In this expansive episode of Hidden Wisdom, Meghan Farner is joined by returning guest Phil McLemore for a deep, practical teaching on meditation as the highest form of prayer. Phil presents meditation as an ancient practice of awareness, union with God, and transformation. Together, they explore the difference between mindfulness and transcendental (yoga) meditation, why stillness is essential for spiritual perception, and how meditation aligns with Jesus’ own teachings on prayer, the inner kingdom, and becoming “one” with God. Phil offers step-by-step guidance on posture, breath, mantra, handling distractions, and receiving meditation as a feminine, receptive flow of grace rather than a forced effort. This episode also addresses common fears around meditation, ego resistance, spiritual ego, emotional release, and discernment—grounding the practice firmly in Christ-centered theology, embodiment, and character transformation. For anyone seeking a deeper experience of God, inner healing, and true at-one-ment, this episode serves as both teaching and invitation. 00:00 | Introduction & why meditation matters for spiritual growth03:00 | Phil’s background & discovering meditation through pain06:10 | Meditation as prayer, not self-improvement07:20 | God in the present moment & spiritual awareness09:00 | Mindfulness vs transcendental (God-centered) meditation12:50 | Jesus’ model of prayer & the Aramaic meaning of “pray”16:30 | Awareness of awareness & inner stillness19:00 | Yoga, atonement, and union with God23:00 | Still mind, pure heart, and scriptural foundations29:40 | Preparing for meditation: time, place, posture34:00 | Harmonizing the body & devotional intent43:10 | “Don’t pray to God—pray in God”46:20 | Breath as the gateway to Spirit52:35 | Diaphragmatic breathing & nervous system safety56:00 | Mantra meditation & examples (“Be Still,” “Peace, Be Still”)01:05:30 | Handling intrusive thoughts & ego resistance01:11:50 | Concentration vs meditation: receiving grace01:15:40 | Oneness, transformation, and Christ-consciousness01:23:30 | Obstacles, emotional release, and patience01:31:30 | Discernment, symbolism, and avoiding spiritual ego01:33:30 | Character transformation as the true fruit01:37:15 | Closing reflections & invitation to practice Join the Contemplative Prayer + Meditation Q&A with Meghan and Phil McLemore, on February 16th at 7pm MT. Register here! Hidden Wisdom initiates truth-seekers into the Mysteries, guiding listeners toward a lived experience of the Divine that awakens and transforms faith—without dismantling family or community. Pursue your Journey: ✨ Hidden Wisdom App – Coming Spring 2026! Pathway programs, community, library, events and more! Join the waitlist for updates, sneak peeks, and discounts! 🌱 Return to the Garden, the Priestess Path, + Divine Union Programs 🕊️ Subscribe, Like, Share & Review 🪷 Connect with Meghan