As we begin to prepare ourselves for this year’s spiritual retreat (October 1^st thru 3^rd - The Inward Journey), I find it appropriate to pave the path with spiritual wisdom and guidance regarding prayer, meditation and movement.

The only true purpose for spiritual practice and discipline is to clear away the things that are blocking our awareness of God within us. My purpose for introducing many of my directees to in depth prayer and meditation is to get rid of whatever may be distracting their minds, and encumbering them from living abundantly, a life God intended for us all. Many times we are void of this awareness, or as if it were not possible to obtain everything that God has for us. What is also true is that we yearn, lone and hunger for the fulfillment of this void. Sometimes it appears as if this hunger is driven into disguise and twisted into some other strange form; but it never goes away, it cannot.

Prayer and meditation is the experience of the individual who seeks to make this hunger and thirst dominant and controlling in their life. The movement of prayer and meditation goes deeper and deeper within our core being until it becomes our consciousness and deliberate act of Spirit perpetually at work in our lives without effort.

One of the most important spiritual practice and/or discipline is the practice of silence, or quiet. There are many kinds of silence. There is the silence which is the prelude to prayer – the moment of quieting and ingathering oneself. There is the silence that seems to quiet the soundless words that falls from the tongue and calms the noises of the mind and body.

Once physical and mental silence is achieved, the real work begins. Calming the mind and body is a complex necessity and understanding that the mind is in constant activity and must be brought into subjection by oneself through spiritual discipline and practice. It is perfectly normal and natural to have thoughts however, it is dauntingly unhealthy when thoughts are continuous without rest, gap or a break in awareness as to where your thoughts are coming from and/or going. This describes the behavior of many in which the saying “not knowing whether they are coming or going” is very true.

Today there are many techniques and styles of meditation. Some are excellent for aiding in the healing of the body and the mind. However, I know of only one that can heal the mind, body and soul. This technique and style was taught to me by my Father. He taught me how to pray and meditate on the Word of God. More personally and particularly, I moved into the Presence of God with the 23^rd Psalms. To this day it still brings quiet stillness to my mind, body and soul. It is as if the cool of the day sweeps over my soul and I find myself in conscious awareness of the Presence of God within me. The words of the Psalms that I utter during times of prayer and meditation many times cannot be finished before I am moved and surrendered in the Presence of God within.

Much love, light and prosperity in mind, body and soul!

Dorothy James
Spiritual Director