I meditate often. I have learned the gift of breathing. Most formally I meditate in preparation for prayer. Settle myself in my special prayer place.... with my only thoughts initially on my breathing. I go from there to meditating on the gift of creation. It leads me into a time of prayer, sacred ceremonies and a study of the sacred scriptures, teachings and symbols. I close my prayer and study times with another round of meditation and prayers. This time focusing on a particular thought, idea, lesson, message that came from my readings, prayers or previous meditations. It becomes the focus of my closing meditations and final prayers. One thought, one word will become like a mantra to close my quiet time each morning and night. The ritual can be short or long but always inclusive of meditation, prayer, study, meditation and closing prayers of thanksgiving.

During the day I will stop many times to meditate. To pull away if not physically than mentally separate myself from what is going on around me and just focus on my breathig, one thought, one word, one idea to minister to my need at the time. May be to get me to relax, to release, refocus or to regroup. May be to settle my stomach so that I can eat. May be to settle my thinking so i can focus on one thing at a time. May be to practise tolerance or forgiveness or patience to another person. I'll pull away and meditate on thoughts that will centre me again and give me perspective and balance again. Prayer always follows my meditations. Prayers of hope and thanksgiving.

Meditation has helped me unwind the crazies when they take over. Meditation keeps me mindful and in touch with my centre. Keeps me linked to my centre. Keeps me from spinning out of control.