The Spirit of Christian Meditation
Understanding, Forgiveness, and HealingAs mentioned before, meditation will offer you wonderful opportunities to heal old wounds. In the course of meditation, memories and thoughts of people and events that may have been painful or threatening to you may arise. Even though they are technically just thoughts and not people, they afford you the opportunity to carefully and deeply consider how those who may have caused you suffering were themselves deeply troubled. Indeed, the meaner someone is, the more isolated and tormented they are. Jesus loved his enemies because he understood and empathized with them. He realized they were a part of him, and could never be made separate. The same is true for you and me. Consider what it is like to feel the feelings of the one you feel has wronged you. Consider how unhappy and lonely they are. Linger in this awareness and understanding for at least a few moments, until compassion has deeply taken root in your memory and your thoughts of them. Then forgive them, wish them well, and let them go. Eventually, compassion and kindness will flow easily, like a wellspring throughout your whole being, and when you think of your enemies, you will smile the serene half-smile of one who is healed.
By liberating your enemies and your
memories and thoughts of them, you liberate yourself. The effects of this kind
of contemplation on the other person may be negligible. On you, it will be
monumental. As your healing deepens, your courage and boldness in facing your
demons and tormentors will increase. The more healing, the deeper your meditions,
and the deeper your joy, happiness, and peace. |