What is meditation?
Why Learn How to Meditate?
A selection of benefits that are associated with learning how to meditate.
Why is meditation so popular in our times especially in our secular world? The main answer is that it has been demonstrated to be an excellent antidote to stress, which is the cause of many illnesses in our present time. Stress affects the release of important hormones into the bloodstream. The two most important ones here are serotonin and cortisol. Here are four reasons why meditate:
- Antidote to stress
- Reducing anxiety & depression
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- A wholeness in mind & spirit
rather than meditating just in order to relax.”
A wholeness of our total being
These health benefits of meditation also come the way of those, who practice meditation as a spiritual discipline, but there they are seen as fortunate side-effects not as the main objective of the discipline. Meditation as a spiritual discipline is not just about a wholeness of body, but a wholeness of mind and spirit as well – a wholeness of our total being; the silence of meditation allows us to transform into who we are meant to be, a peaceful and harmonious being acting out of love. We move from the surface to the depth of our being, where Christ dwells. And in so doing, we not only get into a better relationship with ourselves, but also with others, with creation and with the Divine Reality, in which all are embedded.
How to meditate?
Meditation is something everyone can do, here’s how.
Sit down.
Sit still with your back straight.
Close your eyes lightly.
Then interiorly, silently begin to recite a single word – a prayer word or mantra.
We recommend the ancient Christian prayer-word “Maranatha”. Say it as four equal syllables. Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you say it, silently, gently, faithfully and – above all – simply.
The essence of meditation is simplicity. Stay with the same word during the whole meditation and in each meditation day to day. Don’t visualise but listen to the word, as you say it. Let go of all thoughts (even good thoughts), images and other words. Don’t fight your distractions: let them go by saying your word faithfully, gently and attentively and returning to it as soon as you realise you have stopped saying or it or when your attention wanders.
How often should I meditate?
Meditate twice a day, morning and evening, for between 20 and 30 minutes. It may take a time to develop this discipline and the support of a tradition and community is always helpful.
Courses to Start Your Journey
How to Meditate
Building the Meditation Habit
Meditation Groups Near You
Find a Local Group
The best way to connect with a local meditation group is to contact your national coordinator who will be happy to help you. Groups meet in a variety of places: homes, churches, places of work, hospitals and universities.
Find an Online Group
Online groups have been multiply greatly in recent times. It is easy to find a group in your own language and time zone with whom to develop your practice and find the support of fellow meditators.
