Mindful meditation: biblical meditation means active thinking; eastern meditation's spiritual claims are concerning; neutral practices are fine

The biblical word for meditation means to "chew the cud" — active thinking and pondering. Eastern-influenced meditation in the West concerns Mike because it becomes a claimed spiritual exercise involving contact with undefined spiritual things. Memorizing psalms and repeating them in prayerful thought is fine. Sitting quietly in nature enjoying God's creation is fine. The concern arises when eastern spiritual practices are involved.