When we emerge from Centering Prayer, the present moment is what we confront when we open our eyes. We have been in the present moment of prayer when we were completely open to the divine life and action within us. Then we get out of our chair and continue daily life. This is where attentiveness to the content of the present moment is a way of putting order into the myriad occupations, thoughts, and events of daily life. Attention to this context simply means to do what we are doing. This was one of the principal recommendations of the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the fourth century. The disciple would come for instruction and say, "I am interested in finding the true self and becoming a contemplative. What should I do?" The desert guides would reply in the most prosaic language, "Do what you're doing," which means, bring your attention to the present moment and its immediate context and keep it there. For instance, it is time for supper. Well, put the food on the table. This is true virtue. Turning on the television at that time or making a needless phone call might not be. Attending to the present moment means that our mind is on what we are doing as we go through the day. We are thus united to God in the present moment instead of wondering about what we are going to do next or tomorrow. There might be an appropriate time to set aside for planning but not now.
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Thomas Keating:
When we emerge from Centering Prayer, the present moment is what we confront when we open our eyes. We have been in the present moment of prayer when we were completely open to the divine life and action within us. Then we get out of our chair and continue daily life. This is where attentiveness to the content of the present moment is a way of putting order into the myriad occupations, thoughts, and events of daily life. Attention to this context simply means to do what we are doing. This was one of the principal recommendations of the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the fourth century. The disciple would come for instruction and say, "I am interested in finding the true self and becoming a contemplative. What should I do?" The desert guides would reply in the most prosaic language, "Do what you're doing," which means, bring your attention to the present moment and its immediate context and keep it there. For instance, it is time for supper. Well, put the food on the table. This is true virtue. Turning on the television at that time or making a needless phone call might not be. Attending to the present moment means that our mind is on what we are doing as we go through the day. We are thus united to God in the present moment instead of wondering about what we are going to do next or tomorrow. There might be an appropriate time to set aside for planning but not now.
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