Welcome to The Sanctuary!** This particular room is dedicated to meditation and various elements of spiritual self-care. Meditation is a beautiful practice of mindfulness and being. Contrary to some misconceptions, it is not evil, and yes, it’s even mentioned in the Bible! Figures like Moses, Elijah, Peter, and even Christ engaged in meditation. There are certain energies within our bodies than are often out of position that get into position with meditation. We place our bodies under the command of the soul when we meditate. It's important to note that meditation doesn’t have a single, universal definition. However, as interest in mindfulness and meditation has blossomed, it has often been described as a mind-body practice that focuses on the interactions between the mind, body, and spirit. This practice typically contains four key elements: a quiet location with minimal distractions, a comfortable posture, a focal point for attention, and an open attitude. For those who are new to meditation, starting in a professionally led setting can be incredibly helpful. It provides the guidance needed to navigate any challenges that might make you feel like giving up or getting discouraged. As Waldinger suggests, "There are a lot of misconceptions about meditation." One such myth is the idea that "if I'm doing it right, I'm not supposed to have thoughts." That's simply not true! The mind is active and will produce thoughts; the goal isn’t to eliminate them but to be aware of them. Instructors can help demystify aspects of meditation that might not be immediately clear, such as understanding that having thoughts or a wandering mind is perfectly normal. Waldinger emphasizes, "If you just set the intention to be present, then whatever happens is what you're doing, including being distracted." While meditation can be done anywhere, starting in a quiet, uninterrupted space may be especially beneficial for beginners learning to focus on the present moment. You can begin with just five minutes a day and gradually increase as you feel more comfortable. As Chopra, author of "Total Meditation: Practices in Living the Awakened Life," points out, “People are catching on that meditation is more than just stress management.” Nowadays, when people mention meditation, they often refer to mindfulness, which is fantastic! Yet, meditation encompasses so much more, including self-inquiries of awareness, interoception (the ability to understand and control your autonomic nervous system), and a mindful awareness of relationships, emotions, and social emotional intelligence. As we heed the biblical instruction to "pray always," it’s essential to remember that meditation is the other side of the prayer coin. Stay tuned! This page will soon become your one-stop shop for all things related to soul and spirit care!