Spiritual Disciplines: Meditation
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.”
Romans 12:1 AMP
What is Christian Meditation?
Unlike the secular notion of emptying the mind, Christian meditation is a purposeful act of love, worship, and devotion. It involves intentionally giving time and energy to God, creating a sacred space within our hearts where the indwelling Holy Spirit can reside.
At its core, Christian meditation is an act of resting in Jesus. This holy and rejuvenating rest allows believers to experience the indwelling Holy Spirit's presence. Psalm 46:10 beckons us with the words, "Be still, and know that I am God." This stillness is physical, mental, and spiritual—a surrender of our anxieties and distractions to embrace the peace of God's presence in the present moment.
However, connecting with this state of divine rest can be challenging when our bodies and minds are in a chronic state of stress and turmoil. The modern human experience often triggers our nervous systems into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn modes, making it difficult to find that inner stillness.
The Mind-Body Connection
The connection between our physical state and spiritual well-being is profound. Our ability to connect with God diminishes when our bodies are tense and our minds are scattered.
This is where somatic practices like body scan meditations become invaluable in experiencing rest— mind, body, and soul. Somatic practices are body-centered techniques that help self-regulate the nervous system by promoting awareness of bodily sensations, grounding in the present moment, and facilitating relaxation.
By guiding us to connect with our bodies and be present in the moment, body scan meditations help us transition from states of stress to states of safety—what some might call the "rest and digest" mode. In this state of calm, our hearts are more open and receptive to experiencing God's still small voice speaking unconditional love to us.
*During a body scan meditation, you are rewiring old somatic (body-based) memories. Throughout the experience, you may notice places that feel tight, rigid, or painful. When we focus our awareness on physical sensations, we are also helping areas that hold emotional pain to relax and release tension. The mindful empathy of the body scan is rewiring the circuitry that holds the pain. The release of tension in the muscles of our bodies helps bring the entire autonomic nervous system (ANS) back into a state of equilibrium.
Dwelling in God’s Presence
St. Teresa of Ávila, a revered mystic and Doctor of the Church, emphasized the importance of interior stillness. In her writings, she spoke of the "interior castle," a metaphor for the soul's journey inward to meet God. For St. Teresa, the practice of meditation was a means to enter this sacred space, moving through the distractions and disturbances of life to find the serene presence of God within.
Similarly, contemporary Christian authors like Richard Foster and Dallas Willard have highlighted the significance of meditation in the spiritual life. Foster, in "Celebration of Discipline," describes meditation as "the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word." Willard, in "The Spirit of the Disciplines," presents meditation as a way to train our minds and bodies to dwell in God's presence continuously.
A Practical Approach
Body scan meditations, in particular, offer a practical approach to this ancient discipline. By focusing on each part of the body, we can release physical tension and cultivate an awareness of God's presence. This practice aligns with the biblical principle found in Romans 12:1, which calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. In doing so, we create a holistic worship experience, engaging both body and spirit in our devotion.
Moreover, the practice of Christian meditation can lead to profound spiritual growth. It nurtures a deeper understanding of God's word, as we meditate on Scripture and allow it to permeate our hearts. Joshua 1:8 encourages us, saying, "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Through meditation, we internalize God's truths and are transformed by them.
Those who have experienced our Sacred Rest events have experienced how the spiritual discipline of meditation in the Christian tradition is a pathway to encountering God's presence in a profound and transformative way.
It requires intentionality, creating a sacred space in our lives where we can rest in God's love and peace. By incorporating practices like body scan meditations, we align our physical and spiritual selves, fostering a holistic approach to our faith experience. As we cultivate this discipline, we draw nearer to God, experiencing the rejuvenating rest and deep connection that only He can provide.
Have you ever experienced a body scan meditation? What was that experience like for you? (comment below)
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