Things You'll Need:
- Peace and Quiet! Find some time and space for yourself where you will not be disturbed
- Candles or very gentle music to help set atmosphere, but goal is to not need anything
- Comfortable seating; wear comfortable clothing
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Step 1
It's important when you are preparing to meditate that you allow yourself some time uninterrupted. Perhaps it's early in the morning or in the evening when the house is quiet - or whenever you can have time alone where you will not be interrupted. Turn off all electronic means that can break your spell of quiet.
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Step 2
Before you actually get into the meditation part, you may want to take a couple of minutes as you're relaxing to reflect in prayer upon a specific question or concern you have for your life or that of a friend or family member. Express your concern/thought as though talking to a trusted friend, then let go of it as you are preparing to receive the answer.
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Step 3
Accept the idea that QUIET is a good thing. Often we want to have music playing or some other form of sound around us to break the silence; but when attempting to meditate, the ultimate goal is to experience the Silence of Spirit. Gentle, soothing music may help you at first to establish a sense of calm and peace. Choose relaxing music that will not tempt you to dance or tap or sing along; soft, flowing New Age type music works well if you want to use it.
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Step 4
Make yourself comfortable; as with prayer, you need to allow some time and space to be by yourself (with God). Some people pray and/or meditate in groups, but only do this if you can remain centered in yourself without becoming distracted by other people breathing or wondering about their progress, etc. Since lying down can make it easy to fall asleep after you're relaxed, start by sitting comfortably in a chair of your choice. You should be able to sit fully supported in the chair, arms relaxed, hands in your lap (do not be concerned if you have to have your hands palm up, fingers touching, or otherwise; the most important thing is to be comfortable).
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Step 5
When you are relaxed, focus for a few minutes on your breathing. Just take it easy and focus on the in-and-out pattern of your breath. Concentrate on your breath and acknowledge that this is the Breath of Life flowing through you - it is God's Breath Breathing Through You. Be at peace. Whatever thoughts may be presenting themselves, just dismiss and know you can come back to them later. If you have sudden twitches or body aches or urges to move, go ahead and move a bit, resettle yourself, and remain focused on your breathing. Concentrate your breath into the area of your body where you are tense or feel pain and let the Breath bring calmness and peace.
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Step 6
When you are relaxed and gently focused on your breath, just let yourself be... without thought, without concern for anything outside of that moment. Wait expectantly but without expectation of anything specific happening. This is the time of quiet and listening for the Still Small Voice. Spirit may speak to your Heart during this time or It may not. Do not be concerned if you do not experience a specific sign or signal that you think should be God speaking to you. God speaks to the heart in ways you will be able to surely identify but it may be later, when you have returned to your normal activity. Sometimes you may receive an answer during meditation to a question or concern you've previously expressed in prayer, but realize if you become conscious of the concern or start questioning whether you're getting an answer, you will break the spell of "listening."
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Step 7
What you experience duirng meditation will be unique; you can read or hear what other people experience but don't let that color what you think should happen. Some people experience an extreme sense of peace in a place that seems weightless, soundless, sightless, and silent. Others may experience colorful sensations. God speaks to everyone in the way we individually need to hear - perhaps a thought, a feeling, an impression from some other source such as a friend tells us about something, we hear a song on the radio that seems to be speaking directly to us, we witness something happening in our community - after you listen, allow yourself to be open to receive the answer.
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Step 8
When you are done with your meditation, return to normal activity at your convenience. Give thanks for the time you have shared with Spirit and get up and go about your routine with an open awareness that any particular answer you're seeking will come. If you had no specific concerns during your time of meditation, simply experience the joy of the Silence. After a period of time of continued practice, you most likely will realize a sense of greater control of your thoughts and emotions, more calmness when dealing with life's issues, and a greater sense of patience and faith (more awareness of the faith you already possess). There are many physical benefits to the regular practice of meditation than just answers from God!
