A foundational gift of practicing centering prayer is that we also begin caring for our mental and emotional well-being during our prayer sits. Fortunately, this is also one definition of self-compassion. Frequently, we start noticing this gift with a simple thought like, “my days feel better since I began centering prayer.” Centering prayer creates self-compassion because it requires us to learn and repeat the process of awareness (being present), acceptance, and letting go while consenting to the presence and action of the Divine within us.

What is happening in our brains biologically as we repeat this process of awareness, acceptance, and letting go? How does this process impact our mental and emotional well-being? The good news is when we do centering prayer, the work of the Spirit is teaching us self-compassion, and this class will help us understand some of the transformations enacted in this process. Finally, by aiding our developing awareness, acceptance, and letting go, the course will also offer us additional skills to increase compassion toward ourselves and others.

Over the six weeks, we will explore the physical changes centering prayer brings about in our brains. Then, we will explore the corresponding mental, emotional, and spiritual transformations resulting from those changes. Most importantly, in every class, we will practice those tools for creating self-compassion by discussing what we experience; we will learn from each other. Through this weekly repetition, participants will habituate new ways of caring for themselves. As we practice, our lives will feel more meaningful, grounded, and empowered to share ourselves in the world through God-given grace.

Student Testimonals

• Blair’s teaching style was so open, insightful, and welcoming! Loved the recap emails he sent out after each weekly class. Also, the wiring done with participant input was very helpful.
• This is the third time that I have participated in Blair's classes. The reminders of how to manage my critical thinking and cultivate self-compassion are invaluable.
• So much was helpful. Blair's teaching, his slides and weekly summaries, his willingness to answer emails and his care and concern for each member of the class shown in how he responded to questions. I loved the time allowed for questions as I learned so much from how Blair answered.
• Was truly an amazing experience! I learned so much! Love his life examples. His teaching on how the mind works was exemplary! Totally recommend this course to anyone. Thank you!