I've learned a new method of studying scriptures, and I'd like to share that with you. Rather than reading the words and learning the meaning of the words you visualize the word picture or story like a movie playing in your mind so you can experience the emotions and feeling behind the story. This will bring the scriptures into your heart not just your mind.
I want us to visualize the scripture story from the New Testament where Jesus and his apostles are in a boat and crossing the sea. Jesus falls asleep in the back of the boat and as they begin crossing the sea. A storm arises and the waves rock the boat uncontrollably. Visualize this rising storm in your mind. You may have experienced something like this, and all of us can recall what it feels like to have your face buffetted with cold rainy wind.
Let's give the storm and waves a name. It is our worries. Our uncontrolled worries and speeding thoughts. Our burdens and plans and expectations. There are times when these rage up and threaten to bowl us over and we just hang on with fear in our hearts; fear and worry. How often do we worry about things that we have no power to change or control?
The waves beat against the ship, fill it with water until the apostles can see nothing but disaster. They waken the Master and express their fear to him as the storm continues to rage around them. Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Peace, be still.
He only needed to say it once. The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Visualize the storm calming and the winds decreasing. It takes a few minutes for the boat to stop rocking as the waves slowly return to become part of the sea again.
This is what we must do with our winds, waves, storms, worries and burdens. In your mind see yourself standing with the Savior and rebuking the wind and waves. Peace, be still. Still your thoughts, allow your worries to be handed over to God who IS in control and has all power. Let them go, back into the peaceful water.
We do not want to rid ourselves of our burdens or responsibilities. Those are the things that give us purpose to our lives. We learn patience, charity and forgiveness from these burdens. Visualize these burdens as the breeze that helps a sailboat move. We do not need to fear or stress over these thoughts. This is a meditation and visualization you can call upon any time you find yourself worrying over things you cannot change or control. You can tell yourself, Peace Be still, and see the angry waves and storms cease.
Keep your breath smooth and long and now picture the water as calm and yet alive.
Give general guidelines for coming out of relaxation pose.