Dwell On These Things

Cognitive perseverations that include worry and rumination over past or future events may prolong cortisol release, which in turn may contribute to predisease pathways and adversely affect physical health. Meditation training may increase self-reported mindfulness, which has been linked to reductions the stress hormone cortisol. So where do you begin? Do you need to go into a room, sit in the lotus position and chant? Let's start with something less intimidating. Create a favorable environment; whether in your home or in nature this is one of the most important things to do. Mindfulness for beginners is quite easy if you take that all relevant step and get started. There should not be any distraction in the place that you will select for practicing this meditation technique. This place should be calm and quiet. There should not be any sound or noise to distract you and disturb you during your meditation. This place should be such where you can forget all your pain, sorrow and can get rid of all your stress. This place should emit a sacred feeling. It can be a religious place or any place of your choice which gives you positive vibes. Starting your meditation is a rather simple process. It may help to start meditating for just short periods, but do so frequently. Do not sit for long periods of meditation initially. You’ll need to slowly adjust to the meditation techniques for best results. Utilizing a meditation timer is a great way to keep track of time without worrying about a clock. Mindfulness is awareness of the immediate moment and living in that moment. Through mindfulness, you are freed from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. In the here and now, everything just is...and there is great peace in that. But how to stay in touch with this moment, especially when your mind keeps running away from you like it so often does? If mindfulness is a new idea to you, then it might seem a little daunting to try and keep your attention fixed in the present moment. Don't fret. You will soon be successful. God tells us to meditate, and it's not so daunting if you consider His method to do so. Meditation is NOT a Buddhist concept. Meditation is a function of the mind and the heart. It is what we think about in our hearts, and it is something we each do every day. Whether we realize it or not, we all spend a significant portion of our time in some form of meditation. The thing is, what we meditate on may or may not be worth while. In fact, what we habitually think about is frequently unhealthy for our growth as Christians. This is the first step in the process of training ourselves to think correctly. Let us look at what the Bible says about meditation:

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2TIM 2:7)

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps 19:14)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Jos 1:8)

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. (Ps 48:9)

I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. (Ps 77:12)

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. (Ps 119:15)

Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:23)

Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. (Ps 119:27)

I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. (Ps 119:48)

May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts. (Ps 119:78)

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. (Ps 119:97)

I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. (Ps 119:99)

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. (Ps 119:148)

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (Ps 143:5)

They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. (Ps 145:5)

May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. (Ps 104:34)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (Php 4:8)

We must become consciously aware of what we spend our time meditating on now. We must take a detailed account of what we think about and based on biblical principles decide whether it is good or bad. When you catch yourself meditating on something undesirable, renounce it and cast it away. Imagine yourself throwing it to the ground and stepping on it to kill it. Then immediately choose to replace the thought with a good one, such as a prayer, a memorized scripture or song. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself thinking about that same thing only a minute or two later. Simply recognize sin as sin, renounce it again and choose to replace the thought with something worthwhile. You will find that many of your personal idols are firmly attached to your hearts as if with elastic bands, so when you through them away, they just snap back at you. But eventually the elastic will break, and you will be free.

Similarly, do not think it strange if you find it difficult to cast off the undesirable thought pattern. Remember that your heart has a basic tendency to enjoy such things; you will be fighting with yourself. But you do not have to give in.