There’s definitely a joint article in there – “how do you view God?”. You and I have different views so it will be interesting to write about it. I orginally grew up with a view of God similar to yours (which surprised me as I wasn’t raised in any formal religion which usually views God with human like characteristics – loving but judmental). I’ve grown over the years to touching into God as more of an essence or source of everything that exists – transcendent from right/wrong and other polarities that exist in our intellectual minds. Hard to describe, but I’m sure we’ll find ways to describe it and perhaps include quotations of other’s views.

Looking forward to it,

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.

For me there’s something different about connecting to God as an external source of divine love, as compared to meditating on a phrase or chant, or connecting to the Universe. It may be because I was raised with an image of God being loving, kind, personal, trustworthy, just, patient — and so tapping into that source of energy and love is very inspirational for me.

Mind you, I was also taught that God is jealous, JUST (which isn’t always fair or kind), demanding in some ways, sometimes angry, sometimes vengeful. I definitely don’t have a “Santa Claus God” image, but He’s more lovingkindness than vengeful.

I’m sure there’s about a dozen article ideas here!

Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post: 5 Ways to Overcome Fear of Success for Writers =-.

Thanks for the inspiration,

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.

I’ve been thinking about your question about how I experience prayer, and I can’t figure out how to answer it! I definitely feel like I’m merging with God (most of the time), and I feel that vibrational energy. I can’t quite explain how it feels — but vibrational energy is a wonderful way to describe it!

Prayer for me is a feeling of being connected, of tapping into such a strong, “flow-y” source of energy. It doesn’t just connect me to God, it connects me to the people I’m praying with. It’s very powerful.

And, I’m glad I said a silent prayer with you yesterday…even if it wasn’t out loud, I do feel more connected to you

Blessings,
Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post: Fear of Success for Writers – Signs of Self-Sabotage in the Writing Life =-.

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.

Thanks for mentioning that results will vary from person to person and that meditation improves with practice – so true! It took me a long time before I could do a sitting meditation for more than 15 minutes. Now I meditate daily for 30 – 60 minutes and I love it. There are times when my mind is so active and my body so restless it’s hard to sit still, but most of the time these days I settle into a peaceful state where I feel whole, clear, and energized.

I also love to do a walking meditation out in nature where I focus on the beautiful surroundings, the fresh air and scents and feel my feet touching the ground. When my mind takes over with ideas and plans, I just refocus on my surroundings and sensations. This way I’m relaxing and energizing my body and mind at the same time!

I look forward to hearing from others how they experience meditation and in what forms.

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.

For me, it was important to realize that meditation is something that can improve with practice (like most things!). And I also found that not being attached to the outcome of a particular session made it more effective, though the benefits might not manifest until the next day.

Bert

Yes, there are many ways to meditate, and like I said in the article – it’s not about the technique, it’s about the state you are in so if you reach that mindless (no thought) yet alert state of pure awareness or God consciousness (or whatever you like to call it) while you pray, I’m sure you’ll reap the same benefits from praying.

When I pray, I tend to me more in a communication space of talking and listening to the God of my heart, whereas in meditation I’m merging into the oneness with God (if that makes sense – it’s an experience which is hard to write about as it is way beyond what the thinking mind can understand), so I experience them as two different things. Would love to hear how you experience prayer…

Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.

I had no idea there were different types of meditation! How interesting…I’ve never meditated, but I do pray regularly.

Recently, I read that meditation can add up to six years to your life. I’m hoping prayer has the same effects

Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post: Fear of Success for Writers – Signs of Self-Sabotage in the Writing Life =-.