Held

According to attachment theory, our attachment is developed between birth and two or three years old. So often we hear things like, "No reason to celebrate the first birthday because the baby is too little to remember." I wonder if babies can feel celebrated. If so, those feelings are stored in the unconscious mind and nervous system. Our nervous system plays a part in almost everything we do and is our personal history keeper.

May is mental health awareness month. I am a huge advocate for professional counseling, specifically professional Christian counseling.  That said, counseling deals mainly in the conscious and subconscious mind. Yet, our attachment is developed in a timezone outside of memory. 

To address imperfections or traumas from our non-verbal unconscious beginnings, we must employ techniques that allow us to enter into a similar state. 

Christian meditation is the practice of Psalm 46:10 (Be still and know that I am God). Meditation is not a time of prayer, seeking revelation/direction, or even worship. It's a time of being in God's presence. The idea is to clear your mind and calm your body to fully experience BEING with God. 

As it relates to attachment, in a sense, you are going back to an infant state and allowing God to hold and care for you as such. Your times of meditation will be filled with tender moments of pure love from Heavenly Father.

There are a ton of spiritual, emotional, and biochemical benefits. Meditation literally resets your nervous system.

Now for the hard truth....at first meditation is extremely difficult, especially with busy schedules, kids, work, etc.

You must be deliberate to create an atmosphere where meditation is possible. You don't want to be too tired because you will just fall asleep and your area must be quiet. Some play soft instrumental worship music to drown out distractive noises. Others turn off the lights and light up a candle or two. These practices are important not only because they create an atmosphere to be successful but also because they train you to prepare for meditation. As you repeat setting up the room, the steps send a message to your body, brain, and emotions that you intend to enter into meditation. 

It is important to take up the full armor of the Lord beforehand and invite the Spirit of God with a time of prayer.

God already lives on the inside of you. You are already in His presence.  Meditation is your taking time to focus on that truth.  Even if you don't feel anything ....He is there.

Not including setting up the room, taking up the armor, and praying, it's best to start with just 5-10 minutes of meditation. 

Think of God in the way that is most natural for you. Maybe Jesus is on the cross, or God is on the throne....whatever it is... think of that and stay there. When other thoughts come in, simply redirect your mind back to God.

At first, distractions rule. Gradually meditation becomes easier and easier and you will be able to go longer and longer. 

God will turn His direction towards you. For me, this feels like a huge, powerful, heavenly hug. Others have compared this to feeling as if God is smiling down on them or as if a lifetime of acceptance is being showered down on them all at once!!! God's presence is amazing, and you will get addicted. You will start running to spend time with God in this manner every chance you get.

Attachment theory teaches us that a person with an insecure attachment style had their foundation of love damaged by abuse, neglect, or separation in their formative years. The love they give and receive is a love rooted in fear. 

Christian meditation is all about laying a strong foundation of love with the Lord. The Bible teaches us that perfect love casts out fear. Allowing yourself to be held like a baby with God reestablishes a broken or cracked foundation into a strong one that allows love to flourish without the devastating effects of fear.

Would you consider committing to a mediation routine? Do the benefits sound worth the time?