During the period of retreat at a Trappist Abbey as I was trying to deal with all that had happened to me when I lost my business and especially the grief of so much loss, I began to encounter persons that were also suffering. One such individual was a young man, named Stephen, who had …
The “dark night of the soul” can be a terrifying time. It is as though the person meditating cannot pray in words or intentions. It is a period of waiting; a true test of our willingness to trust absolutely in God even though we are not able to feel or sense the Presence. The fright is …
In meditation, the struggle is often a sign that we are beginning to deal with our shortcomings, to grow in the Lord. In my own life, I meditated for many years. I began meditating when I was 23 years old, shortly after I converted to Catholicism and Christianity and gradually developed a deep sense of quietude and …
However, God most often comes to us in silence wherever we seek out that silence. It is when the noise of the world is not overpowering that God can best speak to us in a small, quiet voice. Be still and know that I Am God. (Psalm 46:10) Silent prayer is the way to …
Solitude or time to oneself becomes increasingly important as meditation becomes a way of balance in life. It matters not whether the individual is active or contemplative by nature, solitude becomes a prerequisite to deepening spirituality through meditation. Perhaps the best way to practice solitude, at least initially, is through retreats oriented to reflection and …
Here is a detailed, step-by-step, meditation to follow to help one gain a deeper experience. *Find a quiet place or space where you can be alone and uninterrupted for a period of 5-20 minutes. *Clear your mind and body of any anxious thoughts or feelings; a favorite prayer, a brief reading or reflection may help …
In recent years, I have been working in Behavioral Health as a chaplain in order to promote spiritual growth as well as other aspects of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It is important to share the tools for meditation and contemplation that can often bring hope and sometimes relief to those who are challenged with …
In stark contrast to enlightenment, there are moments when we can find ourselves in a situation where meditation and contemplation are not possible. I have on just a very few occasions where have I found myself in direct contact with heavy disturbing energy, usually experienced as the “sense” of a particular place or situation. In all cases, it involved a choice that I had to …
Some of the obstacles to a deeper level of meditation may arise from past experiences of abuse, violence, poverty, ill-health, or the prevailing culture to name but a few. It is common that psychological factors such as fear, anger, guilt, depression, and other types of emotional instability, alienation, and social isolation are inhibitors to spiritual …
As we begin the interior journey in meditation, fears arise in anticipation of what we will find, how truly weak or sad or uncomprehending we really are. Also, we start to detach from those external attachments felt so necessary for our daily sustenance and wellbeing. Most of all, we become detached from the ‘old …