CO Podcast 1-6: Embodying Centering Prayer, with Mark Kutolowski
“The more time we spend in stillness the more space there is for things to shift……The question becomes - How can every moment be oriented with the attitude of receptivity and consent to God? It becomes not just 20 minutes but becomes 24 hours, some being pure silence and some being action.” - Mark Kutolowski
Today, on this final episode of the first season of Opening Minds, Opening Hearts, our guest is Mark Kutolowski. He is an oblate of Saint Benedict and a Centering Prayer instructor committed to supporting the revitalization of Christian contemplation. Mark and his wife are the co-directors of Metanoia of Vermont, a lay contemplative homestead and ministry that seeks to nurture the way of Christ through work and prayer in relationship with the land.
What’s in this episode:
Mark shares how he came to the practice of Centering Prayer and why it became an anchor and core practice in his life, leading him to share it with others.
Mark has had contact with some of the important architects of Centering Prayer. He shares how this revealed the unity in spirit and connection to the presence that comes with praying with others. He tells a particularly moving story about praying with Father Thomas Keeting.
We are one in spirit, but we are different expressions. Mark shares that the invitation of the spirit is to connect with God but we must also allow the energy to come into our flesh and the divine light must shine into our bodily expression. This will look different in each body, each culture, and each stage of life, but it will be unique and a blessing in its diversity.
Mark and his wife named their ministry Mentanoia because it means to change, to expand or go beyond the heart and mind allowing our perception to transform. Mark believes this is the single most important word in the whole Christian tradition.
He discusses thoughts on why the practice of Centering Prayer is 20 minutes twice a day and what can be gained from this practice. He believes that prayer isn’t separate from the rest of life. It simply gives us a chance to focus on the Divine. The relationship is always there, it’s life breathing and in everything we do.
He shares his thoughts on incarnation, ascent and descent, suffering, Christianity, and how the divine embodies us.
Physical work with our bodies is like a bridge to move from Centering Prayer into daily life. For example, being present with our kids is another way to consent.
He shares how a river is a monastic symbol, the place where the life and spirit of God move in our spiritual and physical world.
“The practice of Centering Prayer deepens our awareness of the oneness of all creation and our compassion for the whole human family. - Contemplative Outreach Guiding Principle
To connect further with Mark Kutolowski
Visit his website - Metanoia of Vermont www.metanoiavt.com
Metanoia of Vermont
Visit Mark’s Substack https://metanoiavt.substack.com/
To connect further with us:
Visit our website: www.contemplativeoutreach.org
Find us on Instagram: / contemplativeoutreachltd
Like us on Facebook: / contemplativeoutreach
Check out our YouTube channel: / coutreach
This podcast is produced by Crys & Tiana LLC
http://www.crysandtiana.com
For all episodes to date go to • Contemplative Outreach Podcast: Opening M... .
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