Meditation"The all important aim in Christian Meditation is to allow God's mysterious presence within us to become more and more not only a reality, but the reality which gives meaning, shape and

purpose to everything we do, to everything we are..."

John Main OSB

Why meditate?• To recognize that the love of

Jesus is within us and always present, no matter what

• To help us know we are cared about and cared for

• To develop our self-knowledge, sense of self, love for self and others, gratitude for the richness of our lives

Adapted from Battigin, 2012. A Child's Way. Medio Media: London

How to meditate

Sit down. Sit still and upright. Close your eyes. Sit relaxed but alert. Breathe calmly and regularly. Silently, interiorly, begin to say a single word ...

Ma..ra..na...tha. Recite it as four equal syllables. Listen as you say it slowly, gently, continuously. If thoughts or

images come, these are distractions from the meditation, so simply keep returning to saying the

word.

(Adapted from the brochure of contemplative-life.org)

The Mantra

Helps us to let go of thoughts, images and other distractions.

Enables us to become still and quiet.Allows the Spirit to work within us -

"we donot know how to pray, but the spirit

prayswithin us" Romans 8:26

Adapted from Battigin, 2012. A Child's Way. Medio Media: London

"Sometimes ...

I wonder if what we're doing is making any sense to the children, but then I let go because I do trust that this is

the work of the Spirit. My role is to be faithful in providing the opportunity.“

(Battigin, 2012, p. 57)

Some practicalitiesMeditation begins at 8.55am (except for this week when it will be 2.00pm)

The music is to help settle the students, the silence is the meditation (minimum of 2 minutes to begin with)

Focus on the positive choice students make to stay focused, close their eyes and not distract others

Use the chimes to end the silence (recommend that teacher does this to ensure appropriate period of silence)

ALL students should remain in their rooms until 9.05 at the earliest to help maintain the quiet throughout the school

God of our hearts, Help us to remember that your love is always with us, and with everyone,

everyday, no matter what. Lead us into stillnessand silence this morning, where we can

find your love. Maranatha.

Adapted from Battigin, 2012