Meditation
is AMAZING!
I'm not talking about the Western misconception of trying to fly or have an out-of-body experience or whatever else the majority of us thinks of when we hear the word "meditation."
I'm talking about moderation in all things; about temperance, self-control and restraint. I'm talking about taking a few minutes out of the day to shut down the computer, turn down the radio, pull out the earplugs, turn off the TV and just clear your mind, let the stress of life go, evaluate your life, enjoy your blessings, give thanks for your friends and consider how you might make new friends out of old enemies.
You know, this sounds a little like Christianity, doesn't it? I have heard it posited, and believe to be true, that meditation is indeed part of Christianity. Here's a few scriptures from the Bible:
The best part of meditation is that it's not just those few minutes you sit down and clear your mind. If someone honestly tries meditation it will inform all actions that person takes. When faced with possible conflict you will be able to stop and realize that perhaps the source of the problem isn't so important after all or that it's not worth reacting to. Stress will be reduced and life will be brighter. Optimism will reign.
As a final note here's a contrast of the East and the West:
I'm not talking about the Western misconception of trying to fly or have an out-of-body experience or whatever else the majority of us thinks of when we hear the word "meditation."
I'm talking about moderation in all things; about temperance, self-control and restraint. I'm talking about taking a few minutes out of the day to shut down the computer, turn down the radio, pull out the earplugs, turn off the TV and just clear your mind, let the stress of life go, evaluate your life, enjoy your blessings, give thanks for your friends and consider how you might make new friends out of old enemies.
You know, this sounds a little like Christianity, doesn't it? I have heard it posited, and believe to be true, that meditation is indeed part of Christianity. Here's a few scriptures from the Bible:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night. (Joshua 1:8)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight. (Psalms 19:14)
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. (Psalms 104:34)These aren't the only scriptures, just a few that are representative of the rest. Other scriptures use words such as "ponder," "contemplate," and "consider."
The best part of meditation is that it's not just those few minutes you sit down and clear your mind. If someone honestly tries meditation it will inform all actions that person takes. When faced with possible conflict you will be able to stop and realize that perhaps the source of the problem isn't so important after all or that it's not worth reacting to. Stress will be reduced and life will be brighter. Optimism will reign.
As a final note here's a contrast of the East and the West:
"You believe in freedom of speech; you strive for articulation. We believe in freedom of silence; we lapse into meditation." -Professor Hari Dam
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