My experience of CP is that it is a very gentle method of prayer. However, the automatic patterns of my personality resists God’s loving and kind gaze. To let go, can feel impossible at times because my precious ego self which I have spent my whole life protecting is incredibly resistant. CP acts as a placeholder for God’s loving embrace in this difficult and demanding journey of self-emptying.

The key was in the practice not a focus on something, but in letting go. The sacred word was used only as a windscreen wiper to clean the screen and remember my intention to open myself fully and wholly. What I was letting go into had already claimed me. The Love, Wisdom and staying power of Christ.

An essay that delves into the insights of four influential figures to elucidate the essence of contemplation and its role in spiritual awakening.