Catholic Meditation Techniques

Catholicism offers many meditation techniques. The Catholic church recognizes that different personalities respond to different methods of contemplating the Divine. All Catholic meditation techniques have ancient origins, dating to the beginning of Christianity. To practice Catholic meditation is to align yourself with your Creator. Of all the ways to meditate, the best known is Centering Prayer.

Select a word that has spiritual meaning to you. One word is best. Examples of words include Jesus, peace, Abba and love. You can change your word if, during the course of centering, a different word comes to you. However, it is unwise to keep changing your word. The word is your means of grounding awareness into the sacred space of meditation. The word is not a secret, but it is your word. Practice Centering Prayer at home, in nature or in a church. Any quiet place will do.

Centering Prayer posture should be relaxed, but you should sit upright. Sit in a comfortable, straight-backed chair. Pull your shoulders back, but not rigidly so. Sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Rest your forearms on your thighs. Allow your hands to lie, palms up.

Eyes closed and breathing evenly, allow your word to resonate within your mind. Do not attack with your word. Rest with your word. As your breathing settles and your mind clears, continue to allow your word to find its way throughout your being.

When, not if, thoughts arise, do not fight them. Neither should you scold yourself for having thoughts. It is completely normal. Think of the thoughts as fish jumping in the water. You are on a boat. All you have to do is not let the fish on the boat. Gently bring yourself back to center with your word. Continue for 20 minutes. Return to your environment with Our Father.