Meditation brings a change of attitude

Our capacity for love and peace grows, new priorities form

- Design Pics photo Meditation helps one get in touch with oneself, the Creator and reality, says Monique Eng.

By MONIQUE ENG
Special to the WCR
Edmonton

The first time I'd heard of the prayer of silence, prayer of the heart, was through an article in the WCR in 1990 by Paul Harris. It resonated in my head; so a few weeks later, I went to an introductory session on Christian meditation. What an experience!

I was in the presence of the Spirit of God, devoid of worldly goods and leaving words, thoughts and imagination behind except for one little sacred word that I kept repeating.

Since that moment, every morning and evening, for 20 to 30 minutes, I go back to the source of all life. I get in touch with my true self, with the Creator and with reality. The experience is that of being loved; when fears vanish and are replaced with peace.

In sharing this prayer with others, I believe our capacity for love and peace will grow.

In my experience, I have encountered two recurring themes that both new and experienced meditators share. First, meditation brings them a sense of peace. Second, they worry about the success of their meditation because they are easily distracted.

I am quite glad when most people notice they get distracted. Along the path of meditation, we come to realize there are so many distractions that we never noticed before. These distractions are not solely during our times of meditation but are found more so in our everyday lives.

In the same manner as spending time to prepare tasty and healthy meals, meditation takes effort. Meals provide contentment and satisfaction while meditation offers peace, however, many find it difficult to maintain as a lifestyle and relapse back to their old habits.

Meals prepared and shared as a group taste better and seem to take less effort. In Edmonton, there is a small support community for meditation. A few groups meet weekly around the city to meditate together.

How do we meditate? As much as possible, try to find a quiet place. Sit still for the whole time of meditation. Close your eyes lightly and interiorly begin saying your word. Repeat your word from beginning to end of the meditation.

The word I use is Maranatha, which means Come Lord. This was the word used by John Main, a monk who brought back the tradition of meditation. If you realize you are distracted, gently return to your word. Do not fight distractions; focus on the work at hand.

Meditation. It is recommended that we do this prayer once in the morning and once at night, for an optimum time of 20 to 30 minutes.

Most meditators I know, myself included, find our priorities changing as we experience something very special. As each individual is unique, their experiences are also unique.

You will have to experience this contemplative prayer in order to experience this indescribable something special. There is a web site where you can find the information you need to get started. It also offers tips and advice to keep meditating when it seems to take more effort. www.meditatio.ca.

On June 27, Laurence Freeman, a Benedictine monk from England and spiritual guide of the World Community for Christian Meditation will give a talk in Edmonton. I extend an invitation for you to come join us. Information regarding this event can be found in the Community Calendar.

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