Quieting the mind can heal

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Silence is God’s first language; everything else is a poor translation. In order to hear that language, we must learn to be still and to rest in God— Thomas Keating

What brings you to the brink? –that tipping point that finally turns you away from your old habits and turns you to healing and wholeness?

For me turning 30 was the tipping point –I knew I didn’t have the stamina to run from life anymore – neither, I hated to admit, could I control it. Old hurts, consequences of my choices, the challenges of marriage and family life brought me to the brink. I had to make the decision as Hafiz puts it –“we have just two choices; we can come to God dressed for dancing, or be carried to God’s ward on a stretcher”. I choose dancing, so for the past 20 years my dance partner has been meditation. Each day Life/ God gives me new opportunities to let my spirit dance and begin to heal.

I liken my process of healing to one of my favorite camp stories called “Going On A Bear Hunt”. Remember that brave hunting party that faced tall grass, mud, a lake and a then a dark cave. Each time the children gleefully repeated with us…

“Couldn’t go under it, couldn’t go around it, had to go through it!” In the story the hunters turn and run when they finally find the bear, and they go back through all those obstacles.

With meditation, when I ran into that bear in the dark cave, I didn’t run, I didn’t hide, I sat down, and let the darkness speak in the silence of the cave. Meditation became my way of dancing through that mud, through that dark cave and finding a way of peace and wholeness.

I’m very excited to lead a meditation session at Bonnie’s upcoming wellness retreat, Eat, Play & Love Your Body,  so I can share the gift of meditation with you. For those of you who cannot be there, I would like to share some of the benefits of meditation and encourage you to begin a period of interior silence in your life.

True wholeness beings on the inside, deep in our hearts and minds. What we put into our souls and our minds have every bit as much power and potential to heal or harm as they food we choose to put in our mouth..

Every day scientists are finding more evidence of what the mystics knew long ago. Meditation brings health and wholeness on many levels.

  • Physiological
  • Reduces muscle tension
  • Increases blood flow and slows heart rate
  • Improves brain function and focus
  • Reduces free radicals
  • Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Cures headaches
  • Improves stamina and energy level.
  • If that is not enough – look at the Psychological benefits.
  • Reduces Anxiety
  • Builds confidence
  • Helps us see the see big picture
  • Improves creativity
  • Aids in positive thinking and decision making.
  • Increases emotional stability
  • Improves relationships at home and work.
  • Purifies your character
  • Increases serotonin level and improves mood.
  • Spiritual Benefits
  • Increases peace
  • Leads to serenity and acceptance
  • Felt sense of living in God’s presence
  • Opens eyes of heart to compassion
  • Opens inner wisdom of God
  • Increases charity
  • Heals grievances/opens way to forgiveness

I hope you can join me and begin receiving the benefits of meditation. If not there is no time like the present moment to become silent on the inside. Take 10 slow deep breaths with attention to your breathing, and let your mind fall quite for a just a moment. Find the joy of your true nature, just waiting there in the silence.

Maryann Joyce is a trained Spiritual Counselor working in the Evansville Indiana area. For support on your life journey or coaching with meditation/centering prayer please contact her at maryanjoyce[at]sbcglobal[dot]net