Prayer vs Meditation for Stress

[gurneyhalleck1]

Well being named "Unshaven," I think you are one step closer to Orthodoxy already!

Oh I don't know about that, the Jesus prayer (The way of the Pilgrim anyone?), lectio divina, and the recitaiton/singing of scripture (particularly the psalms) are things anyone could do, and are certainly encouraged for all.

From my reading of the Fathers on this matter, meditation/contemplation is something for all people to participate in, to rework their scattered desires into a directed passion for God - what really separates the monastic or the consecrated virgin or whatever is the total renunciation of social norms concerning food, sex and status, the laity are expected to practice these only periodically, the prayerful aspect though is much more of a constant for all sections of the church. The only way it is inhibited as such, is by worldly desire which are obviously more of a problem for ordinary laity than ascetics, but it is possible to straddle both the worldly and contemplative life to some measure of success.

I would talk about my own thoughts and experiences on the matter of meditation and spiritual growth, but I don't think I'd find myself comfortable doing so- suffice to say I am at the very start of a very long journey in this department (outer mansions perhaps?).