while the Russians systematically fire rockets at civilians with not a peep from anyone. Hypocrisy? In today’s market of competing power struggles,… Continue Reading “ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE ENIGMATIC PATH OF THE WAR?”
A LAY CISTERCIAN’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: MAKING ALL THINGS NEW
Each year, I have made a New Year’s resolution, and my resolve lasts about two days. Mostly, it is about losing weight. Good intentions, poor execution on my part. This yearly ritual has lulled me into an insensitivity to the importance of making and… Continue Reading “A LAY CISTERCIAN’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: MAKING ALL THINGS NEW”
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