Learning to Meditate

In many of the articles available today, there is reference to the need to connect to the God within. What exactly does this mean? In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus is asked when the kingdom of God would come, and he replies that “… the kingdom of God is within you.” Another version of the bible quotes the same passage as “… the kingdom of God is within your midst.” While we may not have the exact words (for indeed, this language has been translated), we can look at understanding this concept.

How could it be possible for the kingdom of God to be in us or in our midst? Let us look at ourselves as examples. When we create something, we put something of ourselves in it. If two people use the same recipe to prepare a meal, the product will be slightly different, even though the ingredients and the quantities used are the same. How could this be?

Let us look at another example. Every child that is born has genetic patterns that reflect both the child’s mother and father, which have joined together to create the new being.

In looking at these examples, perhaps the answer can be found in realizing that whenever we create something, we put something of ourselves in it. Whatever we do, whether it is a painting a picture or making a carving or a sculpture or perhaps an arrangement of furniture, we see it as our creation.

In much the same way, it would seem that since God created the heavens and the earth, and everything on our planet, including each of us, we therefore all have something of God in us.

So many people go through life like lost puppies, always looking to connect to something, but not knowing exactly what it is. If everyone, regardless of religion, could realize that God, as our father and creator, has put something of Himself in us, perhaps this searching would turn within.

It has been said that prayer is talking to God, while meditation is listening to God. When we meditate, we seek to connect to our soul, which is believed to be that part of God that is within us. What is the best way to meditate and connect with our soul? There are many courses that will offer various methods. However, the only one who can make the connection is you, yourself, through your own effort. The method we suggest for meditation is very simple.

To meditate, we suggest you find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for approximately 15-20 minutes. It also helps to light a candle and place it nearby where you can see it. If you are comfortable sitting cross legged or in lotus position, you may do so; otherwise, you may choose to sit in a chair. To avoid falling asleep, it is suggested that you sit while meditating unless you have health problems that would require a prone position. It is also suggested that you try to meditate at the same time each day. Think of this time as an appointment with God, and you wouldn’t want to keep God waiting. Some people find that they have the most success when meditating at sunrise or sunset. However, the time you choose should be a time you can keep.

Begin by taking a few deep breaths while trying to keep your thoughts from wandering. Then, let your breath settle into a normal rhythm. While your thoughts may wander immediately when you begin practicing meditation, try to increase the number of breaths you take before your mind wanders. As you continue this practice, you will find that ideas seem to float down to you.

As mentioned, prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God. In the silence of meditation, you will find answers to all of your questions. These answers come from God that is within you. As you seek solutions to your problems, do not try too hard to seek the answers in meditation. Rather, this is a process of letting go and letting God. If you try too hard to find answers, you risk the possibility of your own ego getting in the way, which may then steer you in the wrong direction. In seeking answers then, imagine that you are gently reaching out to a butterfly. If you try too hard, the butterfly will fly away.  But in your gentleness, perhaps when you aren’t even expecting it, the butterfly may land on you.

Over time, you will find that you are able to connect with your soul, and thus with the God within. This is not the end, but rather it is another beginning as you embark on a spiritual path.

Namaste
L. Stein
Canada