Relaxing: Meditation and Prayer

Meditation gets a bad rap in some circles.  I use to think that "Christians" shouldn't meditate because is was so strongly connected with another "religion."  But, this isn't the case at all!  The fact is that meditation is mentioned all throughout the Bible as a very positive thing.  It can be used to be still and be with yourself and/or it can be used to be still and be with your God (all "religions" included here).

Sit or lie in a quiet, dimly lit room.  Soft music or nature sounds are great, but no lyrics as they will make your mind wander.  Close your eyes and try to clear your mind.  This is time to be at peace.  Some people like to silently repeat a word or short phrase over and over.  Pick something that makes you feel good, like "serenity" or "peace."  Pick something really easy to say that doesn't have too many syllables.   "Supercalafragalisticexpialidotious" probably isn't a good idea here.

Really getting to where you don't have the day's events (or tomorrow) rushing through your mind at a mile a minute takes practice.  But, keep working on it.  You'll get there.

When I'm having a hard time clearing my mind, I focus on my hands (which are usually cold when I'm stressed out.)  I imagine the blood rushing into my hands and that they are getting warmer and warmer.  It really works and, when you get good at it, your hands really will get warm!