I said we would explore the notion found in almost every tradition, the renewing of the mind as a critical consideration for transformation. Unfortunately I think our love affair with the biblical text (not a good thing I might add, I think we are textually addicted) has clouded our reading of that very text.
When Paul says be transformed Romans (in 12.1-2) by the renewing of your mind I have yet to hear instruction on how this is to be done except by taking in more bible text, memorize more bible text, study more bible text, think about bible text. Maybe I was just exposed most of my life to one narrow strand of teaching.
But let’s be reminded Paul could not have been encouraging the Romans to whip out a pocket copy of Eugene Peterson’s The Message or to pull out of their briefcase their slimline leatherbound initial embossed NIV and begin filling their minds with text.
Paul is inviting the Romans to do something much harder and with much deeper impact. The context of this spiritual practice is to be careful not to be conformed to this world. Whatever translation you read, upon reflection, you realize that Paul is concerned the world’s patterning not get the best of us. How does that happen? It happens through the stories we tell ourselves in our head. The stories of our ego.
I tell myself stories everyday. Stories about how smart I am, or how I need to get even with that guy that made me look bad, or how I need to better position myself in that group so I look more clever, or how I need to purchase that item so I can look a little more hip. We daydream 4-6 hours a day where we largely construct a reality made up of stories influenced by the world around us, it’s values, and it’s idols.
So I have a question, when Paul says don’t be conformed but be transformed by the renewing of your mind do you see how he is inviting us to something far more reflective and ongoing and awareness based?
Repetition is critical to success for this sort of practice.
Practice is practice. You can’t practice something 1 time a month and hope for great results.
It is the repetition and practices that allows our brains to be trained and our spirits/mind and emotions to therefore be re-positioned. This is what in the research is called neuroplasticity.
You telling yourself stories lately?
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Ron,
What does this practice look like? Any tips or further insights on this “something far more reflective and ongoing and awareness based”?
I am very curious and getting a lot out of your posts. Thank you.
Yes, I tell myself stories all the time.
I echo Jason’s questions on how to change the stories.
And add a question of my own. Is pondering truth from the Bible (not religious traditions) a part of that to work towards making our private storytelling truthful?
I couldn’t agree more! Reading the Biblical text, memorizing the Biblical text, talking about the Biblical text is a lot like reading about basketball but never actually playing.
Jason and Janet good questions and I am glad you are even interested because I really think this is the crux of formation. I think the sort of “renewing of the mind” that Paul would be referring to has to do with observing and changing those self conversations. This seems subtle but is incredibly hard to do. Self talk is automatic. Learning to observe the activity of the mind is a skill, a discipline a pattern or practice that requires incredible persistence and cultivation. Centering prayer of the sort taught by Cynthia Bourgeault mentioned a post or two ago, insight meditation where we sit and watch what thoughts spontaneously arise, and simple awareness practice, every hour or 30 minutes interrupting yourself to say how aware am I right now of all that is going on IN me and how aware am I of what is happening around me are great starting places. If you want more resources I would recommend Anthony DeMello’s Sadhana, a book full of practices from a Jesuit from India, or Tilden Edwards, Living in the Presence. Both excellent.
Janet I do think you are right. Pondering the biblical narrative is to help us frame our personal narrative storytelling in a broader, more whole more healthy light. Right on.
As someone whom Ron has been challenging to participate fully in this type of spiritual formation, let me say that is truly is transformative. I join him in his recommendation of Anthony DeMello and Tilden Edwards – they are transforming my self-stories. I also would add the works of Ronald Rolheiser, resident of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. His books The Shattered Lantern, Forgotten Among the Lilies, The Restless Heart and Holy Longing are truly remarkable. I also recommend his video teaching, especially Generative Discipleship.
Thanks for the book recommendations.
What are some practices to explore? Beyond text? Or will I discover them in the recommended reading?
I have seen some shifts in my personal self talk as I become more aware. I am interested in gaining momentum.
Thankful for this community.
Tilden’s book is exceptional in giving practices as is Rolheiser in Forgotten Lilies.
Just made some “centering” purchases in Ron’s online store overnight.
I will let you know of my venture with it (if you are interested).
Jason, the book by DeMello is excellent. David Wahlstedt is a dear friend and a guy who I have gotten to work with, his comments are solid.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of the centering practice instruction. That was designed to be the best most packed 90 minutes of instruction on the history, basis, theology and practice of centering prayer.
Let me know how it goes.
Hi, there’s been a lot of opposition to contemplative prayer and other sorts of practices within the American church probably due to fear of Buddhist or other religious meditations coming into American Christianity. I don’t really have an oppinion on it myself but was wondering if you can give me some insight on it Ron. I mean I know in Habakkuk (if i spelled that right), he was meditating when God was speaking to him, and I don’t expect that when Jesus went to “pray” and went to be alone that he was speaking the whole time. So let me know what you think, thanks Ron.
jh not a lot I can add to what I have said already. The resources above explicate this sort of prayer and meditation and how it is grounded in our Christian tradition. I do totally agree though the church often is uninformed about her own tradition and is therefore fearful of other religious influences, as you have mentioned Buddhism is one of those. The truth is centering prayer and Buddhist meditation are quite different. I would also point out that the camp of people who say things like Jesus never taught this form of praying are, I think, barking up the wrong tree. We engage Im many practices not taught in scripture, like journalling, silent retreats, using all sorts of arts in worship. If we have to have a chapter and verse for everything we do in the church then there are lots of things we shouldn’t be doing! Make sense?
Ron,
Just listened to the Spirituality Awareness mp3. Can’t wait to share with my wife and have conversations around it.
Looking forward to the Centering Prayer pack. Nancy has been a great help with the downloads.
Thanks.