Private prayer – Can it reduce fear?

Private prayer

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. The worldly minded suppose private prayer is no different from any other personal practice that induces relaxation. They ask ‘Don’t we relax by sitting in a comfortable position, in a quiet setting, having something calming to focus our attention, and adopting a passive attitude?’ Yet most people would agree that private prayer involves … Continue reading Private prayer – Can it reduce fear?

After the pandemic – Reflecting on this?

after the pandemic

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. After the pandemic we will eventually get back to work, school and elsewhere. But will there be a new normal? A new start? Differences that emerge following the enforced shutdown of usual business? For many of us the lockdown means more stress cooped up at home, more worry about income, more frustration.  Yet, … Continue reading After the pandemic – Reflecting on this?

Non-striving in mindfulness – A paradox?

non-striving

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. According to mindfulness meditation we should adopt the outlook of ‘non-striving’ to deal with stress. But how can non-striving be a goal if we are encouraged not to strive for it? Stress and non-striving A part of my body might feel uncomfortable. For example churning in the stomach, a tense forehead, or … Continue reading Non-striving in mindfulness – A paradox?

Meditation – Finding God in it?

meditation

For some people, there appears to be no presence of God in the world and in their lives. No God in religious ceremony. No God in sacred writing. No God in prayer. If you cannot find God in these ways then you might wonder, ‘Can I find God in meditation?’ Meditation practice The various traditions … Continue reading Meditation – Finding God in it?

What is this meditation thing all about?

meditation

The calming nature of meditation (internalizing your thoughts) seems to have benefits ranging beyond our understanding as human beings… and yet; there are so few people who actively practice it. Perhaps it is our busy schedules? Maybe we don’t realize the importance of meditation? Maybe we don’t think it is applicable to our lives? Or … Continue reading What is this meditation thing all about?

8 ways to live mindfully

Live mindfully

Here are 8 ways to live mindfully. 1. Be aware of your surroundings. Whilst you’re walking, standing or sitting, be aware of the nature,  people and architecture that surrounds you. 2. Set aside a time each day to sit still and focus on your breathing. When thoughts arise, try to simply view thoughts as thoughts, … Continue reading 8 ways to live mindfully

How does control of breathing help with meditation?

Control of breathing

Control of breathing is related to meditation. When you are meditating you very probably have great difficulty attending just to one thing. The mind wanders off and it takes great practice to stay focused. You are distracted by extraneous sounds, random thoughts, an itch, a worry. The original centre of attention disappears several times. You … Continue reading How does control of breathing help with meditation?

Stillness – How to find it?

Beset with countless challenges and tasks we find stillness in the mind not something that comes readily. However just taking 2 minutes to complete a brief guided visualisation can make some difference. Pretend to yourself that around you is a white sandy beach. It is early in the morning and you can see the sun … Continue reading Stillness – How to find it?