• Check in
• Catch Up
• Disconnect

• Check in
• Catch Up
• Disconnect

• Check in
• Catch Up
• Disconnect

Please take this time to disconnect.

HELP

Contemplation as Conversation
"Prayer is a conversation with a friend."
-Teresa of Avilla

In the wisdom of St. Teresa of Avilla, prayer is just an extension of something we've known how to do all our lives: have a simple conversation. The Daily Disconnect is an opportunity for contemplation everyday that is structured like a conversation you can do in less than five minutes via your phone, tablet, computer etc. If we really desire to have meaningful conversations, we need to pay attention. The same is true for our spiritual life. In a sense we're inviting you to use the most modern technology available to connect to an opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of the moment and participate in an ancient, timeless conversation with a friend.

Help with Focusing: When we pray we bring our whole selves to God - body, mind and spirit. If our body is uncomfortable it will distract us from prayer. As we are all different, it is worth experimenting to find a posture that really suits us and helps us relax. Regardless of where you are at the moment, put yourself in as comfortable a posture as possible. Ideally, the place should be quiet and comfortable and as free from the sudden distractions of phone, doorbell, conversation, etc as possible. Do your best to choose a time when you are reasonably alert and able to relax. Once you're comfortable, become conscious of your breathing. Do your best to breathe slowly and evenly. Take notice of your body. How do you feel? Where do you feel tension? What do you need to let go of so you can be more present in this moment? Once you've reached a level of calm and focus, how will you greet your friend? What would you like to say? What do you hope to hear in response?

HELP for Conversation Topic

Read the topic to yourself two or three times slowly. Don't try to over analyze. Let the words sink in. How do they affect you? How do they move you? Do they make you feel anything? Do they remind you of any moment or event in your own life? Once you have let the topic sink in move on to the conversation starter.

HELP for Conversation Starter

You have done your best to calm yourself, pay attention to your conversation partner and focus on a topic. Now you can use these conversation starters as a way to begin talking with God. Read them over to yourself however many times it takes to really hear the question. What thoughts and feelings does the question bring up in you? Mention them to God as you begin your conversation. Keep in mind that good discussions are never one-way streets. After you've mentioned your thoughts on the topic at hand it is time to move on to the the next stage and disconnect and listen.

HELP

Clear your mind as best as possible of all thoughts, notice your breath, its rhythm... and listen. If you feel moved to tell/ask God something, please do so. But try not to fill the space with chatter, listen instead. As you disconnect, it is normal that other thoughts and business of the day might start to intrude on your reflection time. Don't worry, that is completely normal. Don't let it upset you, any time you feel that distraction calmly return to your own point of concentration or focus. If you have a mantra or prayer word that works for you repeat it to yourself to help you focus. Either disconnect from your device entirely or click here for a three, five or ten-minute dimming of your screen for contemplation. Enter into the silence and truly listen.

At the end of your contemplation time, say your goodbyes and go about the rest of your day.