Meditation
I stumbled on this video a few years ago. And I believe it perfectly explains a very valid and important reason why meditation is good for us.
I have had a mediation practice for about 16 years. Now before everyone just checks out because they think they don’t have time for meditation let me explain.
When people hear the words “meditation practice” they often imagine an image of someone sitting on a pillow for AN HOUR or god forbid more. And they would be right when they scoff: who has the time for that?! I certainly don’t.
My practice shifts depending on the time I have available. It’s most often in the morning before I rise. I take a few minutes and just breathe. Focusing on my breath and the peace I feel in my mind and body. I notice what feelings rise, what physical sensations are present. And I then let them go and move back to noticing my breath.
Slowly I then shift to prayer. And I focus on being present with God. Keeping my heart open to whatever he brings to my mind. Listening for what he wants to say to my heart and dedicating myself and this day to whatever service would best please him. Some days I hear him more clearly than others. And that’s okay.
What I have found is that some days I don’t hear him at all. But the point is that I am always listening. So when he does have something to whisper I am ready to hear it. Meditation and prayer has helped me attune my ear to his intention. It has taken practice yes, but more importantly it has taken intention. God doesn’t care how good you are at this, he only cares that you are there.