I’ve always found guided meditation to be a daunting and uncomfortable practice, the opposite of its intended purpose. I fidget, my breathing becomes rapid and shallow, and panic washes over me as I invariably plan an escape route. Dramatic? Yes. Elaborate? Definitely, but I just know I need to get out! 
I recently made some unexpected headway with this during an epiphany group meeting. When the agenda was revealed my internal panic began…rapid breathing, fidgeting and an escape route gaining traction in my overwhelmed mind. Suddenly though, an unheralded reaction found its way through my chaos and I knew I had to try a new approach. 

I discreetly (I think) managed a few breathing exercises to calm and steady myself and, as closing my eyes is another no-no, I tried my default coping mechanism, doodling. Without really noticing, my doodling turned to sketching. I began sketching what I could see, what I could smell, what I could hear and feel. 

As you can see from the sketch (this is the first one from the epiphany group), it’s very rough as I have to go quickly as it builds from what I’m listening to. I repeat the ‘what can I…? questions throughout. The sketching distracts me from the fact that it’s a guided meditation and allows me to put myself into the meditation. 

It may seem a little unconventional to some, understandable to others, but to me, it’s opened up another avenue to make a connection with our Lord. 

Am I cured? Not at all,but , as long as I have a pen and paper with me then I can begin to understand the beauty of guided meditation…(unless ,of course, it’s one of Fr Jock’s with the pan pipes and  dimmed lights)…

Danni Glass