If you think of prayer, you may think in terms of “talking to God.” If you think of meditation, perhaps you could consider thinking of it in terms of “listening to God!”
Most of the time when we talk about meditation folks are quick to list all the reasons they simply don’t have time. Admittedly we have outrageously busy schedules but just as we take time each day to brush our teeth, talk to friends on the phone and check our email, do we take the same time to be with our God? Those who are health conscious manage to wake a half hour earlier to be sure they get in their daily exercise, so what if Meditation and Prayer was exercise for the soul? Would wake a little earlier to have time to sit quietly with the God of your Being?
Our spiritual health is just as important as our physical and even mental health. In fact, if our Spirit is healthy, the rest follows right along naturally. Taking and making time to care for it is important. It does not have to involve any complicated outfits, poses or paraphernalia, just you a quiet space and the God of your being.
Setting aside 10-15 minutes before you begin you day will energize and refresh as much as the walk in the park you might take later for your physical body. Lighting Candles and/or incense is optional, if you like it do it, it is not mandatory! Then sit, be comfortable, if “pretzel legs” as the pre-schoolers call them are not your thing, just find a comfortable place and position. I do recommend staying seated. Laying down can lead to dozing back off! You can begin with brief prayers and affirmations, perhaps requests for guidance throughout your day. Gratitude is always good and always encouraged! Thanking your creator for a new day. And then, go to silence.
Some people do find a mantra helpful, to keep their attention focused and the mind from wondering. It is fine if you like that, but again, not necessary. Sitting in fact as quietly as you can affords the opportunity to really listen for the still small voice within. If you do like mantras there are many that work nicely: Peace be still, ohm mani padri hom , (repeating the name of an Avatar) Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha. all work. You might have something you already use or would prefer. What ever speaks to you is perfect.
The inevitable Monkey Mind can and does creep in. This is the time when suddenly you realize you are putting your briefcase together in you thoughts, or thinking of the shopping list, what’s for dinner. Do not chastise yourself! It happens to all of us. In Buddhist tradition one would simply label this “thinking” and go back to the silence or mantra.
Taking this time to be with your God will bring remarkable changes in your day. And in time, you will hear the voice of the Divine, guiding you, helping you, Loving you!
