| I was on retreat at a Trappist monastery deep in | | | | afraid to leave that noise behind. And even if you |
| the Ozark Mountains the day I walked with Jesus. | | | | want to try meditation, you may think you're too |
| I'd been studying and meditating all morning when | | | | tense or your mind is too filled with thoughts to |
| I ventured out beyond the gates, down to where | | | | ever be able to meditate. |
| the paved road ends. I wandered past the tall | | | | You are not alone--everyone has chatter and |
| pines, up the grassy path with the sound of the | | | | head noise. The unknown monk who wrote Cloud |
| creek running below, deep into wooded green hills | | | | of Unknowing, a Christian meditation classic from |
| where I am frankly too scared to go alone. And | | | | the 14th century, struggled with unwanted |
| all the way, safe and contented, I walked with | | | | thoughts even after many years of practicing |
| Jesus. It amazed me-it amazes me still. His | | | | meditation. You can expect your thoughts to |
| presence was real and warm, full and tender. I | | | | wander; just acknowledge them, and go on. |
| was deeply connected, loved and accepted. It | | | | Putting it into practice |
| was a blessing and a gift, precious to me. | | | | There are many ways to begin meditation. |
| An Invitation to the Journey of Meditation | | | | Breathing is the most basic meditation technique, |
| You may think meditation is about being alone. In | | | | and for some it's the easiest. Just sit quietly, and |
| some ways it is, since meditation happens within | | | | notice your breath. Research shows significant |
| us, and you have to turn your mind away from | | | | reductions in anxiety and depression from just 10 |
| the outside world to do it. But meditation is | | | | minuets a day of sitting quietly and focusing your |
| ultimately a way to connect, a journey into the | | | | attention on your breath. |
| true heart of love and acceptance. That | | | | Scripture meditation is a path may come naturally |
| communion with the One who is our heart's true | | | | to you. And in meditations following Bible study, |
| home is the ultimate point of the journey of | | | | God can bless you with wonderful images of His |
| meditation. | | | | love and forgiveness, deepening your relationship |
| For some, meditation can feel strange, or even | | | | with Him. |
| scary. "What will I do?" we worry. "I will be bored | | | | Christian meditation recordings are another way |
| and restless, empty inside." But you don't | | | | to begin meditation. Guided scripture-based |
| meditate to find some secret revelation, some | | | | Christian meditations provide help and |
| undiscovered perfection within yourself, so you | | | | encouragement as you learn the meditation |
| don't need to shoulder any burdens. Meditation | | | | process. |
| allows you to simply open your heart, to allow | | | | Christian meditation is nothing more - and nothing |
| Him to speak with you, comfort and renew you. | | | | less - than spending time with God. |
| You can trust Him to connect! All you need to do | | | | There are many ways to begin meditation, and |
| is be still. | | | | every path rooted in a desire for closer |
| But stillness is difficult too. Many of us are caught | | | | communion with Him is a path He will take to |
| in the noise in our own heads, and most of us are | | | | meet you. |