Anonymous writes: "A friend sent me [information about sun gazing meditation] and right away I thought it sounded too much like a New Age practice. Is my discernment correct?”
Photo by Aleksandra Sapozhnikova on UnsplashManifesting is all the rage these days. It’s about how to use your mind to will your goals into existence by using tools such as meditation, guided visualization, vision boards, and other rituals that many believe can make big things happen for anyone. Is this true, and is this something a Catholic should be get involved in?
Father Laurence Freeman (photo courtesy of Wikicommons Images, Eugenio Hansen, CC BY-SA 3.0)MR writes: “I would like to know if there is any concern with Fr Lawrence Freeman prayer techniques. He proposes to use a mantra which seems to be a little strange. I would like to see if there is any literature to give some good discernment of this.”
Photo by Motoki Tonn on UnsplashN writes: “I recently came across a group of Catholics, who…spoke of Wim Hof and this breathing/meditation technique. I attempted internet searches to explore whether or not this has any spiritual grounding whatsoever, to no avail. (Also, truly, what sources does one trust nowadays?). Can you please provide me with any information? These techniques set off many alarms within yet without much knowledge I cannot speak on the topic."
Photo by Jared Rice on UnsplashThis article about a priest who dabbled in transcendental meditation for 18 years before coming back to the Faith, comes as a wake-up call to so many Christians who are casually introducing Eastern meditation techniques into their prayer lives. Many of these practices are not as innocent as they appear!
Many people are being misled into Centering Prayer after being told that St. Teresa of Avila and the Desert Fathers taught a version of it. This blog contains a few facts that will challenge these assertions.
AM writes: “My friends make fun of me for playing ‘bible roulette’ but I’ve sometimes received very appropriate answers to my questions. What’s wrong with it?”
B writes: “[O]ne topic that might be helpful to address, if you haven't already, is the Hindu meditative chanting practice called, Kirtan. It's become very popular on a local level as well as artists who travel around the country(ies), often performing in Yoga studios. The music is beautiful, enticing, esp. in a large group and can produce deep, trance-like effects. It's sung in Sanskrit and invokes the Hindu deities. It's another of those Eastern practices that's become a ‘cool’ form of spirituality...or rather pseudo-spirituality.”
MS writes: "So many Catholics parents like myself are conflicted about allowing our children to take up the practice of karate and the martial arts. Can you give us some information and advice?"
Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc.® / Women of Grace® has provided inspiring and informational content for FREE through our blog for more than twenty years. To continue our mission, we need your help. We are seeking a one-time contribution or a monthly donation to support the continued growth and expansion of this free resource. We are abundantly grateful for your support.
