Project for Mindfulness and Contemplation

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack. This week Dr. Bushlack explores the way in which the continual practice of letting and returning to the sacred word facilitates our entry into deeper states of rest for both mind and body. These deeper states also create space for the work of grace and ongoing transformation.

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack. An invitation to reflect upon how our experience of “doing” and “accomplishing” might be different if we also set aside some time intentionally “not doing” and “not striving.”

“The real secret to handling the demands upon you is possessing inner peace. No matter what the problems, the tensions, the pressures, one can only help oneself by thinking clearly and calmly and resolutely. This cannot be done without inner peace, born of prayer, especially to the Holy Spirit, in search of light, inspiration, and courage” (from Fr. Ted’s autobiography, God, Country, Notre Dame).

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack. We reflect on Rumi's poem, "The Guest House," and the practice of meeting the full range of our experience "at the door laughing" - even the difficulties, stresses, and anxieties.

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack

Dr. Bushlack flubs his way through a joke, and then reflects on the significance of laughter, humility, and levity as one advances in the spiritual life and the practice of Centering.

Centering Prayer & Meditation with Dr. Thomas Bushlack.

A reflection on Max Erhman's poem, "The Desiderata," in which we are encouraged to follow our sacred word into the peace available amid the noise and chaos of our daily lives.

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack.

“Balance in the body is the foundation for balance in life” (B.K.S. Iyengar). By bringing gentle attention to the body during our practice it becomes easier to say yes to God and to all of life with our whole being. By consenting to God’s presence and action within and to our experience we are able to integrate head, heart, and body.

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack

Dwelling on the past tends to produce depression.

Dwelling on the future tends to promote anxiety.

Dwelling in the moment is the only place to access peace, contentment, and serenity.

How does our sacred word help us to access the serenity available in every moment?

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack.

What does it mean to refer to our sacred word as a "symbol"? In this reflection we consider the ways in which our sacred word acts as a symbol for and guide toward our deeper spiritual aspirations. Ultimately, our sacred word is a symbol of our desire to achieve union with God.

Centering Prayer & Meditation w/Dr. Thomas Bushlack.

This podcast invites us to access and live out of a deeper sense of our true self. How does the "self" that we construct and use on social media relate to our "true self" that we access during Centering? And how do we find creative ways to live out of that true self, or the divine presence within, in our everyday lives - whether we are using social media or any of our daily tasks?