5 Responses to “What are the meditation techniques that you have found that work best for you?”

1. Father K Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

   I much prefer the method that the Fathers (and Mothers) of the Spiritual/Interior Life call "Lectio Divina".

   The classical practice of Lectio Divina–the prayerful reading of the Bible, the book that we, as Christians believe to be divinely inspired–is being rediscovered and renewed in our time. At the same time a number of ways of practicing it have sprung up leading to a certain confusion regarding its relationship to the distinct practice of Centering Prayer. A few distinctions may be helpful.

   First of all, we need to distinguish Lectio Divina from Bible study, which is very useful at another time and provides a solid conceptual background for the practice of Lectio Divina.

   Secondly, Lectio Divina is not the same as reading the scriptures for the purpose of private edification, encouragement, or getting acquainted with the many-sided aspects of revelation, and especially with Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God. Lectio Divina is rather a way or formula for furthering these objectives.

   Thirdly, Lectio Divina is not the same as spiritual reading, which moves beyond the exclusive reading of sacred scripture to include other spiritual books such as the lives and writings of the saints.

   Finally, Lectio Divina is not the same as praying the scriptures in common, a contemporary development that is sometimes identified with Lectio Divina. The classical practice of Lectio Divina was done in private and consisted in following the movement of the Holy Spirit in regard to the time one might devote to each step of the process, as well as passing from one step to another during the same period of prayer. Following a particular structure, such as is required in all forms of common prayer, tends to limit spontaneity to the movement of the Holy Spirit, which is the heart of the practice.
   References :
   What is Lectio Divina? See: http://www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html

2. Jack P Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

   4 – 2 breathing
   Background mantras or Gregorian chants
   forgiveness and gratitude affirmations
   References :

3. adrianusign Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

   Hi,
   You may want to try the simple meditation techniques explained at the InnerGuidance Network website: http://www.InnerGuidanceNetwork.org. The online Spirits Onymous course is free. "Align with Stillness" is coming this Sunday.

   My spiritual belief is that in each and every human being shines the bright light of Spirit.
   References :

4. cordsoforion Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

   Meditation comes from…..

   The word “meditate” comes from an Indo-European root which means “measure”. We have five measuring sticks. The first of these is Honesty. The question that the old timers use for honesty: “Is it true or is it false?”. We need the guidance of our spiritual advisor or sponsor to measure our progress with ourselves and others. http://www.aroundthetables.com/ViewPage.php?pageID=285

   Many people believe that it come from the word that means "to find the middle" Mediate come from this word not meditate.

   Finding the middle or balance is part of the program but you asked about Meditation.

   To meditate for most people is to contemplate.
   Keep this in mind:
   http://www.aroundthetables.com/ViewPage.php?pageID=527

   I am as I think. I am very emotional and this affects my body, mind, and soul. It affects how I am viewing reality.

   For example:
   If I contemplate the wrongs others have done or only see negative outcomes all around me – I am feeding this "reality".

   or

   I contemplate the change in season the beauty of nature at work – the sky as the clouds move through, the last time my ??? told me they loved me or made love then I am feeding a positive.

   Meditations – Thoughts – prayer goes hand in hand with meditation.

   It is good to begin a day with certain thoughts such as what can I do to help the next person, were can I contribute.

   Asking for help to be the best I can be as a son or daughter, parent or friend, employee or empoyer.

   Ask for help to be honest – Meditate on "Removing the excuses we make the little lies that taint our soul. The justifications we make that are empty and leave us guilty".

   Ask for help to be unselfish. Meditate on "That I can let another get what they want rather than impose my thinking and wants. That today I can give up my little something time or usual to be or do or give to another".
   References :
   Definition:
   http://www.aroundthetables.com/Definitions.php#Meditate

   Ideas in St. Francis of Assisi -
   Version one: http://www.aroundthetables.com/ViewPage.php?pageID=196
   Version two:
   http://www.aroundthetables.com/ViewPage.php?pageID=153

5. ji-an Says:
   January 8th, 2010 at 5:33 pm

   Mindfulness Meditation and Lovingkindness Meditation has been the most helpful types of meditation:

   *How To Manuel "Mindfulness in Plain English"
   is now offered free online:
   http://www.budsas.org/ebud/mfneng/mind0.htm

   An excellent book on Lovingkindness Meditation:
   "Lovingkindness: the Revolutionary Art of Happiness" by: Sharon Salzberg is the first I had ever read on Lovingkindness; Lovingfriendliness Meditation.

   Metta to all.
   References :

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