16. Indira's Adaption of Meditating with Lectio Divina
Indira's adaption of Lectio Divina:
Bring to class a pen and paper.
Lectio Divina is a beautiful form of meditation using Judeo Christian scriptures but it can be adapted to be used with any spiritual or inspiring literature. We will be using an adaption of a traditional Irish blessing as our literary passage.
"Lectio Divina", is a Latin term meaning "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what the Divine wants to say to us. A Carthusian monk named Guido who lived in the twelfth Century described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practicing Lectio Divina either individually or in groups.
The first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the scripture slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of scripture can be used for this way of meditation but the passage should not be too long.
The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what the Divine wants to give us.
The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to the Divine. This response is inspired by our reflection on the passage.
The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we let go not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in the Divine. We listen at the deepest level of our being to the Divine who speaks within us with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within. We can take what we read in the passage into our daily lives that way the transformation will have a profound effect on the way we live.
The Practice of Lectio Divina
Lectio - Reading: We begin by finding a comfortably seated position. Bring your attention to your breath and allow a few moments to become centered and fully present. Read this literary passage twice through, slowly, listen for a word or phrase that feels significant right now, capturing your attention. Gently repeat this word to yourself in the silence. ‘Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the gentle rain to you.’
Meditatio - Reflecting: Reading the text again and allowing the word or phrase which caught your attention to spark your imagination. Savor the word or phrase with all of your senses, notice what smells, sounds, tastes, sights, and feelings are evoked. Can you hear the running waves, can you feel the flowing air, can you smell the quiet earth, can you see the shining stars, can you taste the gentle rain? Then listen for what images, feelings, and memories are stirring, welcoming them in, and then savoring and resting into this experience. ‘Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the gentle rain to you.’
Oratio - Response: Reading the text a third time. Considering the word or phrase and what it has evoked for you in memory, image, or feeling, communicate your feelings to the Divine. ‘Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the gentle rain to you.’
Contemplatio - Rest: Now simply rest in the presence of the Divine and allow your heart to fill with gratitude for the Divine presence in this time of meditation. Slow your thoughts and reflections even further and feel yourself sink into the experience of stillness.
Closing - notice your breath and slowly bring your awareness back to the room and your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes to bring you from the inner experience to outer experience. Consider journaling about what you experienced.
Suggested music for savasana: Deep Peace by Ashana