Shalawam Family ( Considering your pursuit of peace and this blog site on meditation.  I’ll provide the strong’s definition of my aforementioned hebrew greeting.),

שָׁלֹם    שָׁלוֹם(H7965) shâlôm    shâlôm                                                                                            shaw-lome’, shaw-lome’

From H7999; safe, that is, (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, that is, health, prosperity, peace: –    fare, favor, + friend,  greet, (good) health, ( perfect, such as be at) peace (-able, -ably), prosper (-ity, -ous), rest, safe (-ly), salute, welfare, (X all is, be) well, wholly.

  As you can see “Shalawam” to our Hebrew Israelite forefathers not only meant “peace” but had such a diverse application to its usage.  Its a blessing, wishing peace, health, prosperity and acknowledging another as “whole/Holy” – All of which we seek for in meditation…  So Shalawam again!! and enjoy the Blog.

 

In this Blog I will briefly and relatively discourse upon the mental, spiritual and fundamental exercise of Musing/Meditating – Bringing foundational understanding(if it be the Most High Will) in three key areas …

1. Differentiate between the musings/meditations of “Eastern Philosophy”, and a pertinent perspective of musings/meditations from a Biblical viewpoint,
2. Give a practical breakdown and explanation of the meditative process,
3. Delineate and provide a basic routine to help begin our process…

When we typically think of meditation (not sure about you), but what usually comes to mind amongst other things such as: legs folded, eyes closed, index finger+thumb enjoined, chakra points, chi/energy philosophy, chanting, mantras, emptying the mind, ect…

                                  However this is NOT !!! a Holy nor healthy outlook on Meditation/Musing – These ideas at the forefront of your mind on thee topic; can be attributed to common clichés, and the vast influence of “Eastern Philosophy/Mysticism” on the world (Here’s a profound lesson that touches upon that, and stumbling blocks of such on our walk in Hamashach/Christ in-depth youtu.be/PyFqRK17ko4 .)

Without delving too much into the erroneousness of meditative clichés – Lets discuss meditations from a biblical standpoint, and show that not only does the Bible condone such practices, but it commands it!

 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”-Joshua 1:8

” MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.”–Psalms 119:97

 “But he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof, will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.”–Ecclesiasticus 39:1

The above scriptures exemplify that we must indeed mediate/muse, not in the way of Eastern practices but in the Law (law isn’t only referencing the commands of the Most High, but the entire book: prophecies, wisdom books, history, ect…)  It is through the necessary exercise of meditating/musing on the Law, and the ways of the Most High that all our Biblical fore-parents became learned men/women, acceptable men/women, and men/women to whom the Most High: entrusted positions of leadership, revealed visions/dreams, their interpretations, declared promises, established covenants, gave divine protection and favor, ect…

Without the meditative process in the Law we wouldn’t have receive the true way, nor would humanity become preserved through Adam, Seth, Noah, and Shem – Abraham wouldn’t have become “The Best Friend of the Most High and Father of Humanity” to secure the blessing that we may obtain the promise – Issac wouldn’t have become the son of promise and the first to properly fulfill the covenant of confirmation in circumcision. Jacob couldn’t beget the Patriarch children that would inevitably beget The messiah and Nation that would be the salvation of the World.   Enoch, and Elijah would not have been translated.   Daniel, Ezra, Ezekiel, Isiah, John and so forth wouldn’t have received revelations.  Through these few examples I’m sure you understand the point being made.    Meditations/Musings of the law are essential to our spiritual development and acceptance by Yasha Hamashach(Jesus Christ), and the Most High AHAYAH Ashar AHAYAH( I AM that I AM)- Devoid of chakra knowledge, crossed legs, enjoined fingertips, ect…

 

In the age of information, modern-day society, technological advancements, cultural liberality, mass-consumerism, instant gratification, and a generation centered upon entertainment –  It’s difficult to not be consumed by distractions,  even more difficult to silence the mind/heart and employ it within the musings of the Law.  Our minds are continually bombarded by thoughts of materialistic desire, traumatic memories, ambitions for the future,ect..  To alleviate anxiety that comes with these thoughts, we engage in worldly entertainment and take refuge in social-media.  Unlike our fore-parents who were groomed in the law from youth, our second nature is the ways of this world and our minds are consumed thereof.  In this global spiritual awakening, and cultural restitution of our lawfully rich heritage – We find ourselves subject to our learned routines, worldly indoctrination, and seemingly insurmountable addictions.   A practical break-down of the meditative process our minds go through while consumed by the aforementioned distractions of thought, will help identify our detrimental thought patterns, so we may thoroughly amend them by the spirit of the Law.

 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”–Proverbs 4:23

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.“–Mathew 22:37-38

The Meditative process consist of three stages of thought (Concentration, Contemplation, Meditation), and awareness of proper breathing  That’s it! It’s that simple!  Understand that your mind goes through these stages daily; within all your thoughts framing everything you think upon whether good or bad, detrimental or conducive.  Breathing is life, a gift of his spirit, given to us to exercise his law and walk in all his ways.  The “Breath of Life” is called the “Rawach Qadash(Holy Spirit) from which the idea of “Chi/ Ki/Energy” derives.  Awareness of the process of breathing is crucial because most of us don’t actually do it correctly.  We often take many shallow breaths, speaking very quickly in our speech, preemptively, and presumptuously.  This may be a stretch, but I believe this is reflective of  our anxiety, and trouble of our soul, It’s indicative of the absence of spirit and presence of vain thoughts.  To take full breaths, being aware of them, Automatically slows you down, reduces anxiety and activate attributes of the Rawach Qadash(Holy Spirit);along with her fruits. 

The following are the definitions of the three natural stages of thought, then followed by a simple initial breathing routine and recommendations on how to incorporate it into your musings on the law( Disclaimer: This not something you have to do, nor anything I can back up with scripture, but rather something I’ve done and has tremendously helped me in applying, understanding, and putting on Christ),  because to read scripture, watch lessons, and attend the Sabbath is one thing, but to actually slow down meditate/muse on it; is entirely different –  It’s transformative and habit reforming.

     “I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”– Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 

“When I travelled, I saw many things; and I understand more than I can express.”–Ecclesiasticus 34:11

 

Basically if the stages of thought were a scope of light.. “Concentration” would be a laser,  “Contemplation” a flashlight, and “Meditation” a 100watt lightbulb illuminating the whole room!  We typically and ignorantly apply the mental capacities of our minds to thoughts of frivolity, and vanity through these stages.  However knowing that the Law is light, we should challenge ourselves to consciously apply these stages for more clarity in the law.   Concentrating on the Law/precepts, reading them, memorizing them, knowing the chapters and verses is great!  Sharp as a laser, pin-point focus…But can you comprehend the spirit of that Law/precept, have you sat-down to contemplate what it truly means? If you have, that’s even better – Your scope of light is now broad enough to avoid straining at a gnat…But have you meditated it’s application in every thought, has the Rawach Qadash began to speak with you, ordering your thoughts? If so, there’s nothing greater than your light being bright enough to always see your own iniquity, as well as when Christ is using you!

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”— Proverbs 6:23

 

If you have never tried shutting off all electronic devices, refraining from all distractions, refraining from eating and just sitting in complete silence for a designated amount of time… Then beginning to meditate on the Law autonomously, may appear challenging.  The process of consciously utilizing the stages of thought to heal, reform, and order your mind/heart – Won’t be easy… Considering the stages of thought are habitually and unconsciously using you majority of the time.  A habit is something too big to recognize, and when you recognize it, it’s too hard to break!  Rather then challenge you to empty your thoughts, I will encourage you to replace them with thoughts on the Law.  Silence and being still are most important to begin…

 “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”—Psalms 4:4

In my meditations I focus on precept, posture, and breathing.  I begin by finding a set of precepts, or commands that I’d like to practice with..

1. I find a comfortable position whether siting our laying down (you wanna be comfortable, not so comfortable you fall asleep)
2. Notice and relax any tension in my body
3.  Concentrate on reading the precepts multiple times (with the intention of committing them to memory)
4. I begin by taking a deep breath through my nose 3 times ( holding for 7sec, then slowly exhaling for 7secs each breath)
5. I recite the precept out-loud 7 times( with a breath like the first 3 b/t each recitation)
6.   I then do the same process 7 times, but this time saying the precepts only in my mind.
7.   I Contemplate  the deeper meaning, or how it connects with other scriptures, ect…
8. The Meditative part, I can’t really put into words but the precept will become alive and your thoughts will flow Most High willing  (this translates over into your encounters when you fellowship, general conversations, ect…You’ll receive confirmations, answers or just simply think “wow I was just musing on that the other day”)

In conclusion I pray this does assist you in your walk in Christ, and help provide a practical means of mediating on him through the word.  I hope you enjoyed the blog, please stay tuned for further meditative blogs/ spiritual exercises –  If there was anything profitable, or good that you received of the this blog…ALL PRAISES TO THE MOST HIGH AHAYAH IN YASHAYA NAME!!  That’s strictly him, attribute none of his glory to me.   If this was offensive to you, and perceived as stumbling-block to faith… Salachya (forgive me) that sin is upon me and can be attributed to my own iniquity/shortcomings.  Thawadah(Thank you) for reading.   Please do comment, & share.   To subscribe or donate, see links at the bottom of the page ↓↓↓

Shalom(Peace)!

 “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.”— Proverbs 20:5

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”— Jeremiah 29:11-13