Meditation is how you find it. Friar Justin taught that it is more than relaxation, stress relief or quieting the mind: it is a way of discovering who we are, and of experiencing the Divine Presence within us.
The journey into awareness has two complementary sides: active meditation, and contemplation, which Justin also called passive meditation.
We consciously direct our thoughts and imagination toward growth. Through visualization we explore new possibilities, develop positive qualities, clarify our intentions, and form an inner picture of the life we want to live. It moves us from habitual patterns toward intentional living.
“Taking control of the thought process and giving it direction.”
Friar Justin Success Thinking, ch. III
Rather than directing our thoughts toward an outcome, we enter the quiet with openness and curiosity, and learn to listen: to our deeper selves, to the wisdom that rises from within, and to the Divine Presence that is always with us. It is not the absence of activity. It is the practice of becoming deeply present.
“In Passive Mental Prayer there is no language. It is simply ‘being’ with God.”
Friar Justin Success Thinking, ch. III
Active meditation helps us discover what we can become. Contemplation helps us discover who we are.
Ten minutes is enough. Nothing here asks for belief; everything invites practice.
“Meditation is to the mind as exercise is to the body. In a world where your attention has become the product, learning to strengthen and use it is a necessity.”
Samuel Robinson Program Director
Sit upright and at ease, in a chair or on a cushion. Let your hands rest. Close your eyes or let them soften.
Breathe a little slower than usual. Let the body loosen from the top of the head down to the feet.
Let your attention rest on the breath, or on one quiet word. When thoughts arrive, notice them without argument.
Come back to the breath as often as you need to. Returning is the practice. Close with a moment of thanks.
Draft guidance. These four steps are a placeholder written for the prototype; the Hermitage's own first-sitting text (or one of Justin's recorded introductions) will replace them.
Friar Justin always gave his healing meditations away. They stay free, for anyone, wherever they are.
Theologically“A state of physical and mental relaxation in which a person can become aware of, and experience the Divine Presence within.”
Friar Justin
Scientifically“A state of physical and mental relaxation in which a person can experience Mind at the unconscious level … and all that is True, Good and Beautiful.”
Friar Justin
“Meditation is our becoming aware of God, who is present in us always!”
Friar Justin
Meditation foundations in two phases of four classes: modern science and ancient contemplative wisdom.
An hour of shared silence at the Indiana Interchurch Center in Indianapolis.
The weekly circle on Zoom, Indianapolis to Australia.