Should I Practice Meditation as a Christian?
When you think of meditation, what image comes to mind? Is it that of a monk in deep concentration, surrounded by a beautiful eastern landscape? Perhaps you imagine the distinct sitting position of crossed legs and an upright back, with hands resting on both knees and in a prayer position. Nevertheless, meditation and yoga practices have been around for centuries, and though many Westerners are aware of their existence, few may actually understand the numerous benefits and lifestyle improvements they offer.
With scholars estimating its origins within Hindu and Buddhist religions during antiquity and before Christianity emerged in the 1st century, meditation has not only been a sacred custom for many Eastern cultures but has also served as a highly effective means of balancing and strengthening the inner self. Although it is practiced in various forms, the unifying theme focuses on developing stillness and heightened consciousness in a world of constant movement and uncertainty. As a believer in Christ, I have witnessed many question whether it could be practiced without compromising faith because of its origin. However, meditation provides an opportunity to look within the deepest, innermost layer of yourself and connect to God—a pleasant and rewarding ability. With Jesus being the way, the truth, and the life, coming to the Father through Him sets believers apart. With that acceptance, studying the Word of God by drawing near to His precepts helps us to commit to being more like Him.
Here are a few scriptures on meditation:
Psalm 1:2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night.
Psalm 119:15: I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 2:8: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
With the truth in mind, as believers, we are called to maneuver the world by lining up thoughts, ideas, and philosophies against the Word of God to be sure we are not swayed. We understand there are many scholars and thinkers from around the world and in pagan religions who have studied practices that enhance the mind and body’s functioning, as the mind is one of the most powerful systems . Still, our salvation and eyes are set on the Lord. According to Swami Rama in The Joy of Meditation, meditation is more than just a method of making time for yourself; it is a way to connect with yourself. “It introduces you to yourself. From childhood onward, you are taught to examine and understand things in the external world, but nobody teaches you to look within and understand the mind and its various states. The human mind works as a combination of some conscious and mostly automatic thoughts and memories that have been developed from our experiences throughout our lives since childhood. Often, we are not fully aware of our inner mental states because of the automatic programming that requires little conscious thought. What that means is that we are running on autopilot most of the time. Unless you learn to know yourself and achieve inner balance, no matter how much you know about performing in the outer world, you will fall short of your goals. Meditation is the means of achieving this inner balance. It is the simple and systematic process of learning to know yourself as you really are” (Rama, 2013).
In addition, meditation has become increasingly popular in Western society, alongside mindfulness practices and yoga, as a means of self-growth and healing. Scientific research on improved emotional states, decreased stress and anxiety, and even improvements in existing diseases links meditation to enhanced consciousness and overall well-being.
In a 10-week study conducted to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation training on depression, anxiety, and stress, meditation significantly reduced stress levels in participants with severe emotional difficulties. The study also showed improvements for participants with moderate stress levels (Schreiner & Malcolm, 2008).
Studies have also shown that meditation training improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Additionally, it reduces stress and symptoms in cancer patients, chronic pain sufferers, menopausal women, and patients with compromised immune systems. Substance abusers have also displayed decreased alcohol consumption after meditation training (Horowitz, 2010). These findings highlight just how beneficial reduced stress and a clear mind can be for physical, mental, and emotional functioning alike.
If you would like to incorporate meditation into your daily schedule, here are a few easy steps to get you started:
Set aside a scheduled time to meditate (make sure it is at the same time each day) and find a quiet, peaceful area with minimal distractions.
Take deep breaths with your diaphragm while becoming aware of every muscle, tension, or ache in your body. Let the strain leave your body as you deeply inhale and exhale.
Do not judge yourself or your thoughts. Instead, let each moment and thought occur naturally. “Remember—it is not the thoughts that disturb you, but your reaction to them.” As a believer, begin to pray and meditate on the Word to be sure each thought is taken captive, and God will help you gain clarity.
You can also incorporate stretching or Pilates movements to help you channel your focus.
Meditation teaches you to attend to your inner self without reacting to mental turmoil. It brings freedom and helps you discover your true self. Incorporating prayer and scripture and allowing God to lead the practice creates a beautiful harmony of mental, spiritual, and physical healing! Meditation is a practice that we can use to enhance our overall wellness and is not inherently evil if our salvation and thinking lines up with scripture, no more than exercising is inherently evil. Start your journey today and experience the transformative power of meditation.
