Next Friday, which is a pupil free day, the staff will travel to the Hermitage in Mittagong to engage in a retreat around the practice of Christian Meditation.

 

Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom. It is a practice found at the core of all the great religious traditions. It is a way of simplicity, silence and stillness. It can be practised by anyone who is merely serious about beginning.   

 

In Christianity, this contemplative dimension of faith and prayer is rooted in the Gospel teaching of Jesus and the Christian mystical tradition.

 

Over the past 40 years, there has been renewed interest in Christian meditation, largely led by The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). Schools in  approximately 30 countries have now introduced the practice.

 

 

Scientific research shows that practising meditation offers many potential benefits to children. These include clinical improvements in mental and physical health as well as strengthening emotional and behavioural regulation, stress management and concentration. 

 

Whilst effect sizes vary, particularly for interventions offered universally in schools, there is now consistent evidence across studies that meditation in schools.....

• Improves - attention, mindfulness and cognitive function
• Reduces - anxiety, stress and depression.
  

Clear scientific evidence from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans shows that meditation builds grey and white matter in the brain and changes brain connectivity. These changes likely underpin many of the potential benefits. For example....

1. Meditation strengthens prefrontal cortex
2. Modulates connections to the amygdala (flight or fight response)
3. Calms the stress response in everyday life

In addition, the research suggests practising Christian meditation at school creates a safe, respectful 'space' for nurturing children's spiritual growth.

The stillness and silence helps create a space where children are open to the presence of God. This helps strengthen chidlren's relationship with God and offers a sense of personal agency in spirituality which can renew faith. 

In turn, the research shows christian mediation also helps children become more aware and accepting of themselves and others.

Following our retreat experience we will continue to learn more and introduce Christian meditation to the students and parents of St Brigid's.