This blog has been spammed several times since it was originally posted in October, 2006. And lately it has been a frequent target. So I just deleted it from that nearly-5-years ago time frame, and am inserting here. I haven’t even re-read, but expect to enjoy doing that later. Hope you enjoy it, too!
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To me, prayer is talking to Spirit / God / Goddess / All That Is / The Universe – and meditation is listening.
Prayer seems to be the act of sending our lists of wants and needs up and out into space, mostly pleading to be heard. It occurs to me a loving partner / parent / ardent supporter doesn?t need to be pleaded with, and is happy to shower us with gifts. A conversation, discussion, explanation is perhaps all that?s needed – along with the certainty of knowing that every prayer is answered. That I firmly believe.
Actually, I have been known to shout, since pleading has not been my strong suit! Mostly it is just conversation, throwing an idea out there, and waiting for a feeling / knowing in response. A friendly give and take.
Meditation, on the other hand, is that quiet listening. i normally just lay down on the floor with some wonderful peaceful music and pay attention to my breathing – counting 10 breaths, and then starting over. Or i might empty my mind and pay attention to what pops in. Another possibility is to focus on one concept – happiness, courage – and allow ideas about that to wander through the mind. Not working, just musing.
This will often produce ideas that seem not even to be mine – but are interesting, inspiring, in-Spiriting – they just make me feel good. I love listening to the pulse beat of the Universe, the information spun off from All That Is just for me.
I come back here peaceful and happy, feeling comforted and supported. A good antidote to stress, and even better when I feel uplifted at the beginning – then it?s a natural high.
Either way we communicate with Spirit, we know prayer and meditation are great for us, body, mind and spirit – and always bring us closer to Truth.