Meditation

I know what most people, especially Christians, in the West think of when they read this word. It evokes an image of a little robed guru sitting in the lotus position, surrounded by burning incense, hands in funny shapes, eyes closed, and humming a bunch of nonsense. It is automatically connected with Eastern religions, and thus dismissed as either irrelevant or even occult.

*Movie announcer voice* Until now...

I find it unfortunate that it has to be this way. In my own times of thought and time with God it has occurred to me that such a practice is not only not inherently wrong, but it is, when applied properly, actually quite beneficial. Consider Psalm 46:10 (ESV) - "Be still, and know that I am God." as well as Matthew 6:5 (ESV) - "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." It is clear that God wants us to have a time alone, in silence, with Him, a time where we can listen far more than we speak.

Why meditation, then? Consider that the entire point of meditation is to gain spiritual awareness and open oneself to wisdom and connection with that which pervades the universe, and in some cases, such as Taoism, to destroy the ego, and thereby bring about an automatic selflessness. This is, as far as I can see, perfectly in line with following Jesus. While speaking has its place, listening is greater.

You don't have to sit in the lotus position, hum odd chants, or make hand symbols. The overall point is that you are getting still, silent, and isolated, and making yourself open to hearing from the Holy Spirit...the Supreme Pure One.