Our Mission
We are a center for experiential education, rooted in the Gospels, encouraging the transformation of human consciousness through contemplation, and equipping people to be instruments of peaceful change in the world.
November 1, 2011
Photograph courtesy of CAC Archives
Emotional Sobriety-
All Saints' Day
Contemplation is not first of all about being religious, introverted, or pious—it is about being emotionally and mentally honest! Contemplation is an alternative consciousness that refuses to identify with or feed what are only passing shows.It is the absolute opposite of addiction, consumerism, or any egoic consciousness.
Egoic consciousness is the one we all normally operate with, until we are told there is something else. At the egoic level it is all about me, my preferences, my choices, my needs, my desires, and me and my group as the central reference point. Most people do not even know there is another way of thinking or feeling. It was religion's job to tell them about a different kind of software, and the original word for it was simply prayer. But even the concept and practice of prayer became captive to the voracious needs of the ego. Even prayer became a way to get God to do what we wanted.
Adapted from "The Change That Changes Everything,"
The Drumbeat (free monthly e-newsletter from Men As Learners and Elders), October 2011
Starter Prayer:
Change my mind.
If you are inspired by Fr. Richard's Daily Meditations,
please consider receiving both
Radical Grace, the publication of the CAC
and visiting the CAC Mustard Seed Resource Center!
