2 pages: based on the readings about spiritual practices so far, what practice(s) do you feel Week 6 Meditation & concentration
• One interesting concept Foster noted in Celebration of Discipline, is “Sanctifying the Imagination” (Foster, pg. 25) on thoughts and centering our attention. Frances de Sales notes, “by means of the imagination we confine our mind within the mystery on which we meditate.” However, some object to using the imagination because it is untrustworthy, could be manipulated by the Evil One, or lead to self-deception. Meditation begins with thoughts in the mind, which the Holy Spirit sanctifies. God created us with an imagination (Foster, pg. 26).
• Psalm 1 illustrates how those who meditate on God’s word are like a fruitful tree. When you are born again, you put away the old mindset and are renewed in mind and spirit, thinking God’s thoughts of good, not evil. I delight in God’s word because I know it has the power to help and comfort me with whatever I am dealing with. In the Spiritual Disciplines text, Calhoun says meditation is a way we train the mind to stay put and that God shines his truth and light into our hearts.
• What challenged you in the reading and why?
• One challenge for me was reading the section on “Understandable misconceptions about Christian meditation.” Foster mentions that “we are content to have the message second-hand and have a perpetual tendency to have someone else talk to God for us” (Foster, pg. 21). This statement has a negative connotation for me and could discourage new believers or saints from seeking help when they need it. These misconceptions might also confuse meditation, making one feel unworthy to communicate directly with God.
• What concept in the reading would you like to discuss or explore further?
• Eastern Mediation vs Christian Mediation.
Week 8 Sabbath
In the reading both Calhoun and Beggerman on the Sabbath pointed out the need to take a Sabbath. They both agree that Sabbath should be integrated into our lives but getting there in a different way. Beggerman argues that in today’s culture observing the Sabbath goes against the norm. Why, because society doesn’t promote Sabbath. I would even say in some large churches it doesn’t openly promote it either. We live in a MacDonalds society, everyone wants everything now. Fast, in a hurry, Microwave!
Calhoun on the other hand says, that our lives are filled with compulsions (pg 43). That “everything about us works against slowing down.” He points out that the busyness, pressures from people, commitments, distractions, and I am adding the need to be accountable can make it difficult to pause.
Beggerman views observing the Sabbath as a counter-cultural act of resistance, a practice that goes against the mainstream, where one must be the only one saying “No.” When one say’s no it can sometimes look that you’re as I have heard it said ” Going again the grain”
What challenged you in the reading and why?
Compulsions and Busyness because of other commitments and sometimes distractions make it hard for me to intentionally create time for me and my family to rest.
Accountability and commitments when it comes to Sabbath makes it challenge because you feel a sense of guilt to get something done.
Solitude
Summarize a concept or idea in the reading that you learned. Two ideas got my attention as I read foster’s concept on The Discipline of Solitude. I quote “Solitude is more of a state of mind and heart than it is a place!
He suggests it’s not just a physical place but it really about and inward experience with outward manifestations. It’s finding peace and contentment within self that is inner fulfillment. It’s a deep self-reflection that can happen even in the mist of noise. You don’t allow the distractions to come in and being able to control your emotional balance without relying on external validation or support. It allows you to be true to yourself and maybe even hear something about yourself that is reveled in the mist of solitude. It’s not so much about being alone but a journey of inner growth.
Inward solitude has outward manifestations. This resonates with me in a way, something I practice but really didn’t put a name to it. Foster idea at least the part about not just wanting to be away from people. Instead for me, it’s to quiet the outside noise and distractions, which allows me to connect more deeply. It allows me to meditate on his word, listen and hear him more clearly. Ultimately solitude is not about isolation from others but taking time for self and listening to him the Holy Spirit who brings me clarity and peace.
What challenged you in the reading and why?
I didn’t necessarily have a challenge in the reading; however, I’d like to understand how the fasting solitude concept is much different than meditation?
particularly drawn to that you have not practiced before? Why is that? What practice(s) do you feel are not or will not be beneficial to your practice of the Christian faith? Why is that? What practice(s) seem most challenging and why?Week 6 Meditation
Week 6 Meditation & concentration
• One interesting concept Foster noted in Celebration of Discipline, is “Sanctifying the Imagination” (Foster, pg. 25) on thoughts and centering our attention. Frances de Sales notes, “by means of the imagination we confine our mind within the mystery on which we meditate.” However, some object to using the imagination because it is untrustworthy, could be manipulated by the Evil One, or lead to self-deception. Meditation begins with thoughts in the mind, which the Holy Spirit sanctifies. God created us with an imagination (Foster, pg. 26).
• Psalm 1 illustrates how those who meditate on God’s word are like a fruitful tree. When you are born again, you put away the old mindset and are renewed in mind and spirit, thinking God’s thoughts of good, not evil. I delight in God’s word because I know it has the power to help and comfort me with whatever I am dealing with. In the Spiritual Disciplines text, Calhoun says meditation is a way we train the mind to stay put and that God shines his truth and light into our hearts.
• What challenged you in the reading and why?
• One challenge for me was reading the section on “Understandable misconceptions about Christian meditation.” Foster mentions that “we are content to have the message second-hand and have a perpetual tendency to have someone else talk to God for us” (Foster, pg. 21). This statement has a negative connotation for me and could discourage new believers or saints from seeking help when they need it. These misconceptions might also confuse meditation, making one feel unworthy to communicate directly with God.
• What concept in the reading would you like to discuss or explore further?
• Eastern Mediation vs Christian Mediation.
Week 8 Sabbath
In the reading both Calhoun and Beggerman on the Sabbath pointed out the need to take a Sabbath. They both agree that Sabbath should be integrated into our lives but getting there in a different way. Beggerman argues that in today’s culture observing the Sabbath goes against the norm. Why, because society doesn’t promote Sabbath. I would even say in some large churches it doesn’t openly promote it either. We live in a MacDonalds society, everyone wants everything now. Fast, in a hurry, Microwave!
Calhoun on the other hand says, that our lives are filled with compulsions (pg 43). That “everything about us works against slowing down.” He points out that the busyness, pressures from people, commitments, distractions, and I am adding the need to be accountable can make it difficult to pause.
Beggerman views observing the Sabbath as a counter-cultural act of resistance, a practice that goes against the mainstream, where one must be the only one saying “No.” When one say’s no it can sometimes look that you’re as I have heard it said ” Going again the grain”
What challenged you in the reading and why?
Compulsions and Busyness because of other commitments and sometimes distractions make it hard for me to intentionally create time for me and my family to rest.
Accountability and commitments when it comes to Sabbath makes it challenge because you feel a sense of guilt to get something done.
Solitude
Summarize a concept or idea in the reading that you learned. Two ideas got my attention as I read foster’s concept on The Discipline of Solitude. I quote “Solitude is more of a state of mind and heart than it is a place!
He suggests it’s not just a physical place but it really about and inward experience with outward manifestations. It’s finding peace and contentment within self that is inner fulfillment. It’s a deep self-reflection that can happen even in the mist of noise. You don’t allow the distractions to come in and being able to control your emotional balance without relying on external validation or support. It allows you to be true to yourself and maybe even hear something about yourself that is reveled in the mist of solitude. It’s not so much about being alone but a journey of inner growth.
Inward solitude has outward manifestations. This resonates with me in a way, something I practice but really didn’t put a name to it. Foster idea at least the part about not just wanting to be away from people. Instead for me, it’s to quiet the outside noise and distractions, which allows me to connect more deeply. It allows me to meditate on his word, listen and hear him more clearly. Ultimately solitude is not about isolation from others but taking time for self and listening to him the Holy Spirit who brings me clarity and peace.
What challenged you in the reading and why?
I didn’t necessarily have a challenge in the reading; however, I’d like to understand how the fasting solitude concept is much different than meditation?