If you can discipline yourself and be very patient with yourself, you will find after practicing centering, sometimes the dark chaotic thoughts will be turned into a marvelous joy of truly sensing God's loving presence.Even though in the world of our turbulent thoughts, which sometimes seems unbearable, God is healing our wounded selves. It may not happen often but sometimes it is like a cloud opening up with brief shining rays of the Son, light, life and love, then you know; then you know. It is that we must be patient and let the thoughts flow using our sacred word, God will do it all. Centering prayer can bring you to the very heart of God. You will know and realize the greatest love of all lives right inside of you. Be not afraid, discipline yourself with patience, perseverance, courage and determination. With deep faith and trust believe in the Lord and His love.

Whether you like doing centering prayer or not you will find in the willing and doing a simple act of love. You'll know God's love is greater. You will find an intimate, passionate longing for a closeness with Love, unitive consciousness in union with the Father. Just show up. The willing and doing is the only part we play; God does all the rest. Through our silent surrender and sweet communion with God we can help "rebuild the heart of the world with love."

From Anonymous

To those who are discouraged by thoughts -

He waits---------

We can prepare for sitting with our Beloved by calmly surrounding ourselves with His light and surrendering to His action with no  expectation of getting rid of our thoughts. They are inevitable, part of our human condition.

Dr. Wayne Teasdale spoke of a practice he had "stumbled upon."  Combining his breathing awareness and sacred word, he internalized while inhaling,  "JE....   and exhaling,  ...SUS (the sacred word being Jesus).He recommended this practice as being effective in his surrender. Daily we can enter His Luminous Darkness, learning to trust, believe and be loved.

From Claire Caputo

Having done centering prayer for 5 years now and still sometimes having an active mind, I think my immediate advice would be to keep on keeping on. Find the time that is best for you with the least distractions. For myself, I find getting up a little earlier in the morning before the day gets super active is best for me. Use the sacred word as often as necessary and one day you will realize you are hardly using it at all. Persistence, faith, intention and trust are vital. Even if it takes you more than 1/2 or even 3/4 of your time getting there, it is worth it, once you get there. Fidelity to twice a day regular practice moves things along faster. 

In one of his tapes, Fr. Keating said something to the effect that even if you quit, God will always be waiting for you to come back and that you never lose what you have gained.