Opening Minds, Opening Hearts Centering Prayer and The New Monasticism with Father Adam Bucko
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Dec 4, 2022 Father Adam Bucko, a contemplative leader influenced by Father Thomas Keating, shares insights from his journey in spiritual transformation and his new book, Let Your Heartbreak Be Your Guide. He explores how trauma impacts Centering Prayer practices and discusses the balance between silence and speaking out for social justice. Bucko reflects on his work with homeless youth, emphasizing the healing power of non-judgmental presence and community support, while advocating for contemplative activism that marries prayer with action in the face of societal challenges.
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Meeting Father Thomas Keating As Spiritual Grandfather
- Father Adam Bucko met Father Thomas Keating in the last decade of Keating's life and spent extended, intimate conversations with him during retreats at Snowmass.
- Bucko describes Keating as a supportive spiritual grandfather whose counsel often unfolded later as deeper insights.
Receptive Consent Transforms Prayer And Ministry
- Centering Prayer's core shift is from doing to receptive consent: resting in silence and saying yes to God's presence rather than active techniques.
- Bucko links that receptivity to his work with homeless youth, showing up curious and not-knowing so healing can emerge through accompaniment.
Centering Prayer Changed How He Worked With Homeless Youth
- Bucko recounts using centering prayer to change his approach with homeless youth: he practiced prayer first, then accompanied young people in receptive presence.
- This led to deeper witnessing of trauma and enabled God to enter situations for healing rather than Bucko bringing fixes.