Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR STUDY IS PRODUCTIVE

Amazing things can be done by your brain, sometimes even without your conscious effort.  For example, breathing, walking, riding a bicycle, or touch-typing are automatic processes that you may be able to do without even thinking.  To some extent, this is also true of reading. It is vital, therefore, to focus on the meaning of what you are reading.  When getting to the end of a paragraph or before starting a new subheading in a publication, you might pause and ponder over what  you have just read to be sure that you understand it correctly. Of course, distractions and a lack of concentration may cause your mind to wander,  making your reading unproductive. How can this be avoided? 

Scientific research shows that saying words aloud during study makes them easier to recall.  The Creator of our brain knows this. That is why he instructed Joshua to read His book of the Law "in an undertone." (Read Joshua  1:8) You will likely find that reading the Bible softly, or in an undertone makes a deeper impression on your mind. this may also help you to concentrate better.

While reading may be done with little effort, meditation requires concentration. That is why the imperfect human brain is inclined to switch to easier, less demanding  tasks.  Thus, the best time to meditate is when you are rested and in a stress -free environment with few distractions.  The psalmist found that a good time to meditate was while he was in bed during the night.  (Psalm 63:6) Jesus, who had perfect mental  powers, knew the advantage of being in quiet places to meditate and pray. -Luke 6:12. 

Next time: Keep Meditating on Spiritual Things - GOOD THING TO MEDITATE ON

From The Watchtower magazine