Absorbing Words: Meditative Reading

Reading is an everyday activity that we often take for granted. We read text messages, banners, and advertisements, but rarely do we take the time to truly engage with the text in front of us. Mindful reading, or meditation on what we read, allows us to be fully present and aware, withholding judgment and focusing on the present moment.

When it comes to meditating on what you read, it's important to find a dedicated window of time where you can truly focus. Choose a text that will engage your mind without depleting your energy, and consider opting for a physical book instead of a screen to avoid distractions. As you read, pay attention to the language, look up unfamiliar words, and get lost in the details. Your mind will wander, and that's okay – gently guide it back to the text.

Meditation on Scripture, specifically, is a way to think deeply about what God is communicating and to prepare your mind and heart for prayer. It helps you focus, understand, remember, worship, and apply God's Word to your life. Whether you're reading the Bible or any other text, taking the time to meditate on what you read can bring a new depth of understanding and engagement to your daily reading practice.

Understand the meaning of the text

Understanding the meaning of the text is a crucial aspect of meditation. When you meditate on a text, you are engaging in intentional contemplation, seeking to grasp the author's message and reflect on its significance. Here are some ways to deepen your understanding of the text during meditation:

Identify the Main Ideas and Themes:

Read the text carefully and identify the central themes and ideas presented by the author. What is the text primarily about? What messages or teachings are being conveyed? Understanding the main themes will provide you with a foundation for further reflection.

Ask Questions:

As you read, ask yourself probing questions to enhance your comprehension. Why is this passage important? What does it reveal about the author's perspective, beliefs, or intentions? What does the text say about the subject matter, and what does it imply? How does this reading point to something greater? Asking questions helps uncover deeper meanings and makes the text more personally relevant.

Analyze the Language and Style:

Pay close attention to the author's choice of words, sentence structure, and literary devices. Look up unfamiliar words to ensure you understand their full meaning. Notice the rhythm and flow of the sentences. Is the language figurative or literal? Are there any symbols or metaphors being used? Analyzing the language helps you appreciate the nuances and subtleties of the text.

Compare and Contrast:

If you are reading a religious text, such as the Bible, compare different translations to gain a deeper understanding. Look for similarities and differences in wording and phrasing, and reflect on how these variations might influence your interpretation. Additionally, consider comparing and contrasting the ideas presented in the text with your own beliefs, values, or experiences. This process can lead to new insights and a deeper appreciation of the text's relevance in your life.

Reflect on Personal Relevance:

Consider how the text resonates with you personally. What does it make you think about your own life, beliefs, or experiences? Are there any passages that particularly speak to you or challenge your way of thinking? By reflecting on personal relevance, you can make the text more applicable to your own journey and growth.

Seek Clarification:

If you encounter concepts or passages that are unclear, don't hesitate to seek clarification. Consult commentaries, scholarly articles, or trusted sources that can provide additional context or explanations. Discussing the text with others can also help illuminate its meaning. Remember, understanding the text is an ongoing process, and sometimes multiple readings or discussions are necessary to grasp its full significance.

Reflect on the words

Reflecting on the words is a crucial aspect of meditation, and it involves engaging in intentional contemplation on the author's work. Here are some ways to reflect on the words when meditating on what you read:

Choose a Suitable Time and Environment:

Find a window of time when you can fully focus on your reading without distractions. While it may be challenging to find an interruption-free period, creating a dedicated reading time can enhance your meditation practice.

Engage in Active Reading:

Active reading means being mindful of the language used, looking up unfamiliar words, and paying attention to sentence structure and rhythm. Underline or make mental notes about phrases or passages that stand out to you. This engagement with the text helps you go beyond a superficial reading and encourages a deeper understanding.

Ask Thought-Provoking Questions:

As you reflect on the words, ask yourself questions such as: Why is this passage important? What does it reveal about the author's perspective or intentions? What does it say about me? These questions stimulate your thinking and help you extract deeper meanings from the text.

Make Connections:

As you read and reflect, allow your mind to make connections. Think about how the text relates to your own experiences, other texts you've read, or broader themes and concepts. Making connections adds layers of understanding and helps you derive personal insights from the reading material.

Re-read and Delve Deeper:

Don't be afraid to go back and re-read passages. Sometimes, a second or third reading can uncover new insights or nuances that you might have missed initially. Delve deeper into the text by exploring the context in which it was written, the author's background, and the intended audience. This deeper exploration can provide a richer understanding of the words.

Apply the Words to Your Life:

Consider how the words you're reflecting on can be applied to your daily life. Ask yourself: What actions or changes might this reading inspire? What wisdom or guidance does it offer that I can incorporate into my life? By seeking application, you bring the words to life and make them personally relevant.

Focus on the present moment

Focusing on the present moment is a crucial aspect of meditation, and it can be applied when meditating on what you read. Here are some ways to incorporate this into your practice:

Create a Conducive Environment:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus without interruptions. Choose a time of day when you're typically alert and energized. You don't need the perfect setting, but minimizing distractions will help you stay present.

Engage Your Senses:

If you're reading a physical book, engage your tactile senses by noticing the texture of the pages, the weight of the book, and the feel of the spine in your hands. Observe the light reflecting off the pages, the colors, and even the smell of the ink. These sensory details will ground you in the present moment.

Notice Your Thoughts and Emotions:

As you read, pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Are there certain passages that evoke strong feelings or cause your mind to wander? Take note of these reactions without judgment. Observe how your thoughts and emotions evolve as you continue reading.

Breathe and Center Yourself:

Before you begin reading, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Focus on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body. This practice will help you stay grounded and present throughout your reading.

Read Mindfully:

Read slowly and intentionally. Pay attention to the words, sentences, and ideas presented. You might even want to underline or make notes in the margins to highlight particularly meaningful passages. Reading mindfully helps you fully absorb and engage with the text.

Be Aware of Your Environment:

As you read, maintain a peripheral awareness of your surroundings. Notice the sounds, smells, and sensations around you. This practice will help you stay present and prevent you from becoming too engrossed in the text, allowing you to maintain a sense of balance.

By incorporating these techniques, you can enhance your ability to focus on the present moment while meditating on what you read. This will deepen your engagement with the text and improve your overall meditation practice.

Be aware of your thoughts

When meditating on what you read, it is important to be aware of your thoughts. This is because meditation is not about turning off your thoughts or "thinking less", but about becoming more aware of them. As you meditate, you will notice that your mind has a tendency to wander and get distracted. This is normal and to be expected. Instead of trying to avoid your thoughts, become an observer of them.

When you notice that your mind has drifted off, gently acknowledge those thoughts and then bring your focus back to your breathing or the object of your meditation. This act of recognition and redirection is a key aspect of meditation. By doing this, you are training your mind to no longer chase every thought, and to no longer resist thoughts that you don't like. You are learning to be aware of your thoughts as they arise, without judgement or the need to take immediate action.

Meditation helps you reach a state of consciousness where you are focused on your inner state. This is why it can be done anywhere and at any time. It is about slowing down your thought process while focusing on deep and controlled breathing patterns and physical awareness. By counting your breaths, you can use this as a tool to anchor yourself in the present moment and bring your attention back when your mind wanders.

Prepare for prayer

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you focus your mind and heart on God and His Word. It is a way to deepen your understanding and connection with God, and to prepare yourself for prayer. Here are some steps to help you prepare for prayer through meditation:

Set aside dedicated time

Find a window of time when you can fully focus on your reading and meditation. Instead of trying to squeeze it into a busy day or right before bedtime, create a dedicated space in your schedule for this practice.

Choose engaging reading material

Select reading material that will engage your mind without depleting your energy. Opt for something that requires mental energy without adding to your to-do list. This could be novels, biographies, histories, essays, science writing, poems, or long-form journalism.

Read in print

If you usually read on a screen, such as your phone or computer, consider reading from a physical book. This provides a break from the constant notifications and distractions of digital devices.

Be mindful of your senses

As you turn the pages of your book, engage your senses. Notice the quality of light, the colour of the pages, the smell of the ink, and the feel of the book's spine against your hands. This helps you slow down and be fully present in the moment.

Pay attention to the language

Focus on the individual words and sentences. Look up unfamiliar words, and take note of the rhythm and details that evoke certain images or emotions. Use a pencil to underline words or passages that stand out to you.

Gently bring your mind back to the text

It is natural for your mind to wander during reading. When this happens, gently guide your attention back to the text. If you need to, you can re-read a passage to help you refocus. Don't worry about having the perfect environment or conditions; mindful reading can be practised anywhere.

Reflect and understand

As you read and meditate, reflect on the meaning of the text and how it relates to God, yourself, and the world. Ask yourself questions such as: Why is this passage important? What does it say about God and me? How does this reading point to Jesus?

Remember and worship

Meditation helps us remember all that God has done and His grand redemption story. Reflect on God's work in your own life, including how He has saved you and the opportunities He has given you to share His goodness with others. Let this lead you to a place of worship and gratitude.

Apply to your life

Finally, consider how you can apply the lessons from your reading to your daily life. What actions or changes can you make in response to what you have read? Bring these points of application to God in prayer, asking for spiritual strength and guidance.

Frequently asked questions