Dealing with FunDaMentalism... Core Energy Meditation Program!

Ever get into "trouble" when discussing your mind-body practice with people who don't understand?

I have (read on for funny story) .....

In fact, Kevin and I used to get regular email and phone calls from one guy telling us to "repent" and "turn back to God" :)

Needless to say he's not on the list anymore! :)

It actually really used to really peev me off.

This guy would call me up on the phone and say "God doesn't approve of what you're doing... blah blah blah".

And I was like, "What makes you so sure you know he doesn't approve?"

After a while I "referred" this character to Kevin.

He has a way with people.

And so Kevin wrote this guy the kindest email .....

Over several pages of carefully crafted email text, Kevin explained why fundamentalism misses the Deeper Truth that is "beyond all beliefs and words".

Then, he calmly and matter-of-factly showed why meditation is *right on track* with the teachings of Jesus.

You should have seen it.

It was a masterpiece! :)

I wish I had a copy because I would send it you. It would have made you smile I think.

Anyway, I know lots of us mind-body practitioners have a partner or close friend with strongly held religious beliefs.

Maybe you do too?

You might be wondering, what do I do?

What do I say?

Well here's my point of view on this .... plus a few tips you might find useful for those "Oh-so-pleasant-dinner-conversations!

First of all, mind-body training is universal for ANY human being of ANY tradition, race or creed.

Like eating well and exercising, it is based on common sense scientific principles that nurture health and well-being in the body and mind.

Read about some of science here:

Does God approve of breathing and eating?

I hope so.

Of course meditation and mind-body practice do not conflict with any other tradition. However, sometimes they may appear to conflict with someone's incomplete understanding of the Deeper Truth of their tradition.

For example, many Christians who practice Kevin's Core Energy Meditation program say they feel more connected to God after their practice and throughout their day.

Many say that they appreciate the opportunity for "silent prayer" that the practice gives them.

HOT TIP: This is a great way to explain what you're doing to others who might not readily accept your practice at first...

Rather than getting into a debate about what's right and what's wrong, it's often best to just say:

"I'm spending a little quiet time each day with God in silent prayer" and leave it at that.

After all, many traditions like Christianity emphasize the importance of prayer so it's unlikely you'll get many arguments on that point.

The only difference with silent prayer is that by being quiet and still, you're giving God the opportunity to speak.

Just as the bible says --

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

In the same way, BEING STILL is often the best way to approach this issue with people when their egos are indentified with a limited understanding of their tradition.

Many times it's best to stay out of a debate if you know it's not going to get you anywhere!

Let your presence and stillness do the talking!

You'll know for yourself when it's a good idea totalk about your spiritual practice and when it's not.

Remember, at the end of the day, not everyone is going to approve of everything you do. This is actually a great spiritual practice for the mind-body practitioner -- allowing others to be as they are.

This is your opportunity to "Be the change you wish to be in the world" as Ghandi said.

Jesus used different words to make the same point, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).

By the way, have you tried Core Energy Meditation?

There's nothing quite like it. Read all about it here:

Happy practicing,

Matt Clarkson & Kevin Schoeninger
The Mind-Body Training Company