More On Meditation

On my last blog I talked about meditating and the benefits of it - especially in regard to the slowing down of subjective time. Today I want to elaborate more on "meditation," as the word itself seems to conjure up images of Eastern religions, such as Buddhism. I used to fear that myself but have since discovered there is much rich history of Christian meditation as well as new brain research that show the benefits of meditation.

In general the definition of meditation involves deep contemplation, reflection or pondering of a subject. But I like Richard Foster's definition in his book Celebration of Discipline in which he says, "Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word. It is that simple." Prayer, while it can be contemplative, is different. I think of prayer as talking to God (e.g., praising, confessing, petitioning) whereas meditation involves listening. And another spiritual discipline, according to Foster, is studying. I used to be confused, in that I thought studying was listening to God. It is a form of listening but not the same. As Foster explains: "Meditation is devotional; study is analytical." Study involves a more rational part of our mind, while meditation accesses more of our spiritual core.

I often have to teach my clients about meditation in order to help them calm down their racing thoughts and what I call their "mind chatter." Meditation helps to do this. Just as exercise is helpful to the physical body, so is meditation helpful to the mind. And it's all connected, I believe - the mind, body and spirit. There is a big difference, however, in Easter meditation and Christian meditation. Again according to Foster: Eastern meditation empties the mind while Christian meditation fills the mind. In other words, Eastern meditation detaches us from our worries while Christian meditation attaches us to God. But both do work. I have the privilege of knowing many non-believers from therapy conferences I attend who are practicing Buddhists. They are wonderful people who have learned, through meditation, how to empty their minds from the burdens and pains of this life. As a believer, I am not threatened by this, because I believe that all truth is God's truth. Instead I am encouraged, because this shows the benefits of meditation. I am sad though for these friends and do pray for them to come to know the Lord.

It is great to set aside a few minutes of each day, perhaps in a quiet place, for formal meditation. I like to start with meditating on a specific scripture and after a while, slip into prayer. However, you can meditate throughout the day. You can use ordinary opportunities, such as driving in the car or walking outside, to become contemplative. As my former professor Dr. Bill Richardson used to say, "You have to slow down to go down." Take some deep breaths, paying attention to their infilling and deflation; notice the sights and sounds around you so you can take in the moment; observe nature. You'll be surprised how these moments can rest and refresh you. And should you meditate regularly, you'll be surprised how your life comes more into balance and how you can cope better with your life, rather than it leading you to "unhealty otherworldliness" - again according to Foster.

If you haven't picked up on it yet, I would like to encourage you to read Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. This book was a big hit when it came out in 1978. Unfortunately, I missed it that first time around. However, it has stood the test of time and is still very popular in helping people with their spiritual growth. My sister and my niece are both reading it now. And I have taken up the book's challenge, along with my niece and her husband, to meditate on a different scripture every week. That means at the end of one year, I will have 52 scriptures that are special to me. I encourage you to read the book and I challenge you to begin to meditate weekly on a particular verse or passage.