I can definitely say living a healthy lifestyle was not something I took seriously as a teenager or young adult. I didn’t care about what I ate and although I loved to walk, I rarely exercised. My college years consisted of way too much pizza, hot dogs, cookies, chips and soda. Pizza and a fountain drink was my go-to lunch because it was cheap. Thankfully, my mother ensured I at least ate healthy when I was home.
Being healthy
Now I know better and take my health more seriously. But being healthy isn’t only about eating the right foods it’s about taking care of the entire person: Body, mind and spirit. And of these three the spirit is the most neglected.
The spirit is our battery. Neglecting it is the difference between operating at low-power mode and being fully charged: Everything functions fine but it’s a slower pace. Listnessness, discontentment and even agitation can all be symptoms of a spirit operating in low-power mode. On the other hand, the healthier the spirit the more at peace and contended we are, regardless of circumstances or external factors.
The best way to recharge our spirit is through meditation. Or taking a pause from all the busyness and noise of life and allowing God to minister and refresh our spirits. Merriam-webster.com defines meditation as “to engage in contemplation or reflection.”
So how do we as followers of Christ meditate when it’s equated a lot with Eastern mysticism?
The difference between Eastern and Christian meditation
The primary difference between Eastern mysticism and Christian meditation is the focus. Meditation originated in India as part of Ayurvedic medicine. Unlike Western medical practices, Ayurveda seeks to heal the whole person, not just the physical ailment. It includes a diet plan, relaxing the body through yoga and massage and connecting with the deep inner Self through meditation. According to Vedic science, the deep inner Self contains the source of all knowledge and wisdom. It’s what fuels the mind which in turn operates the body.
As Christians, the source of all knowledge and wisdom is God. We want His truth to refresh, recharge and energize our spirit.
The stronger our spirit, the more resilient we become to overcome whatever challenges come our way. But the only way to strengthen it is through God. He created our spirits. It’s the divine breath He breathed into Adam to make him a living being (Gen 2:7). It’s the same spirit that is within each of us.
How I refresh my spirit
The steps I take to refresh my spirit are simple. I start with reading a scripture passage – I’m currently studying the book of Proverbs. I read a chapter each day. But it doesn’t need to be a full chapter, it could also be as simple as a few verses or even just the verse of the day.
I journal my thoughts or spend a few minutes contemplating what I read. This naturally segways into prayer time. Often I journal the beginning of my prayer but then transition into praying silently.
Afterward, I take a few minutes – sometimes longer – and sit in silence with my eyes closed. I typically like to listen to praise and worship music without singing along – if you know me, you know that’s a challenge. But I focus on the lyrics and allow them to minister to my spirit. Other times I sit in silence and reflect on the scripture passage I just read.
What I’m learning
Taking the time to be still is like hitting the pause button on life. For a few minutes, the corporeal world and all its cares disappear and I enter the throne room of God. When I’m done, I feel relaxed and stronger…maybe whole is the better descriptor. But it makes me feel prepared and ready to take on whatever comes.
I’ve come to enjoy my meditation times, I like the quietness and reflecting on the goodness of God in my life. And it doesn’t require any special skill or equipment. I just need to be present and still. It’s a relaxing and welcome change from my normal. And I’m learning the stronger my spirit the more resilent I become.