Prayer meditation and mindfulness – what are they all about?
–insights from the practices and experiences of others with respect to praying, meditation and mindfulness.
Prayer, meditation and mindfulness play an important role in the religious and spiritual life of many. In this forum we attempt to gain an understanding of the differences and similarities in these various practices and explore whether we can learn from the experiences and insights of each other.
Some questions which might be addressed at this forum include:
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How prayer is used in different ways (eg praise, thanksgiving, petition)
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With whom or what we are trying to connect (eg A ‘higher power’, being at one with ourselves, being at one with the world around us)
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Are we emptying ourselves of distractions or allowing space to listen?
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Extent to which practices use pre existing words, instructions or artifacts (as against being spontaneous in nature and/or content)
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Duration and frequency of practice
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Individual as against collective practice
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Extent to which these are resources to encourage personal stillness and wellbeing
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Whether offers of prayer and meditation become intrusive or be used to manipulate.
The forum will begin with a short talk from each of a panel of four after which the discussion will be thrown open to the floor. We will invite each speaker to share any of their insights and experiences, including, if they so wish, a consideration of how their practice has changed over time.
The panel will be comprised of
Abid Salik – Imam at Berkeley Street Mosque
Martin Pliener – long term meditator and Secretary of HERI
Simon Cross – Minister of Hull area United Reform Church team churches
To be confirmed – speaker from Hull and East Riding Hindu Cultural Association.
As usual this formal meeting is at Hull Guildhall (HU1 2AA). It starts at 17.00 with refreshments, address begins at 17.30 and we aim to finish by 19.00. The meeting is free and all are welcome.
Hull and East Riding Interfaith 