Outside in.

You might be thinking,”she wrote that wrong, it’s inside out.” Well yea, that’s a saying but I meant what I wrote. I’ve come across something amazing I’d like to share. Some call it self-awareness, others call it spiritually. Whatever you call it, this state of being is reached through meditation. And that basically means bringing the outside focus in. I haven’t been meditating very long but I’ve found great peace. The quiet moments allow me to grow closer to God.

I can’t recall a time in my life when I haven’t prayed. Okay sometimes I fell ASLEEP when saying bedtime prayers. And sometimes I zoned out when we sat around in a circle praying as a family. But hey, I was a kid! My prayers have changed as I’ve matured. They’ve transformed from praying for family and friends in a strategic list ranging from most important (my hamster, Zach) to least memorable (the friends my sister brought to the house, sorry Rhonda Whateveryourlastnameis). Now that I’m older, I really don’t ask for much. I do go to Him on behalf of others and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I’ve witnessed true miracles this way. I thank Him for everything. My blessings are countless! And I praise Him in advance (advance to me, timeless for Him) for much more blessings I know are on the horizon. I always tell my children,”If God is willing to bend down to hear our prayers, the very least we can do is send them up.” Prayer is good. It’s our way of talking to God.

In this respect one of the best ways to hear BACK from our father is to meditate. Focus inward. Quiet your mind and acknowledge your heart, your soul, your true being. This is who we are. Souls with bodies. NOT bodies with souls! This world can confuse that and turn it around. Or even deny it all together. But Adam and Eve were naked and didn’t even notice BECAUSE the outside wasn’t their true selves. When sin was introduced? BAM! Focus on selves instead of God becomes the norm and animal prints are all the rage! When we learn to meditate, we take that back just a bit. We hear what God wants us to hear. We become what we were created to be. There’s even studies showing our bodies can heal when we learn to pay more ATTENTION and meditate with INTENTION.

You may fall in to one of two camps: Duh, I’ve know about this for years OR Tell me more. So I’d like to share what I’ve been using for those in the second group. The Calm app on my phone. So easy! When do I use it? Before bed (there are great ones for children too), when I first wake up, and if I’m feeling overly anxious. I encourage you to check it out! I’d also like to tell you that meditation before reading the Bible is a great way to start your day. Any day. The benefits are limitless. If you happen to fall in the first group that’s awesome! Feel free to leave any advice for me, in terms of meditation, in the comments.

I’m teaching my children to meditate because I feel it is such an integral part of our design by the father. Therefore it can only benefit them and their futures. This is the same reason I just shared it with you.

Psalm 104:34