For me, meditation is the pause at the end of a prayer when you listen for a response.
I realized that and THEN I found this on pinterest!
As a Christian, it's kind of sad to me that all the meditation memes include images of Buddha. I think the Christian community is missing out! If you hear a Christian mention meditation, it's usually tacked on to "prayer and" but I feel that the meditation aspect is often lost. It's so vital!
Regardless of your religion or lack thereof, taking a few moments to sit quietly and clear your mind can be deeply centering.
I think many people don't try it because it's so hard to clear your mind of thought. And it is. The best advice I ever found is: thoughts will come; just don't let them stay. Ease the thought into and out of your mind, and eventually you will settle into stillness.
The longest I've sat in meditation is about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, my mind is actually fairly clear.
I haven't gotten here ^^ yet. I do not act always from a center of inner peace, but I do notice a correlation between my time in meditation and my peace of mind.
Have you ever tried meditation? What is your version of meditation?
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I'm with you, for me probably the most important part of prayer is taking time to be still and listen with my soul. I love it when I can take time for real purposeful and personal communication with my Heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I'm not alone in this!
DeleteChristians are always a little bit suspicious of meditation, but I agree that it's a chance to let God speak into our hearts. Normally in prayer we're hammering away at him with all our needs and worries - stopping to listen is what relationship is about rather than just coming with a shopping list.
ReplyDeleteLeanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au
M for Make It Happen
I think it is such a big part of eastern religions that uninformed Christians may think meditating means they are Buddhist! But I don't know. I haven't asked why not.
DeleteI love the quote you shared.
ReplyDeleteI found I had several on my pinterest board that fit. ENjoy!
DeleteI'm most definitely a meditator, and would go so far as to say I think it's one of the most important and essential practices available. I think everyone should be meditating daily. My mind reels when I imagine what a difference this could make in our world - quiet minds, open hearts, clarity, inspiration and peace abounding!
ReplyDeleteI once read a quote (I forget from whom) about meditation that you should always meditate at least an hour a day. Unless you don't have the time, then do it for two hours.
DeleteI used to meditate when I was younger. I keep meaning to get back into the habit, but I have yet to. My own failing. (It was easier when it was done in this class I took. Kind of a requirement ;)
ReplyDeleteLiz A. from Laws of Gravity
I used to set a timer for 5 minutes. Then that seemed short, so I just stopped setting the timer and it's usually 10-20 minutes. But I can only do it if I'm alone. If there are distractions around, I'm distracted!
DeleteTaking that time out of each day to sit silently and meditate is so important. Sometimes, for me, even if it is for a few minutes at a time it helps clear my mind and focus on what lies ahead.
ReplyDeleteAnn
https://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/2018/04/hobbies-that-begin-with-n-blogging-from.html
Oh yes! Often, during a day, I'll take a few minutes and just meditate to help me reconnect to myself
ReplyDelete