Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.... –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When asked in an interview when he meditated, the person responded, “I am never not meditating.” Unfortunately, I can’t remember who was being interviewed (Can someone help me out?), but the statement “I am never not meditating” stuck with me. I wondered what that meant, never not meditating. Did it mean that he sat on his cushion all day, candles lit, eyes lowered, softly chanting or silent, perfectly still, finding nourishment in the air itself, ever and always serene?
Well, I’m sorry, but I have children and grandchildren to care for, friends to see, a blog to write, bills to pay, and if I don’t eat regularly, I get headachy and cranky. Sitting on a cushion all day is fine for some folks, but it won’t work for me.
Please read the rest at the The BridgeMaker.
:-) Heading over there now! Love, Vidya
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vidya!
DeleteAgree with you there Galen!
ReplyDeleteI don't think any of us can really sit and mediate all day and not do anything else. !
Yes, meditating for a while to calm your nerves and soothe your day is required, but so are the rest of the things that need our attention.
Heading across to read the rest of the post. :)
Harleena, I suppose there are people who go on meditation retreats and do pretty much nothing but meditate, but that is not practical in our everyday lives. Thanks for commenting.
Deletemeditation can be good if done correctly, obviously the Islamic meditation is the correct way :) have good month of Shawaal.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more about Islamic meditation. Hope you will write about it. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteLeft a comment at TheBridgeMaker for you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteJust to add: Songs of praise run through my mind more often than not. I count these as prayers and in being at one and at peace with the Lord. It never ceases to amaze me how much better my day unfolds when His praise is ever on my lips.
Blessings to you!
Martha, Songs of praise are surely a form of prayer. How centering to have a song linking you to God all the time. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI totally agree, and am heading on over now, but I tell you, I have a feeling.....of what he means....
ReplyDeleteKaren, Loved your comment on Alex's blog. Thanks!
DeleteNot having a lot of detail regarding who this is or the entire interview... what he might have been trying to convey is he is never without thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean by this ... as I travel, I am in constant awe of this world. The connection we all have. From the air we all breathe to the water, the reason for trees and mountains and all the flora and fauna ... amazing eco system... and I am always aware ... always.
Perhaps that's what he meant... constant awareness and deep thought as to this never ending amazing universe.
I can not imagine anyone sitting on a cushion all day long meditating and chanting and ringing a little bell... they have to eat and pee at some point.
I could be wrong.... ;)
Carolyn, I think you are right on target. Someone who commented on the rest of the post at Alex's blog mentioned never without gratitude. I love that. And what you added--never without awe. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI loved this post!! It would be awesome to answer "I am never not praying". Oh to keep that focus no matter what I am in the midst of...
ReplyDeleteblessings to you Galen Pearl,
Alida
Alida, It would be awesome indeed. I'm working towards that goal! Thanks for your comment and blessings back to you.
DeleteTo me, it means to make your everyday actions a prayer. You make your every action an act of prayer. I wish I could say that in the morning I made a statement offering all up as a prayer, but I don't. What I find myself saying often is: "thank you," "Help me make it." Words of prayer are always with me.
ReplyDeleteIf words of prayer are always with you, then that is praying without ceasing! Anne Lamott said that the two most important prayers are "help me" and "thank you." Sounds like you have that covered. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI seem to mess up when commenting, so I hope this is not a duplicate!
ReplyDeleteI see that as making your whole day an act of prayer. I wish I could say that I consciously dedicate my day as a prayer, but my day is full of words of prayer... Thank you, help me.
I published your second comment to remind everyone that I have comment moderation. This means that when you hit publish, you won't see your comment right away. It is held until I see it. I did this because I was getting some spam comments. Thanks for mentioning this.
DeleteOh, I LOL on this one. I am smiling..........
ReplyDeleteI love this one! Yes, who has time to actually sit and meditate all day.
Blessings!
LeAnn, Well, not me! But I do have time to pray all day if everything I do is prayer. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHeading to The BridgeMaker. As you know, I don't believe in time, so I guess this post does not apply to me.
ReplyDeleteJJ, You are in a league of your own, my friend. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI responded on the Bridgemaker blogsite. You did an amazing job on this one..... so true - all day long pray, staying aligned with our GOD and knowing that living in the present is truly the gift of life.
ReplyDeleteIn love and light,
Nancy
Nancy, Well said! Thanks for your kind words.
Deletei to ally get it. This is how I want to go through life, being in total awareness. Aware and allowing the good the bad and the ugly with only love.
ReplyDeleteJodi, Yes, allowing it all with love. Thanks for commenting.
Delete