President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Let us take a little time to meditate, to think of what we can do to improve our lives and to become better examples of what a Latter-day Saint should be." April 2000 General Conference
Mindfulness, Meditation & Prayer
Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
President David O. McKay (1873–1970) said: “We pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion. . . . Meditation is the language of the soul. It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion, or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.’ Meditation is a form of prayer. . . .
“[It] is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord.” Meditation: The 15-Minute-a-Day Habit to Increasing Spirituality
Elder Carlos H. Amado of the Quorum of Seventy: "Joseph Smith meditated often; he thought, analyzed, compared; he tried to find answers to what he read in the scriptures. He said:
“During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness. …
“… I often said to myself: … Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? …
“Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again” (JS—H 1:8, 10, 12).
To meditate about eternal truths is to think and to ask ourselves, over and over: “How can I know?” “How have others come to know?”
How can you come to a knowledge of these things? Please meditate about it seriously." April 2002 General Conference
President Russell M. Nelson: "We live in a time prophesied long ago, when “all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” That was true before the pandemic, and it will be true after. Commotion in the world will continue to increase. In contrast, the voice of the Lord is not “a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but … it [is] a still voice of perfect mildness, [like] a whisper, and it [pierces] even to the very soul.” In order to hear this still voice, you too must be still!
For a time, the pandemic has canceled activities that would normally fill our lives. Soon we may be able to choose to fill that time again with the noise and commotion of the world. Or we can use our time to hear the voice of the Lord whispering His guidance, comfort, and peace. Quiet time is sacred time—time that will facilitate personal revelation and instill peace.
Discipline yourself to have time alone and with your loved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take time to immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in the temple." April 2021 General Conference
THERAPEUTIC MODALITY: MINDFULNESS
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens. What is Mindfulness?
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a type of mindfulness practice. Meditation is defined as a “variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy, and develop compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness.” The practice of meditation usually involves deep breathing in a quiet space, with a focus on clearing your mind of anything distracting or negative to get to a calmer state. While it can in no way replace the spiritual benefits of prayer, scripture study, and religious worship, there are some valuable benefits you can receive when you take a few minutes each day to meditate.
Pam Blackwell*: “We often think that pondering—focusing on one subject—counts as meditation, but meditation is much more than that. If people would meditate 20 minutes a day (10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the evening), amazing things can happen physically and emotionally. Neuroplasticity in the left hemisphere of the brain—considered ‘the joy center’ of the brain—[can be enhanced] if you meditate regularly.” Faithful Meditation
*Pam Blackwell is a meditation expert and has been a teacher of the practice for the past 40 years, currently teaching at both Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. She is also the author of the recent book Christ-Centered Meditation: A Handbook for Spiritual Practice. Blackwell has a doctorate from the Southern California University for Professional Studies in psychology. She discusses with us here how the practice of meditation goes hand in hand with and enhances her LDS faith.
Let's Try It...
What has your day been like? What are your worries? Your stresses? Who is in your thoughts these days? What things in your life do you feel are out of your control? What "gaps" in your life do you overthink? What feelings do you wish were gone?
A Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness Ideas:
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