Dr. Judith’s God Line

Thank you!

My most memorable experiences of listening to, or experiencing, God have taken place either in nature or in group meditation. As a child, I was drawn to the feeling I got when I would lie in the grass and gaze at the clouds, or walk along the seashore watching and listening to the waves, or even perch in a tree. At these times, I would feel a close connection with a vast, comforting and powerful energy or spirit. I felt safe, loved and peaceful. I didn’t know about meditation then, but I think I was meditating in perhaps a purer way than I now practice meditation intentionally.

Those childhood feelings of spirit connection within nature have continued into my adulthood. The experience has become more personal in the sense that I have become more attuned to what I experience there (in nature) and often ask in prayer and then listen in meditation for God’s wisdom as it may apply to my present pain, fear, frustration, confusion, struggle, or dilemma – as well as to my present joy and gratitude.

Some of my most powerful adult meditation experiences have occurred within a group meditation setting. My first meditation group was a guided meditation practice led by a woman who had a doctorate in psychology education, but who drew upon many informal teachings in a variety of spiritual traditions, such as shamanism, drumming, breathing techniques, and American Indian prayer wheel ceremonies. During these practices, I would physically feel the energy flowing through my body and would often be moved to tears of compassion or joy.

My second meditation group experience was led by another woman therapist who also ran a small retreat center at her home. She tended to follow much of the Buddhist tradition. We were a group of 12 intellectual and spiritual women who seemed to have come together by more than coincidence. Many were holistic healers and/or authors. We would begin our weekly early morning hour by sharing something related to our individual spiritual paths. We would end the hour with about 30 minutes of silent meditation, occasionally accompanied by music, such as a chant, and occasionally with a group intention, such as clean water or world peace. These were also very powerful and moving meditations for me, and my spiritual connection with these women continues today. In spite of having moved from the area, I still meditate with them on the same day and time which they meet back in my previous home town.

It is more difficult for me to reach this level of spiritual connection when I meditate alone. But I find that if I begin my practice with a prayer of gratitude and a humble request for guidance, I can feel God’s presence and sometimes gain an instant insight. Often, however, the insights do not come until sometime later through another person or through a challenging experience that gives me the opportunity to put a desired change in attitude or behavior into action. If I accept the challenge and make even a tiny change, I can then begin my next prayer/meditation practice with gratitude for that experience, and my relationship with God continues and grows.