{"id":895,"date":"2014-01-15T20:02:45","date_gmt":"2014-01-15T20:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/?p=895"},"modified":"2014-01-15T20:02:45","modified_gmt":"2014-01-15T20:02:45","slug":"the-center-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/2014\/01\/15\/the-center-space\/","title":{"rendered":"The Center Space"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lgM107347\"<\/a>\u201cThirty spokes meet at the wheel\u2019s axis;
\nThe center space makes the wheel useful.
\nForm clay into a cup;
\nThe center space gives it purpose.
\nFrame doors and windows for a house;
\nThe openings make the space useful.
\nTherefore, purpose comes from what is there
\nBecause of what is not there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tao Te Ching, 11<\/i><\/p>\n

We spend our days in a fast-paced, demanding work environment, subject to chronic stress which can undermine our effectiveness, our relationships, and our health. When we\u2019re stressed and anxious, we \u00a0make reactive decisions that only increase the suffering within and around us.<\/p>\n

But there is a better way. Research has confirmed a central Buddhist teaching, showing that contemplative practice relieves suffering. We become less anxious, defensive, and depressed by challenges, developing better cognitive and coping skills, greater compassion for ourselves and others (Walsh & Shapiro, 2006). As the Tao, <\/i>reminds us, the center space brings greater purpose and peace.<\/p>\n

\"0\"<\/a>A few years ago, I included contemplative practice in my college course on vocation, hoping that a regular contemplative practice would help my students become more centered, less stressed, more able to listen to their hearts and discern their vocations.<\/p>\n

I introduced them to passage meditation, as taught by Sri Eknath Easwaran (Easwaran, 2008), which focuses on a spiritual passage or prayer. We began with the Prayer of St. Francis, \u201cLord, make me an instrument of thy peace. . . .\u201d <\/i>Sitting at their desks with their backs straight, the students closed their eyes and focused on the first line, one word at a time, for a few silent moments at the beginning of class. I \u00a0encouraged them to memorize this passage or another of their choosing and spend fifteen to thirty minutes each day in meditation, slowly focusing on the words. Whenever their minds wandered off into worries, memories, and planning– which is completely normal–they were encouraged to gently return to the beginning of the passage: “Lord….make me …an instrument…of thy….peace.”<\/i>\u00a0 Over and over again–this process of returning to center, to space, challenging as it seems, is\u00a0the practice. Some days our minds are filled with distractions. Other times, we discover a brief oasis of peace.<\/p>\n

Every day at the beginning of class, my students and I closed our eyes, and silently repeated our passage. Then I would silently send love to my students and conclude by saying, \u201cNow when you\u2019re ready, open your eyes, centered, refreshed, and at peace.\u201d For the first few weeks, I didn\u2019t know how the students felt about this meditation time, but I appreciated the time to center down before class.<\/p>\n

Then one day on the way to class, a very distraught colleague insisted on telling me her problem, so I walked into class, ten minutes late. I paused at the doorway in surprise–my students were in their chairs, eyes closed in meditation. I entered and sat down for a few silent moments until the young woman who had been leading the meditation, said, \u201cNow open your eyes, centered, refreshed and at peace.\u201d I began that day\u2019s class with joy and gratitude.<\/p>\n

Now I include a few moments of meditation before each<\/span> of my classes as we pause to give ourselves and one another the gift of peace.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to try passage meditation for yourself:<\/p>\n