Meditation: What is it?

The dictionary lists meditation as thinking contemplatively, reflecting, thinking, musing, planning. Today everyone needs to take time out of their overcrowded schedules and busy filled lives to spend some time just peacefully thinking about the really important things that are part of everyday living. I believe everyone has been given a unique “emotional heartbeat.” Our heart races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that really are important to us. Do I even know my emotional heartbeat? Have I ever consciously considered those things that intensely interest me? I know they are never far from my thoughts. In the private reflective spot and mood mentioned in my previous blog I need to ask myself about those subjects that make my heart beat.
As I pull them out for study I must ask myself these questions:
How do I use this interest –to enrich myself? to enrich others?
What are the reasons I love this particular interest?
As I ponder these thoughts and answer these questions honestly I begin to undertake the first stage of meditation.