President Hinckley said "There is yet another interest that you must look after as you look forward in your lives. You need time to meditate and ponder, to think, to wonder at the great plan of happiness that the Lord has outlined for His children." Why would a prophet say something like this? Is there a reason that we should stop all we are doing and take a moment to listen to our bodies? When you think about what meditation entails it becomes a boring subject. Sitting on a cushion as motionless as possible and connecting with the breath is not always the most comfortable thing for a student. We want to be moving and doing. Why then is meditation given such a strong recommendation among the priesthood brethren?

Looking at it from a different point of view. The human mind has around 70,000 thoughts throughout the day. That sounds completely overwhelming. When we think of the many uses of the brain and how often it is used the magnitude of just how amazing it is really starts to sink in. Why therefore are we unwilling to give it a rest? Could it be that being still is uncomfortable? The hardest things sometimes are the best. Especially when it comes to learning how to be quiet enough to hear the still small voice. I believe that meditation is the key to a very personal prayer. We tend to spend a lot of time talking and maybe not enough time listening. What would happen if after the morning prayers we took a break to just sit and get to know God in that still and quiet space? The moment of truth comes when walking into darkness we find the light that God promises. I believe in doing this small thing it gives us the opportunity to be closer to God.

When is a good time to meditate?

Today in my Acting 1 class I sat in a cirlce with my classmates who have become my friends over the past two months. We started class with a prayer and then moved our seats to the sides of the classroom so that we could have space to lie down and practice mindfulness. What happened in the 5-10 minute span of time we meditated was different for everyone in the class but the truth in it was palpable. One student raised her hand after the session and said that she used the practice of mindfulness to be able to understand the anxiety around a new situation she was put in. Another student spoke of her body wanting to constantly move and that her mind was racing as well and yet another said that she noticed her body was telling her to eat better. How did these feelings and thoughts and new abilities become available to each student? The truth is that there is power in sitting and being with onesself. It is difficult and sometimes painful but it can be the deciding factor in letting you choose how you will relate to your life. Is it easier to ignore the mind as it races with thoughts galore? Some would say that meditation is a waste of time. How is becoming more tuned in to the human experience on a daily basis a waste of time? Answer me that. Meditation is tool that you can use right now.

Meditation for a better life!

This is my first entry for New testament on gospel  principles. The topic? Meditation. You might wonder what the word meditation means in context with the bible and book of Mormon. Does it ever say anything about meditation or mindfulness in those pages? I believe they do speak of it though not in the same words. Take a moment to think of times when you have meditated. If you can’t think of any off the top of your head, when did you pray last? Prayer is a form of meditation. If you take time to listen to God speak after you pray that is considered a meditative state. I know that meditation is important and can be a huge blessing in the lives of those who practice it. This is President David O. McKay’s thoughts on meditation.  “I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion.  In our worship there are two elements: one is spiritual communion rising from our own meditation; the other instruction from others, particularly from those who have authority to guide and instruct us.  Of the two, the more profitable introspectively is meditation.  Meditation is the language of the soul.  Meditation is a form of prayer.  We can say prayers without having any spiritual response.  Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord." ("Consciousness of God: Supreme Goal of Life," [President David O. McKay, 1967 General Conference Address, Improvement Era, June 1967, pp. 80-82])

Too much

Today I woke up in less pain than the day before. I was so grateful for that. It's not easy some days. I hate sounding like the woe is me, my life is too painful sort. Right now I feel like in my mind that is all I do. Complain about the lot I've been given. Last night as I was heading to bed and wondering just what to do about current situation (major issues with chronic pain) I had the distinct impression that maybe I am pushing too hard. The reality started to sink in that Christ took upon himself all the sins and even physical pain we would experience on this earth. I started trying to wrap my mind around that. If that's true then why am I still in pain? Do I not have enough faith?

I figure in my mind that there must be a reason. Kind of like the story of Christ not coming till the fourth watch. The disciples were in a terrible storm and had been fighting the waves for quite some time when it became increasingly hard to go on. Christ walked out to them during the fourth watch. Maybe that's whats happening? I need some help right now. There is too much going on in my life and my mind feels like it is racing to keep up with everything but falling short. As much as I want to be positive and uplifting for everyone who reads this blog, I kinda just need to drop that expectation of myself. I'm here and I'm trying and depression and pain are real. It sucks to say that. Wouldn't it be nice if we were all happy all the time? Or would that be worse because we wouldn't know what unhappiness and a pain filled life are like to contrast it?

Just some thoughts on my mind today since I can't seem to concentrate enough to do homework.

It's been a while...

Yeah, I know. I've been distracted permanently. Is that the same as ADHD? Anyways, I doubt anyone will be reading this but for my own curiosity I decided to write up a little post. I redesigned because I was bored and I like intense colors. I'm also very tired so this will be short. All I need is an answer to a question open to everyone. What brings you joy? Go!