PART I IN A SERIES ON MEDITATION and FAITH
We are all born meditators. Recall how absorbed young children are gazing in awe at the magic of the Christmas Tree, how coffee tasted better as you sat wrapped in a spectacular sunset, how peaceful the sound of the waves rolling onto the shore made you wish for more, how time stopped as your baby gazed silently into your heart. Events like these are timeless and profound and full of peace. These experiences of wonder, joy and peace are the result of taking the attention off yourself and looking forward and beyond to the mystery of God at the core of all human existence.
Unfortunately, as we mature the pace of life blots out some of these precious memories replacing them with stress, hurry, and countless demands on a busy life. You may ask, is it possible for a busy professional, homemaker or retail employee to bring a modicum of peace to a stressful life? Unless you become like little children you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Matt. 18:3.
Having had the privilege of learning from children/students for the better part of 10 years listen to what they say:
I like to connect with Jesus because it makes me feel calm. - Kevin, 5
When I meditate it is as if I’m in another world, feeling at ease with the silence. - Lily, 13
I like Christian Meditation because it feels like peace and harmony, and it feels like a warm hug. -Maggie, 7
It gives me a sense of peace within myself and the world around me. - Chelsea, 16
I can forget everything that happened during the day. I can come back after connecting with God and feel good. -Grace, 11 *
Stay tuned as we continue this faith journey.
-Sister Ann Marshall, csj
Sister Ann Marshall works on Christian Meditation in the classroom, in partnership with teachers in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
*Excerpts taken from the book, Christian Meditation Reflections by Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Students. This book is dedicated to Sister Ann Marshall, CSJ, for her commitment to spreading the practice of Christian Meditation throughout the Hamilton-Wentworth School Board and in so doing, enriching the lives of countless students and staff by helping them to establish and nurture a genuine relationship with Christ.