Mary holding Jesus, stepping upon Serpent. Photographed at Abbey of Gethsemani, Trappist, KY.
Key Terms Used By Project LVX
Beatific Vision: The direct intuitive experience of God’s presence, bringing joy and fulfillment, as a goal of contemplative prayer rooted in Christian tradition. By definition, the word means “blessed vision”.
Cataphatic Theology: A way of knowing God through positive descriptions, like love or light, often explored in our workshops to inspire the Beatific Vision.
Apophatic Theology: A method of approaching God by recognizing what cannot be known, leading to interior silence, a practice we nurture in meditation.
Contemplative Prayer: A deep, silent communion with God, distinct from ordinary prayer, using disciplines like solitude and meditation as taught in our programs.
Dissolution of Self: The release of ego and personal attachments, aligning with the Holy Spirit’s transformative work, reflected in our spiritual exercises.
Mind of Christ: A transformative consciousness that harmonizes the soul, fostering virtue and purpose, which unfolds during or after the Beatific Vision through disciplined communion with God—echoing Paul’s call to train diligently, as in a race.
Spiritual Disciplines: Practices like prayer, silence, and journaling that shape a Christ-like character, drawing from Meister Eckhart, St. Ignatius, and Dallas Willard.
Way of Life: The path of living out Jesus’ example through faith, hope, and love, central to our mission of restoring lives.
Ecumenical: Promoting unity across Christian traditions, while appreciating insights from other faiths like Zen, as seen in Thomas Merton’s work, though our foundation remains Christ-centered.
Why focus on traditional practices instead of modern spirituality? We draw on centuries of Christian wisdom to offer lasting transformation, not fleeting trends. Our approach, inspired by figures like Teresa of Ávila and Henri Nouwen, grounds deep spiritual awareness in scripture and disciplined faith, avoiding the shallow mix of New Age ideas. While we value Thomas Merton’s insights into the ancient wisdom of Zen, particularly its understanding of the mind, we remain firmly rooted in Christian tradition, honoring these perspectives as we share our friend’s Buddhist art on this page.
How can contemplation help in prison? Contemplative practices like solitude and meditation provide hope and purpose, helping incarcerated individuals break cycles of behavior through inner renewal, much like a monastic lifestyle.
What’s the difference between meditation and prayer here? Meditation is a disciplined silence preparing for contemplative prayer, focusing on God’s presence within, while prayer is our relational response, guided by scripture and the Spirit.
Do I need to be religious to join a workshop? Our workshops are open to all seeking spiritual growth, though they’re rooted in Christian contemplative traditions. You’re welcome to explore at your own pace.
How long until I see results from these practices? Transformation is a gradual process, not a quick fix. Our 12-week workshops offer a starting point, with daily practice fostering change over time, as reflected in the writings of Thomas Keating, St. Ignatius, and Evelyn Underhill.
What if I don’t understand the theological terms? No worry—we provide context in our sessions and this FAQ. Our goal is accessible guidance, blending classical depth with modern understanding.
Can these practices be done anywhere? Yes, they’re designed for any setting—home, prison, or community—adapting classical disciplines to fit your life, as seen in our outreach programs.
What if I am not seeing results during my quiet meditation time? Don’t be discouraged if you feel that you are not experiencing results. Remember, contemplative practices aim at preparing body and mind for receiving moments of Clarity, Peace, and Grace. It is not about pushing consciousness through mystical barriers of perception, but rather about putting yourself in an environment where your body is relaxed and your thoughts are muted so that your disciplines gently and cumulatively develop an interior silence where you are aligned with the inner-movements of the Holy Spirit.
May I contact Project LVX if I have specific questions regarding my contemplative practices? Yes. If you feel discouraged with your practices and have specific questions, please reach out to us through our Contact page.
What are we not about? While we sometimes use words like ‘consciousness’ and ‘mind,’ and often focus on ‘behavior modification’ and ‘habits,’ we remain rooted in classical Christian traditions. We’re not about the New Age movement’s focus on makeshift, self-directed enlightenment, or blending spiritual ideas without roots. Instead, we offer a disciplined, scripture-based path to transformation, guided by Christ’s example and the wisdom of Christian tradition.
Where is Project LVX located? Although we are based in Mishawaka, Indiana, our contemplative ministry serves both the southern Michigan and northern Indiana areas.
