Cynthia Bourgeault

 I was listening to Cynthia Bourgeault today. She brought up an interesting Greek term I haven't really heard. Kenosis.

"In the mystic tradition, "kenosis" refers to the concept of self-emptying, where an individual renounces their own will, desires, and ego to become fully receptive to the divine presence. Derived from the Greek word "κένωσις" (kenosis), meaning "emptying," it emphasizes the relinquishment of personal ambitions and attachments to achieve a deeper union with God.

Kenosis is often associated with Christian mysticism, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ's incarnation, where He is said to have emptied Himself of divine privileges to become human (Philippians 2:7). Mystic practitioners seek to emulate this humility and self-denial to attain spiritual transformation and closer communion with the divine. The practice involves surrendering personal identity and control, allowing the divine will to operate fully within the individual.

In a broader spiritual context, kenosis can be seen as a path to transcendence, where the emptying of the self allows for the fullness of the divine to be experienced and expressed through one's life. It is a profound journey of letting go and being filled with the presence and guidance of the divine, leading to a state of spiritual awakening and enlightenment." - GPT4

I have really felt the strength and pull of the ego lately and it is good to remind myself of the letting go.

I went ahead and ordered two books by Cynthia today as well. 

I've noticed the pull of thoughts and emotions much more strongly since I started my centering prayer/vipassana practice years ago. I remembered hearing one of my teachers mention that the mind does want to gravitate to a natural, peaceful state of no-thought. So I looked for a pull toward that state -- and I found it! So I can use that pull, that current, to go toward that state. Thoughts still arise to pull me away but it is interesting to find that pull toward the center of just being without thinking.

Thomas Keating talks about centering prayer being part of "Divine Therapy" where our soul is refined through the act of centering prayer and events and memories can be worked through without directly thinking of them. I have noticed that there is some improvement in this area as well.

I am also more increasingly aware of my unconscious moments. So much of my life is on autopilot... making food, eating, driving -- I don't have awarenesses. What reminds me of my unconsciousness are all the crumbs on the counter after I make a meal. I don't intentionally leave them there, but I don't even notice it happening because my thoughts have me during those times. So the crumbs will be a constant reminder to be more conscious and in the present moment. God is always waiting for me there. :)