A very helpful video with Fr. Thomas describing the five levels of consciousness, and the way these levels are understood within the practice of Centering Prayer...
Lessons from the Frog and the Scorpion
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham Proper 14, Year A Exodus 12; Romans 13; Matthew 18 September 19, 2017 Lessons from the Frog and the Scorpion This last week, I read a wonderful article by David Benner in the journal Oneing, published by Richard Rohr and the team at the Center for Action and... Continue Reading →
The purpose of meditation…
‘The purpose of meditation for each of us is that we come to our own centre. In many traditions, meditation is spoken of as a pilgrimage – a pilgrimage to your own centre, your own heart, and there you learn to remain awake, alive and still ... The importance of meditation is to discover from... Continue Reading →
Transformation of Consciousness–or, How do we confront our addiction to ourselves?
Proper 16, Year A Romans 12:1-8 August 27, 2017 Transformation of Consciousness, or How do we confront our addiction to ourselves Last week, there was a point in Cynthia’s sermon when I caught my breath. I had found myself leaning forward in my chair with my eyes closed, when she asked a question:... Continue Reading →
What Thomas Keating taught me about our current struggles
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit with Fr. Thomas Keating at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. It was an extraordinary privilege to have time with him, as part of a Shalem group with Matthew Wright, Bo Karen Lee, Jessie Smith, and Tom Bushlack from the Trust for the Meditation Process. We were... Continue Reading →
The Snowmass Trip: Lectio Divina, the Blessed Mother, and Crucifixes
I wanted to put a few thoughts down as I continue to reflect both on the lectures by Bernard McGinn and many ongoing questions. Having this time away gives me room to think and imagine. It's like having a bit open room with table tops where I can lay out all the file folders and... Continue Reading →
The Snowmass Trip: Insights from Bernard McGinn
I wanted to put a few thoughts to screen, mainly to lay out questions and little nuggets that have hooked me--that I hope I have a chance to bounce off of my folks at Grace and in the diocese and wider community. So, this is Bernard McGinn, PhD, from the University of Chicago. I have... Continue Reading →
The Snowmass Trip: A Rothko Chapel Interlude
So, the dorm where I am staying at the University of St. Thomas is immediately next to Rothko Chapel--one of the most sincere and focused places of prayer I have ever visited. Here is a photo of the statue, Broken Obelisk, from in front, given in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is an... Continue Reading →
The Snowmass Trip: Thursday evening
First of all, Houston is hot. I just had to say that. The University of St. Thomas is a gem. This is a photo of the chapel at night...notice the entrance. I have no idea if these thoughts are helpful to anyone else, but they help me capture impressions and thoughts, images and questions, before... Continue Reading →
The Snowmass Trip: Thursday Morning.
This morning I headed out early for the first leg of my trip: the Houston leg, with three days at the conference for the World Community for Christian Meditation. Houston is hot, and I met the most interesting taxi driver on the way from the airport to the University of St. Thomas. His family emigrated... Continue Reading →
Thoughts on a Contemplative Reformation 