Join Mary Dwyer, a renowned teacher in the contemplative tradition. Over ten engaging episodes, Mary guides listeners through essential practices and concepts of the contemplative tradition, including Understanding the Human Condition, The Welcoming Prayer, The Forgiveness Practice, and Integrating Practices into Daily Life. Mary brings decades of experience in contemplative practices and a gift for making profound spiritual concepts accessible to all. This series was recorded at the Contemplative Outreach South Africa National Conference held in Pretoria in April 2024.
In this session, Mary Dwyer explores the complex journey of forgiveness, emphasizing its importance in the spiritual life. Key points include:
The five stages of the forgiveness process: claiming the hurt, guilt, victimhood, anger, and wholeness
What forgiveness is and isn't - dispelling common misconceptions
The difference between forgiveness (unilateral) and reconciliation (bilateral)
How the Welcoming Prayer can support the forgiveness journey
Dealing with generational trauma and healing through forgiveness
The importance of recognizing our shared humanity in the forgiveness process
Mary shares personal anecdotes and draws from various spiritual teachings to illustrate the transformative power of forgiveness. She emphasizes that forgiveness is a process that may take time, and encourages listeners to be patient with themselves and others.
29 Jul 2024
Deepening the Welcoming Prayer Practice
In this session, Mary Dwyer explores the nuances of the Welcoming Prayer practice and its transformative power in daily life. Key points include:
The importance of turning first to the divine presence in challenging moments
Techniques for connecting with bodily sensations when emotions or thoughts are overwhelming
How the Welcoming Prayer can improve communication and relationships
The concept of 'consent on the go' and making the practice wordless
Real-life examples of how the Welcoming Prayer can lead to compassionate responses in difficult situations
Mary addresses common challenges practitioners face and offers practical tips for incorporating the practice into various life situations, from work conflicts to sleepless nights. She emphasizes that the goal is not perfection but a continual turning towards love, even in moments of resistance or discomfort.
29 Jul 2024
Introduction to the Welcoming Prayer
In this session, Mary Dwyer introduces the Welcoming Prayer, a powerful contemplative practice developed by Mary Mrozowski. Key points include:
How the Welcoming Prayer helps us turn first to the divine presence in challenging moments
The three movements of the prayer: feel and sink into, welcome, and let go
Working with bodily sensations, not just thoughts or emotions
Practical tips for incorporating the Welcoming Prayer into daily life
Real-life examples of how this practice can transform our reactions and relationships
Mary emphasizes that the Welcoming Prayer is not about changing our circumstances, but about changing our relationship to what's happening. She guides listeners through a practice session and addresses common questions and challenges.
7 Jul 2024
Understanding the Human Condition
In this insightful session, Mary Dwyer delves into the human condition and its impact on our spiritual journey. She explores:
The fundamental needs for security, affection, and control that shape our early development
How these needs create 'programs for happiness' that often don't serve us in adulthood
The concept of the 'false self' and its role in our unconscious behaviors
Jesus' temptations as a model for addressing our core needs
The role of contemplative practices in healing and transforming our unconscious patterns
Mary shares personal anecdotes, including her own struggles with food and her transformative encounter with Mary Mrozowski. She emphasizes the importance of embodied practices over intellectual understanding in spiritual growth.
This episode sets the foundation for understanding how contemplative practices like Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer can help us navigate the human condition and open ourselves to divine transformation.
7 Jul 2024
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the first episode of the series of talks given by Mary Dwyer at the Contemplative Outreach South Africa National Conference in 2024. In this opening session, Mary Dwyer introduces the conference theme 'Participating in the Divine Flow'.
Mary shares her personal journey with Centering Prayer and contemplative practices, emphasizing the transformative power of saying 'yes' to the divine invitation. She touches on key themes to be explored in the coming days, including the human condition, Welcoming Prayer, and the Forgiveness Practice.
Mary highlights the importance of silence, not as the absence of noise, but as an inner disposition. She encourages participants to engage fully in the practices, reminding them that divine union is our birthright. This introductory session sets the stage for a deep dive into contemplative practices and their integration into daily life.
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