I really like and need meditation, I like its many forms too. Static mediation, sitting and focussing on breathing and being faithful to my mantra is my main form, and brings me joy. But another way of mediation I love is, as I have written before, is the use of the labyrinth, which can take any form or way you like. But no matter the form, the walking clearly isn’t static, and yet, the movement of the body acts like a mantra, it enables focus through rhythm. And so stasis, or the slowing of the inner self is possible. For me it is one of the greatest forms of prayer. It is mentioned in all the great traditions, and not least non-religion, and including Christianity, which surprises some, and is a point of dialogue and connection across beliefs. For me it is a greater connection with being and spirit, a sense of wholeness. It is said that meditation is a form of maturity in prayer, it is the setting aside of agendas and attending to awareness.
In the christian tradition, the antecendents of modern meditation are found in the lives of the desert fathers and mothers, those who formed commnities in the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Syria. Their emphasis was on silnece, and contemplative prayer forms. I love the following quote from one abba Arsenius: “Why, words, did I let you get out? I have often been sorry that I have spoken, never that I have been silent.” which reminds me of Monty Python and a scene from the Holy Grail where God rails against the noise of “all those miserable psalms.” The point being that endless repetition without mindfulness dulls us.
I’m not sure where you’re at, or what you think of meditation, but what I do know is that the world could do with a bit more silence each day, a little more thought for the other, a little more engagement with becoming rather than just doing. A little more stasis would be good all round.
Paul,
pvcann.com
parallax 
I love meditation. It makes me focus on what’s important and soothes my mind and soul.
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Yes, I feel that too, thanks for reading
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Well said.
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Thanks 🙂
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Thank you for sharing that quote from Arsenius. I think we have all had moments that would have been better spent silent. A great deal of conflict could be avoided by slowing down, listening, and reflecting before speaking.
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I know that’s true in my life, yes reflect
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Meditation is a part of my daily routine. I look forward to the silence.
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Yes, love the silence
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Thank you. I’m beginning to count on you for a morning blessing and a smile too!
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Wow, thank you for those encouraging thoughts
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wisdom at it’s best … I would never think of meditation as being static, so linking it into the topic surprised me … we all need that pause between thought 🙂
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Yes, the mindful bit, being rather than doing, pausing 🙂
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oh I totally get it but because so many people’s mind just gets more frantic when they pause, I hadn’t associated it with static, so well done!
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Ah yes, I’m preaching to the choir, again 🙂 on another thought – imagine if the whole world stopped to meditate:)
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oh that is one of my regular prayers 🙂
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Snort, 🙂
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I loved this –
prayer – it is the setting aside of agendas and attending to awareness.
There was a time when I actually repented for being silent at situations . I felt like I should have given befitting reply . But now I am thankful to Almighty for blessing me with calmness and I now the golden benefits of silence .
Thanks for sharing .
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Hey thanks for those comments and thans for reading
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I like how you say becoming rather than doing. Instead of being rather than doing. Many people think that sitting in stillness means you are wasting time. But so many things happen in those moments of silence that help you grow and evolve as a person.
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So agree, and yes the enabling, the freeing to grow, thanks for stopping by.
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Well said. I need my 15 minute meditation to close the day and silence my mind!
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Yeah, I’m not so good without it
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Just realized I could “make” a labyrinth in my yard. I wouldn’t have to mark it out with stones but perhaps with trees (in my mind) since we have many mature trees on the property. I could follow the same path every day. That would be a very cool meditative practice. And I could map or draw it in some form. Now, what to do about the insomnia?
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Brilliant. And yes just a path. Ah – insomnia, it is my companion.
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