Tag Archives: openness
The Creative Life
Art: Old and New The Creative Life Wednesday, November 13, 2019 I’ve discussed public and even famous works of art this week, but the very process of creating art is valuable and generative, even if no one else ever sees it. Mirabai Starr reminds us of the freedom of childhood and encourages us to be… Continue Reading The Creative Life
Open Heart, Mind, and Body
Contemplation: Week 1 Open Heart, Mind, and Body Sunday, December 9, 2018 We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words. But this is only one expression. . . . Prayer is the opening of mind and heart—our whole being—to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. Through grace we… Continue Reading Open Heart, Mind, and Body
Mindfulness
Taoism and Buddhism Mindfulness Friday, August 24, 2018 Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion. —Thich Nhat Hanh [1] Thich Nhat Hanh, the beloved Buddhist monk, explores the meaning of the… Continue Reading Mindfulness
Creativity: Weekly Summary
Creativity Summary: Sunday, June 3-Friday, June 8, 2018 The “mind of Christ” is a different way of knowing, and you can recognize it by its gratuity, open-endedness, compassion, and by the way it is so creative and energizing in those who allow it. (Sunday) The contemplative stance is the Third Way. We stand in the… Continue Reading Creativity: Weekly Summary
Faith and Belief: Weekly Summary
Faith and Belief Summary: Sunday, July 16-Friday, July 22, 2017 “Could Christians migrate from defining their faith as a system of beliefs to expressing it as a loving way of life?” —Brian McLaren (Sunday) “By defining itself as a settled system of beliefs, Christianity . . . became a leash or a locked door impeding… Continue Reading Faith and Belief: Weekly Summary
An Open and Growing Heart
Faith and Belief An Open and Growing Heart Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Like “prayer,” “religion,” and so many other words, the word “faith” means different things to different people. As we recover the lost tradition of contemplation, here are some clarifications for what I mean by “faith” and why, understood in a nondualistic way, faith… Continue Reading An Open and Growing Heart
Be Receptive (or Be Open)
The Beatitudes Be Receptive (or Be Open) Sunday, April 16, 2017 This week Cynthia Bourgeault, one of CAC’s core faculty members, reflects on Jesus’ eight blessings given in his Sermon on the Mount. If you were raised Christian, you are probably familiar with the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). They’re one of most commonly memorized texts in… Continue Reading Be Receptive (or Be Open)
Intention
Centering Prayer Intention Wednesday, February 15, 2017 Guest writer Cynthia Bourgeault continues exploring the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer. “Centering Prayer is not done with attention but with intention,” Thomas Keating repeatedly reminds us. Unlike other methods of meditation, Centering Prayer does not furnish an object for your attention—whether it be repeating a mantra, following… Continue Reading Intention
