Meditation. Have you tried it yet? Because honestly, it’s the only thing I have done in my life that has helped me find the peace that passes all understanding that the Bible talks about.
Stick with me here. Some of you may be scared off by the term, meditation. Growing up in a conservative Christian household, this kind of term invoked fears of a mystic, occult-ish fever that could very well end in demon possession and a loss of salvation (or at least that is what it seemed like).
But we’re adults now. And we understand that in every religion, meditation/prayer is a foundational aspect of each one.
Scientifically, meditation has been shown to have all kinds of health benefits, especially for mental health. Religiously, meditation is important to spiritual growth–even if you aren’t religious or spiritual, meditation is still important to your growth as a human being. Otherwise stated, meditation is for everyone.
For me, meditation is a practice and training that has forced me into very concrete understanding that I am not the sum of my parts. That although I have thoughts, feelings and actions, there is a part of me that is separate from those things. It’s the place where, I believe, God meets us when He commands us to BE STILL. It’s an untouchable part of us that is completely in the moment and at a peaceful readiness and calm.
Imagine your thoughts, feelings and actions as a bubbling stream running through the forest. Now imagine yourself sitting by the stream. To me, this is meditation. I pull myself out of the stream and sit by it for a few minutes each day (I do 10 minutes right now) and choose to be with the Creator. It’s where I strengthen myself to take on the day. It’s also where I find the courage to deal with feelings that can sometimes threaten to overtake me.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I remember the peace I have during my meditation.
When I want to yell or lash out in anger, I remember the calm I have during my meditation.
When my anxiety seems like it is raging past my control, I can stand outside of it knowing that a piece of me is at rest and eventually the storm will pass.
When my heart is pounding I can do my deep breathing to tap into that abilitly to bring myself back to a more calm state.
When I have nothing left to give, I remember that in that stillness I will be filled back up with enough to keep going, even if it is just enough for that day.
Just like physical exercise is necessary and has a multitude of benefits, I believe that meditation is a mental exercise necessary for everyone. You can review study after study, look at anecdotal evidence, and talk to people who practice it….it just works.
Do not hesitate to begin this practice. TODAY. Start and keep going….learn along the way.
If you are a mom I would IMPLORE you to start a practice like this. Start with 1 minute a day. Even that will make a difference. Get you kids in on it as well! If I could go back and only change one thing, it would be this. I would have started this practice when I first got pregnant and never stopped.
There is a great, free app called InsightTimer that can help you begin your mediation training. This is what I use. https://insighttimer.com/
Also Gina Ryan, at Anxiety Coaches Podcast http://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/ has some very helpful, educational podcasts on the benefits of mediation and how to get it going.
Don’t let the start keep you from getting started.
Peacefully yours,
Annie
Leave a Reply