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