BOWWBLOG #29: The Sacred Word That Quieted My Storm: A Tribute to Fr. Thomas Keating, OSCO
How a simple prayer practice taught me to find the peace that surpasses all understanding—beyond belief, beyond dogma
WHAT: The Invitation in the Silence
I only met Fr. Thomas Keating, OCSO in person twice, yet his presence has been a constant guide in my life. On this, the seventh anniversary of his passing, I sit in deep gratitude for the transformation his teachings sparked within me.
It was 1995. A thunderstorm mirrored the tumult in my life. Seeking refuge, I found myself in a quiet pew at Santuario de San Antonio Church. After an hour of silent sitting, I returned to my car and found a half-sheet of paper on my windshield—an invitation to an introductory seminar on Centering Prayer. It felt less like chance and more like an answer to a prayer I hadn't yet formed.
This method of prayer, developed by Fr. Keating and fellow Trappist monks, is a receptive, silent prayer that deepens our relationship with what he called the "Indwelling Presence"—God closer than breathing, closer than thinking itself.
For years, I had searched for something to fill a "gaping hole" in my heart. I was a dutiful Catholic, explored other paths, and even walked down dark alleys of substance use, all in a restless search for "something more." It was Centering Prayer and its twin, Lectio Divina, that finally opened the door to that indescribable peace—the restful silence where the "True Self" resides.
SO WHAT: The Practice of Letting Go
The method is deceptively simple, yet profoundly challenging to our "monkey mind":
1. Choose a sacred word as a symbol of your consent to God’s presence.
2. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and silently introduce the sacred word.
3. When you notice you are engaged with thoughts, gently return to the sacred word.
4. At the end, remain in silence for a few minutes.
The heart of the practice is the "4 Rs": Resist no thought, Retain no thought, React emotionally to no thought. You simply let thoughts come and go, like clouds in a vast sky. And when you become aware you are engaging with your thoughts, ever-so-gently Return to your anchor - your sacred word.
This practice was my home for years. I have found family in the Contemplative Outreach Phils. Yet, the pilgrim in me continued to explore. I discovered that Zen shikantaza ("just sitting") and Vipassana meditation were not competitors, but cousins. They all point to the same truth: the wellspring of peace and harmony is within. It is a gift that exists beyond the creed, cult, and code of any single religion. It is accessible to all!
As the Dalai Lama says, "My religion is kindness." In the silent space beyond words and beliefs, we find the source of that kindness. It is where we discover we can be loving and kind, compassionate and equanimous right here, right now, even in a deeply troubled world.
NOW WHAT: Your Invitation to the Inner Journey
My intention is not to impose a practice, but to extend an invitation—the same one I found on my car’s windshield decades ago. The journey inward is the most fulfilling one we can take, and there are many paths up the same mountain.
Whether you feel a pull toward silent prayer, mindfulness, or simply a deeper connection with your own heart, here is how you can begin:
1. Experiment with "Sacred Pauses."
This week, set a timer for just 5 minutes. Sit quietly, breathe, and when your mind wanders (as it will), gently bring it back to the sensation of your breath. No special words or beliefs are needed. Just show up and consent to that spacious stillness. This is the essence of contemplation.
2. Share Your Story.
What practices—yoga, journaling, walks in nature, prayer—have given you a moment of peace? Share one in the comments below. Let's create a tapestry of the many ways we find our way home to our True Selves.
3. Sit With Us in Community.
If you'd like to explore this in a safe, supportive space, you are warmly invited to our weekly "Bookend Sessions." We meet online every Monday and Friday from 7:30-8:30 PM for Mindfulness Meditation. It is a non-judgmental container of silence and stillness, open to all, regardless of background or belief.
For inquiry on the Contemplative Outreach, Phils Chapter: https://www.facebook.com/share/16v8TKRhrE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
-Susan Grace Rivera
Posted on: October 26, 2025
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