Number 2 – Meditate on What You Articulate

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Meditation is usually connected with eastern religion practice, which tends to cause those who do not practice an eastern religion to write off the discipline of meditation.

 

Meditation means to think deeply or carefully about something. To focus one’s mind for a period of time; mentally consider in silence or with the aid of muttering; chanting (say or shout repeatedly in a singsong tone) or to speak privately or unofficially about something.

Looking at this definition, we realize that we practice meditation all day, everyday.  What are we meditating on?  The state of the economy, presidential elections, what’s happening at work, at home and every other anxious, stressful, fear mongering thought that passes through our mind.  We practice meditation regularly, whether we realize it or not.

 

Meditation upon the scriptures is encouraged in order to bring about success. Joshua 1:8 in the Amplified Version reads:

This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it.  For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

When we meditate we focus on an image or thought. The more we focus, the more detail we see.  The clearer the image the more ‘real’ the imagination becomes. This imagination is now what we use to make decisions and take action.  Here is an example.

 

Have you ever been lying in bed and suddenly hear an unusual noise outside your window? Your reaction would begin with the question, ‘What was that?’ Before long, you are imagining things in such a way that your physical body responds.  If you imagine something fearful, your heart rate will rise, your breath will shorten and you’ll get up and check the locks on doors and windows.

 

When it comes to dreaming, following your dream or attaining your goal, meditation has great purpose. You must require your mind to work WITH you, not AGAINST you.

Our mind was designed to help us.  It’s ability and potential is staggering.

 

The mind cannot, NOT SEE something.  Here’s an example:  As you read this do not, by any means, SEE the image of a three legged dog with a blue tail and pink spots.  Precisely.  You saw the dog. Your mind probably added a few things as well, size, color, even breed. But you saw what I told you not to see.

 

As your eyes cursor over those words, your mind began the work of creating the image.  Again scripture speaks to the power of vision. Habakkuk says:

 

Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may be able to read it easily and quickly as he hastens by.

Your mind was created to help you SEE the vision, dream and goal.

Once the mind has created an image, it automatically goes about finding ways to bring it to pass.  It’s awakened to opportunities, patterns, connections, and ideas that would have been missed if the mind hadn’t been engaged.

 

Being specific is critical.  Color, textures, scents, tastes, and even acknowledging emotions evoked by meditating on a goal, mark our minds and cause us to engage physically—act.  Just like the noise incited a fearful imagination and physical reaction of raised heart rate, shortened breath and checking locks on doors and windows, meditating on your goals, dreams and vision will incite action.  Meditating on those things will motivate, create passion, activity, purpose and joy that will build momentum within your heart.

 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick and weak.  When you keep the dream and images fresh before you, faith and hope will be powerful forces in getting you moving.  A strong heart IS required to follow a dream.

 

By seeing our goals and dreams, we confront the truth of our desires in a way that makes us aware and makes obvious the contradictions that we carry within.  As we step towards what we want, the beliefs and lies we have about ourselves; our abilities, and other sabotaging beliefs or judgments, become obvious. Only in SEEING your goals, dreams, and vision can you resolve the conflicts, refine, modify, tweak and improve your goals.

 

Our imagination is a divine gift.  It is the language of emotion. As we engage our imagination and release the emotional response, communion, agreement, and unity between the heart and mind become a powerful force.

 

Today, purpose to meditate on your vision, dream, or goal as you move towards it.  Take time to see it and respond emotionally to what you see.  Engage your mind.  Employ your mind.  It’s designed to help you.  When stepping into your dream, be sure to meditate on what you articulate.