Mindful Meditation
The word meditation has kind of a bad reputation. Maybe it was left over from the 60s scene. Some of you may imagine a spaced out person curled up like a pretzel on a cushion. (Cue incense, religious chanting, and oversized tunics.) While you can have all of those things if you want….. maybe you can begin to think of it in terms of being aware of your own mind. It could also be considered a spiritual discipline.
New evidence even points to health benefits! There are definitely positive changes for your body, mind, and spirit associated with medication.
Spiritual
While it’s not quite synonymous with prayer, it’s a close cousin. Scriptures talk about meditation as a way of getting our mind untangled from the world. It also implies thinking and repeating a prayer or an attribute of God. (Powerful, Loving, Protector) It could be that meditation is when you repeat a peaceful phrase or a reassuring word over and over in your mind. I tend to think of it like this: Prayer is when I talk to God and ask Him for something. Meditation is when I get still in silence and allow God to talk to me.
Mind
Mind chatter is always with us. Technology today has us thinking, checking, reading, and listening to something nonstop. Not only that, but our thoughts can go back into the past, and forward into the future. It can lead to worry and anxiety. If your brain is so busy that you’re having a hard time de-stressing, being mindful can be a cure. It brings you into your life right now with peace and serenity.
Body
When stressful events occur, our body takes a hit. The brain sends out chemicals in response to stressful or busy thoughts. Our blood pressure rises, and our heart rate gets faster as a result of the fight or flight syndrome. Over time, we get addicted to those chemicals. You may have remember situations where you need to calm down your mind, but your body is holding tension. Relaxing isnt’s always easly.
I’ve been a closet meditator for years. In public circles I referred to it as my “quiet time” where getting alone with my Creator helped me find peace and wisdom to navigate the rocky waves of life.
I’m coming out. The newest research proves that spending a few mindful minutes a day, can increase the size and shape of your prefrontal cortex. If that’s too much information, think of it as mental push ups. You know, like exercise for the “thinker” that is running your life. (you)
The spiritual benefits are instant as you rest in the presence of freedom from fear. Your mind begins to form a new habit: that of slowing down thoughts. The bonus for your body is that it can feel the peace and relaxation. Life can be fun again.
Join me in a meditation practice on Mondays at 10:30 AM.
We meet at:
St Paul UMC
1442 S. Quaker Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74120
North on Quaker off of 15th st.
Parking and enter glass door on the North.
Walk south toward the dining hall.
If we’ve started, that’s ok. grab a mat and a blanket and settle right in.
Yoga starts at 11:00 AM