A very important reminder for all of us who meditate is found in the following quotation by Swami Kriyananda from his book, Secrets of Meditation: “The secret of meditation is singing to God, out loud or silently, to awaken devotion in the heart.”
This is not a new concept. We all know Master’s quote, “Chanting is half the battle.” What does this mean to us? Usually it means chanting out loud, with a group with harmoniums and guitars, chanting in our homes and car along with a CD or other type of device, and of course, chanting on our own, anywhere and anytime. All this is very helpful in building devotion.
Swami also recommends chanting silently which we can do anywhere at any convenient time. I’d like to suggest that you keep a chant going mentally throughout your day, or at least for part of the day, right along with your daily routine. Choose one that is simple, repetitive and that you feel uplifted by- one that is especially magnetic for you. One I like is – “I want only Thee Lord. Thee only Thee!.” Then when the storms of trials shriek around you, you will be calmly centered in God.