Meditation Spotlight Newsletter One: We Already Know

The Meditation Spotlight Newsletter
November 29, 2004

"We Already Know"

Teachers in every meditation tradition point out that we commonly experience meditative states in the course of our daily lives. Christian meditation teacher James Finey writes: "Ponder those moments in which meditative experience unexpectedly manifests itself - in response to the sight of a lone bird circling in a clear sky, or the kindness of a friend. In these moments, our customary experience yields to an intimate awareness of that which transcends all things. For a fleeting moment, we are awakened to the sheer miracle of being alive."

"The strategy that underlies all methods of meditation," writes Finley, "is simply choosing to deliberately open ourselves to that kind of transcendent awareness." Finley's book Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God, offers detailed meditation instructions.

Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron writes: "Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. Its about befriending who we are already. The ground of meditation is who we are right now. That's what we study with so much curiosity and interest." Chodron's book, The Wisdom of No Escape, includes her meditation instructions and advice.

Books Available from Amazon

Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God, by James Finley ($14), A former monk and student of Thomas Merton, Finley teaches readers to expand (or begin) their meditation practices in concert with their faith and guides them to discover that divine moments of awakened consciousness can lead to a deeper connection with Christ.

The Wisdom of No Escape And The Path of Loving Kindness, by Pema Chodron, ($10) and the same book in a pocket edition: Awakening Loving-Kindness, ($7). This book is a series of talks by the American Buddhist nun who is among the most popular modern meditation teachers.

The Meditation Spot features teachers, techniques and resources from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Shambhala, Sufi, Healing, Yoga, and Creativity meditation traditions. Our weekly newsletter, The Meditation Spotlight, offers short, inspiring insights from featured teachers.


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Yoga Meditation Buddhist Meditation Shambhala Meditation Healing Meditation Jewish Meditation Christian Meditation Sufi/Islamic Meditation Creativity Meditation Meditation FAQs Meditation Centers Home	The Meditation Spotlight Newsletter November 29, 2004 "We Already Know" Teachers in every meditation tradition point out that we commonly experience meditative states in the course of our daily lives. Christian meditation teacher James Finey writes: "Ponder those moments in which meditative experience unexpectedly manifests itself - in response to the sight of a lone bird circling in a clear sky, or the kindness of a friend. In these moments, our customary experience yields to an intimate awareness of that which transcends all things. For a fleeting moment, we are awakened to the sheer miracle of being alive." "The strategy that underlies all methods of meditation," writes Finley, "is simply choosing to deliberately open ourselves to that kind of transcendent awareness." Finley's book Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God, offers detailed meditation instructions. Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron writes: "Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. Its about befriending who we are already. The ground of meditation is who we are right now. That's what we study with so much curiosity and interest." Chodron's book, The Wisdom of No Escape, includes her meditation instructions and advice. Books Available from Amazon Christian Meditation: Experiencing the Presence of God, by James Finley ($14), A former monk and student of Thomas Merton, Finley teaches readers to expand (or begin) their meditation practices in concert with their faith and guides them to discover that divine moments of awakened consciousness can lead to a deeper connection with Christ. The Wisdom of No Escape And The Path of Loving Kindness, by Pema Chodron, ($10) and the same book in a pocket edition: Awakening Loving-Kindness, ($7). This book is a series of talks by the American Buddhist nun who is among the most popular modern meditation teachers. Subscribe The Meditation Spot features teachers, techniques and resources from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Shambhala, Sufi, Healing, Yoga, and Creativity meditation traditions. Our weekly newsletter, The Meditation Spotlight, offers short, inspiring insights from featured teachers.