Meditation is often misunderstood as either a practice reserved for the deeply spiritual or an impossible task for those with busy minds. Yet, at its core, meditation is a simple and profound way to connect with God’s ever-present love. It is not about silencing thoughts but about resting in stillness and becoming aware of God’s presence within and around us. Through this quiet practice, we disengage from the constant flow of thoughts and emotions. In doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper space where peace and divine connection reside.

In this episode of the Live from Rest podcast, host Steve Smith welcomes Father Giles Lascelle for a profound discussion on the practicalities of meditation, including the use of the ancient Jesus Prayer. Building on his insights from Episode 11, Father Giles explores how meditation can deepen our relationship with God, cultivate inner peace, and aid in trauma recovery. As the founder of the charity Breakthrough and author of Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving, Father Giles draws from years of experience working with trauma survivors to share how mindfulness and meditation can stabilize emotions and foster healing.

This episode is perfect for anyone curious about meditation, seeking to deepen their spiritual life, or managing anxiety, stress, or trauma. By listening, you'll gain practical tools for incorporating stillness, guided meditation, and prayer into your daily routine. Father Giles' wisdom and gentle approach will inspire you to embrace a more intentional and connected life with God.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Understand how meditation can serve as a powerful tool for spiritual connection, emotional stability, and healing.
2. Learn timeless techniques such as the ancient Jesus Prayer, guided meditations, and breathing-focused practices that make meditation accessible and meaningful.
3. Gain valuable wisdom on how mindfulness and meditation can help navigate stress, trauma, and anxiety while fostering a deeper relationship with God.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Read Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving by Giles Lascelle
• Visit Trauma Breakthrough

Episode Highlights

Father Giles' Work and Book on Trauma Recovery

• Breakthrough, a charity by Father Giles Lascelle, supports adult trauma survivors through therapy and mindfulness practices. 
• He explains how meditation is used to help stabilize emotions and promote healing from distressing experiences. 
• His book, Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving, serves as a resource for both survivors and their supporters, offering tools for recovery.
• The book is widely available, including on Amazon and the Breakthrough website for accessibility.

Understanding Meditation and Its Practice

• Meditation is not about silencing thoughts but about making diverting your attention to God. 

Father Giles: “Meditation is simply the way I like to describe it, is making my attention available to God”

• He dispels common misconceptions and emphasizes that meditation can be practiced in stillness or with music, depending on personal preference. 
• For beginners, starting with simple techniques—such as focusing on breathing or quieting the mind—is a manageable and effective entry point. 
• Meditation, at its core, is about becoming aware of God’s presence and cultivating peace in daily life.

Addressing Common Challenges in Meditation

• Many people feel they cannot meditate because their minds are too busy. 
• Father Giles reassures listeners that meditation does not require stopping thoughts but instead observing them without engagement. 

Father Giles: “The purpose of meditation is to take a step back from the thoughts and the feelings, perhaps the physical sensations, everything that's going on in our minds, to take a step back from it and observe it”

• He uses the analogy of watching a river flow, allowing thoughts to pass while focusing on the deeper, still presence of God. 
• This practice helps individuals detach from the distractions of everyday life and find clarity and calm.

Guided Meditation and Personal Preferences

• Guided meditations can serve as helpful tools, especially for beginners or those overwhelmed by their thoughts. 
• Father Giles shares how he records meditations for clients, using calming imagery and prompts to guide them into stillness. 
• Steve reflects on how combining guided meditations with periods of silence has enhanced his own practice. 
• Both emphasize the importance of finding what works best for each person, whether it’s guided sessions, stillness, or a combination of both.

The Jesus Prayer and Its Benefits

• The Jesus Prayer is an ancient Christian prayer used to deepen spiritual connection.
• Different versions include, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy,” which Giles recommends for its simplicity and focus on God’s nature.
• Unlike a mantra, the Jesus Prayer serves as a recollection, drawing the heart into the presence of God. 
• By pairing the prayer with breathing—saying one part on the inhale and another on the exhale—it becomes a rhythmic and powerful spiritual tool.

Using the Jesus Prayer and Other Prayers

• The Jesus Prayer is often referred to as the "prayer of the heart" in the Eastern Orthodox Church
• It has the ability to align the heart and mind with God’s presence. 
• Father Giles highlights other simple prayers, like "Thank you, Father," or even the name "Jesus," as equally effective ways to connect with God. 
• These prayers foster intimacy with God and help ground individuals in His love and mercy.

Practical Tips for Meditation Practice

• Distractions are a natural part of meditation thus, simply refocus on the prayer or breathing when this happens. 

Father Giles: “Don’t give yourself a hard time at that point, just know when you notice that you've become distracted, just gently bring yourself back to the prayer or to the breathing or whatever it is that's there helping you focus your awareness on God”

• Father Giles advises letting go of self-criticism and focusing instead on the intention to connect with God. 
• Sometimes, prayers may fall away, leaving a profound stillness and sense of God’s presence. 
• Both Giles and Steve share personal experiences of using meditative phrases that resurface throughout the day, deepening their connection with God in ordinary moments.

About Father Giles Lascelle

Father Giles Lascelle is a priest, author, and founder of Trauma Breakthrough, a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of trauma through therapy, mindfulness, and spiritual guidance. With years of experience working with individuals navigating the aftermath of deep emotional and physical wounds, Father Giles has developed a compassionate approach that integrates Christian meditation practices to foster healing and emotional stability. His work focuses on helping survivors rediscover peace, build resilience, and deepen their connection with God.

He is also the author of Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving, a comprehensive guide for trauma survivors and their supporters. The book draws from his extensive work in trauma recovery, offering practical tools, insights, and encouragement for those seeking a path to restoration. Through his ministry and teachings, Father Giles empowers individuals to find strength in stillness, the transformative power of meditation, and the enduring presence of God’s love.

Connect with Father Giles through LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. Embrace the transformative power of stillness and connection with God through meditation. Open your heart to His presence, allowing Him to meet you in the depths of your thoughts and emotions. Trust in His love to bring peace, healing, and strength as you rest in His care.

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