[caption id="attachment_3191" align="alignright" width="200"] Blog by Associate Adele Sheffieck, OPA[/caption]
As one continuing on the spiritual journey in later life, I struggle to find ways to "let go, let God" in everyday living. In younger years I thought I was doing just that, but as I grew older I realized I wasn't succeeding in letting God take over in most circumstances. The fact that the same old feelings came back helped me to see that I wasn't really "letting God." In other words - easier said then done!
A number of years ago I included in my prayer life the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer in which, for some time each day, I sat and consented to the God Within when thoughts and other perceptions hit me. The effect of this silent prayer has helped in my unique relationship with God and has allowed the Fruits of the Spirit to become more alive in my life.
But what about the everyday moment-to-moment living? What about the days when fear, anger, frustration and other feelings come into my life? How do I respond to the feelings instead of reacting to them? How do I deal with them in a prayerful way and strive to "let God?"
Fortunately, I have come upon the Welcoming Prayer which is consenting to the God Within On The Go. This process of, when I am aware that this feeling has taken over, I Focus, Feel, Welcome and Let Go. As a contemplative, then, my struggle to "let go, let God" has become ever so easy in this later life journey!
Blog by Associate Adele Sheffieck, OPA[/caption]
As one continuing on the spiritual journey in later life, I struggle to find ways to "let go, let God" in everyday living. In younger years I thought I was doing just that, but as I grew older I realized I wasn't succeeding in letting God take over in most circumstances. The fact that the same old feelings came back helped me to see that I wasn't really "letting God." In other words - easier said then done!
A number of years ago I included in my prayer life the contemplative practice of Centering Prayer in which, for some time each day, I sat and consented to the God Within when thoughts and other perceptions hit me. The effect of this silent prayer has helped in my unique relationship with God and has allowed the Fruits of the Spirit to become more alive in my life.
But what about the everyday moment-to-moment living? What about the days when fear, anger, frustration and other feelings come into my life? How do I respond to the feelings instead of reacting to them? How do I deal with them in a prayerful way and strive to "let God?"
Fortunately, I have come upon the Welcoming Prayer which is consenting to the God Within On The Go. This process of, when I am aware that this feeling has taken over, I Focus, Feel, Welcome and Let Go. As a contemplative, then, my struggle to "let go, let God" has become ever so easy in this later life journey! 