I Pray, Therefore, I Meditate

Praying Promotes Meditation

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On occasion I am asked, “Why do you meditate?”

Why not, when there is no greater release or freedom?

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​As a teenager, I began to pray in earnest. With my rosary beads in hand, in a sense of wonder I sat for long periods in timeless awareness. It was in those moments I discovered a new way of being. In retrospect, I see my new-found religion, with its deep altered state, was no different than meditation.

As the sound of prayers flowed from my lips my soul opened up. My fearful ego subsided, its unwelcomed litany of demands and threats left the space I held, and once again I was free.

Today I meditate to be free. When I find my mind taking me on an out of control roller coaster I remember the meditation I learned from Thich Nhat Hahn, the Buddhist monk; I AM HERE. It brings me back to the present moment, remembering I am creating my reality with my

thoughts and I needn’t fear. Out of control thoughts are generally fueled by not being in the present moment; regretting the past and fearing the future.

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​You see, those of us that grew up in an environment I liken to a tornado, created by the fearful ego of the adults in our world, grow up feeling scared. We carry that fear into each stage of our lives. If we are among the fortunate few, we wake up and begin to heal from our wounds.

Healing from Meditation

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Meditation can facilitate that healing. If you think you don’t have time for it, then 

you need it more than you know.

It is not an esoteric New Age aspect of some cult, it is real. Members of congress & CEOs do it (obviously not enough when you consider the rampant corruption that exists), NFL players do it, singers, actors, people from all walks of life have discovered its amazing benefits.

Free to be Me

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Although I have done it for years, it wasn’t always that way. And there were years when I forgot. When I left my spirit behind. When I prayed for the wrong things…

It’s been over twenty years since excruciating physical pain brought me back to my senses, “spiritual senses,” that is.

Today I am free to be me; the real me, the authentic one behind the mask, pure spirit. Okay, I admit it, sometimes I let my ego get the best of me. The difference now is that I’m aware. Like an observant scientist, I endeavor to understand my emotions. To say to myself, “I really want to be kind and loving. How can I choose a loving response?” or, “What am I afraid of?”

It says in A Course in Miracles,

“Love is letting go of fear.” 

“Empty your mind of all thoughts and let your heart be at peace.”

Scientific Studies Reveal the Benefits of Meditation

1. Boosts your Health

2. Beneficial Changes to the Brain

3. Age-Related Brain Benefits Boosts Your Self-Control

4. Makes You More Authentic (Keeps you real-you are better able to regulate your emotions and engage in mindful behavior)

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Sources

Psychosomatic Medicine - Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation – Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Evidence for Meditation-Induced Improvements in Psychological and Physiological Well-Being – Science Direct

Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness (decreased age-related cortical thinning) – US Library of Medicine/ National Institutes of Health

Effects of Compassion Training and Emotion Regulation – Stanford Medicine – The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education