Post by tomdurst on Jan 8, 2016 11:27:29 GMT -5
DEALING WITH WANDERING THOUGHTS
Probably the most frequent question that spiritual seekers raise regarding the practice of Silence (meditation) is how to deal with intrusive thoughts. ALL seekers have this issue so you’re not alone. Don’t think there is something wrong with you or that meditation is not for you because of these wandering thoughts. Over time as you spend time in the practice of the Presence they become less intrusive than at the beginning of the journey.
Here is how you deal with them whether they be few or many. Do NOT obsess about them, fight with them, or try to use human will power to resist them. LET them float by as clouds in the sky on a summer day. You may even pause and watch them float by with a smile realizing that they have no power whatsoever over you nor do they represent you as a person. The Kingdom of God is still intact within you and these intruders don’t change that fact one iota. So how do you handle them? The key here is THE WILLINGNESS TO LET THEM GO. You may pray a simple prayer of surrender to God but don’t start a “will power” kind of thing. If thoughts arise concerning the many things that you must do, or what you think about a person or topic, simply BE WILLING to not attach yourself to those thoughts. Just let them pass by. Remember that it is the power of God (the Kingdom) within you that does the actual work of overcoming (1 John 4:4). A prayer such as, "Lord, I leave all of that in your hands” or “speak, Lord, your servant hears” may be quite helpful to you.
If you are a beginner in practicing the Presence of God start with more frequent, shorter periods, perhaps only a couple of minutes, 10 minutes, or whatever works for you. Allow yourself to grow and more than anything else be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in this regard (see Romans 8:14, 26). Oftentimes when in busy public places I’ve paused and had a brief period of Silence. Sometimes I can find a quiet corner somewhere and, if not, I simply close my eyes and just experience the Presence. That simple practice alone has been totally awesome and many times I’ve seen things get much quieter and more peaceful in that particular situation. Sometimes I’ve had guidance to go to a specific location and pray and didn’t know the reason but simply followed the guidance provided.
Let these simple but very powerful scriptures speak to your heart: Exodus 14:13; Psalm 37:7; 46:10; Isaiah 26:3; 30:15; 40:30-31; Matthew 6:5-8; Acts 17:28; Romans 8:26-27; Jude 20.
For additional thoughts read the posts on THE SONG OF THE HEART link below:
THE SONG OF THE HEART