Occasionally I get asked why I use guided meditations as part of my programs. Sometimes people are curious to learn more about the health benefits of meditation & why my approach is different. Other times people want to learn more because they’ve been taught meditation isn’t compatible or in line with Catholic or Christian teaching.
In this article I’ll give a brief overview of what meditation is, the differences between non-Christian & Christian meditation and 5 reasons why Scripture-based guided meditations are good for your overall health – especially your physical health.
What is Meditation?
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, meditate means to:
- To engage in contemplation or reflection
- To engage in mental exercises (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
- To focus one’s thoughts on: reflect on or ponder over
- To plan or project in the mind
In other words to deliberately focus the mind on something. Both non-Christians (Hindus, Buddhists & others) and Christians use meditation as a way to reach a higher level of spiritual well-being. But there are differences.
Non-Christian vs. Christian Meditation
Many Christians believe meditation is not in-line with Biblical teachings and should be avoided. However, when you dig into the bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and other Protestant teachings, you’ll find meditation is a powerful means to connect with our Lord on deeper levels.
Non-Christian meditation focuses on emptying the mind. Focusing on the breath or one thing to clear the mind of the ‘1000 thoughts’. And how what would that feel like? To clear out the racing thoughts inside your head? So you can focus on the task at hand? Be more present with your loved ones? Drift off to sleep easier?
While that may sound amazing, emptying your mind leaves it open to the enemy whispering his lies into your ear. And we all know where that can lead. That’s why Christian authorities across all denominations agree there’s a better way.
Filling your Mind with the Lord
Christian Meditation, on the other hand, invites you to fill your mind with the Lord. To ponder, focus or reflect on God & his love. CCC #2708 states that meditation “engages thought, imagination, emotion & desire.” St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises uses mental imagery aimed getting users to know Christ on a more intimate level & to love him with more fervor.
Christian meditation is an on-going quest to unite yourself with God and his love. There’s also evidence for God calling us to meditate all throughout the bible. If you take a look at Luke chapter 2 vs 19 & 51, you’ll find that “Mary pondered & reflected on these happenings, keeping them in her heart”.
The Psalms also have many references to meditation including Psalm 1:2 which tells us to “study the law of God day & night”.
The big difference is that God & his love are at the center of the practice. Just like he calls us to live out every aspect of our lives. Making him #1.
Benefits of Christian Meditation
General m editation has been hailed for it’s physical, mental, emotional health by many health authorities including Mayo Clinic, Harvard & the Cleavland Clinic. Let’s take it to the next level, add in that Christian piece and see just how much more meditation can help your overall health & well-being.
- Peace. Mediation is well known as a stress reducer or peace inducer. Stress causes all kinds of havoc in your body, from muscle tension & joint problems to hormone imbalances, high blood pressure & stomach issues. Your body, mind & spirit just function better when you’re at peace. Who wouldn’t want more peace in their lives? And who better to call upon when you need peace than the Prince of Peace, Jesus.
- Relationships. Meditation allows you to turn over your issues to the Lord and fill up with his Love. When you do that, you can’t help but allow that love to spill out into your relationships-including your relationship with yourself. Remembering each & every person, including yourself, is a precious, beloved, chosen child of God! Good relationships are also associated with good overall health.
- Strength & Courage. According to Bill Johnson of Bethel Ministries, meditation is a “Vital tool for strengthening ourselves in the Lord so we ca walk in our identity (see #2 above) and purpose.” How many times has God called you to step outside your comfort zone & toward that best, healthiest version of yourself, but you needed the strength & courage only he can provide? Like walking past that platter of Christmas candy or the chip & snack isle in the grocery store? You know what you should do, but need the strength & courage to make the healthier choice-meditation can help you.
- Optimism. Wouldn’t you like a brighter outlook on life? Recognize your blessings instead of what berating yourself for what you don’t have/or haven’t done? When you meditate on God & his Love, he just draws you in and you can’t help but feel more optimistic, receive inspirational solutions for your problems and gratitude for the ways he’s always popping up to say Hi! to you.
- Sleep. This is a biggie. You know how you feel when you don’t get enough sleep-every little negative thing seems to magnify itself 10 fold. Lack of sleep is also associated with a whole host of physical ailments too like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease & others. When you use Scripture-based meditations, you focus on God, place your trust in him & allow him to provide you exactly what you need in the moment. Releasing you of the racing thoughts that seem to run through your mind when your body stills and your head hits the pillow at the end of the day and allowing you to fall asleep peacefully.
Why I like Guided Meditations
The first time I remember really feeling God’s love was the first time I experienced a guided meditation led by Fr. Thomas DeCarlo, better known as Fr. Tank, back in high school. I then began using guided meditations regularly in 2017 & 2018. I had become completely drained of energy, motivation & the zeal that I entered grad school with in 2015. Guided meditations were an integral part of my healing journey after earning my master’s degree.
However, I knew something was missing from the moments of peace I experienced as I lay listening to various YouTube videos. That something was God.
Granted, after a while I interjected our Lord myself, but I felt called to create something similar but vastly different to help others. Guided meditations where God was smack-dab in the middle of all of it. Something that could help calm & quiet racing thoughts, allowing people to truly connect with God in a meaningful way.
And so I started learned how to record, edit & a bunch of other tech things needed to make Scripture-based or Christian-focused guided meditations. Most of them which are used in my on-line programs.
Women especially, but men too, find it challenging to quiet their minds enough to make those intimate connections with God. They need images & words to help them place their thoughts where they really want them to be – on our Lord & his all encompassing love.
Most people also don’t have a ton of time to just ‘be still’. So many of my meditations are short (5-7 minutes), but long enough to make that all important connection their soul is calling them to.
I don’t claim to do this all on my own. No way! It truly is the work of God. I am just a mere vessel he chooses to use to convey his message. I too require meditating on his Word and his Love for the inspiration, problem solving, strength & courage I need to co-create & share these messages.
While I haven’t had much time this past year to create new guided mediations, ( a 5-7 minute one takes a good 4 hours), I have ideas & scripts started for 2023!
What about you?
Let me know, do you use guided meditations? Do you like long ones? Short ones? Do you like a silent background? One filled with nature sounds? Music? Is there a specific challenge you have that you’d like a guided meditation for? I’d love to hear more so be sure to let me know in the comments below!
Are you still looking for something to do during Advent to prepare your heart for Jesus at Christmas? It’s not too late! Sign up for my Free Journey to Jesus today! With short (5-7 minute) scripture-based guided meditations & journal prompts, you can quiet your body, mind & spirit to truly connect with our Lord in just 15 minutes a day.
Click on the link below & register today!
Resources:
- CCC #2708: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=6980
- Ignatian Spiritual Exercises: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/
- Mayo Clinic Meditation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858
- Bill Johnson, Strengthen Yourself in the Lord: How to Release the Hidden Power of God in Your Life (Highly recommended by Sr. Miriam James from the Abiding Together Podcast). https://www.amazon.com/Strengthen-Yourself-Lord-Release-Hidden-ebook/dp/B0051OKXU2/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
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