"The latest book in Martin Laird's contemplative series is a welcomed addition. In the first of the three books, Into the Silent Land, Laird describes"The latest book in Martin Laird's contemplative series is a welcomed addition. In the first of the three books, Into the Silent Land, Laird describes contemplative practice for beginners. He has a gentle way of writing and explains the practice in a way that is simply lacking in the literature. A Sunlight Absence tackles different obstacles that might get in one's way when contemplating, but also serves as a standalone book.
An Ocean of Light describes three different contemplative minds: reactive, receptive, and luminous. Laird masterfully describes the three minds, using the Church Fathers and contemporary voices. He emphasizes that these aren't "stages" or levels of "growth" or "progress" (though a reactive mind might imagine them that way), but rather places we all are at all at once or from time-to-time. The reactive mind "seemed to involve a good deal of bouncing off the sides of the phone booth in our head." It's that moment when you think you've been contemplating for five minutes and only a minute has past. The receptive mind is moving toward oneness with God, we don't just return to the practice, we release ourselves into it. We are receptive like moist, tilled soil. The luminous mind, exerts no effort. "We show up. We sit. We are. Just sitting, just being. There is no effort involved; this is an effortless effort. We do nothing."
Finally, it also features an wonderful epilogue on depression and how it intersects with contemplation.
This book challenged me and changed me to adopt new practices and disciplines. Recommended."--Jonny...more
I love this book. When I told Nate about it, he said Cynthia Bourgeault, herself, handed him a copy when he was in college and he loves it too! BourgeI love this book. When I told Nate about it, he said Cynthia Bourgeault, herself, handed him a copy when he was in college and he loves it too! Bourgeault is an engaging, personal writer who manages to turn her sometimes esoteric knowledge into practical approaches for getting to know God (and be known!). In Christ, in righteousness, in The Mercy, in the flow of hope that leads to that vierge point --- as Merton describes: "at the center of our being a a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by illusion, a point of pure truth, a point or spark which belongs entirely to God... which is inaccessible to the fantasies of our own mind or the brutalities of our own will"-- that's where this book is encouraging us to stay and so act in hope in a troubled world. So this is a great Circle of HOPE book. There is a LOT here in just 100 pages. I read a chapter a day after my morning prayer disciplines to make sure I did not read it too fast, and found myself longing for morning. If you do not "understand" it all right off, and if she quotes people and movements that make you feel suspicious, that's OK. It will do you good to be in hope with her, and that is her main gift in the offering, anyway. -- Rod White...more
A lucidly written book about how to practice centering prayer from a well-known teacher on the sunbject.
I love how succinct and personal Cynthia BourgA lucidly written book about how to practice centering prayer from a well-known teacher on the sunbject.
I love how succinct and personal Cynthia Bourgeault writes as she opens up what can often be an arcane and overly-mysterious topic. I appreciate how she stays firmly in Christ. I appreciate the good summary of the historical background and basic elements of a crucial practice for everyone desiring to know the love of God that is beyond understanding. - Rod...more
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