Sorry for the Greek word as the title of this meditation. I have been thinking on this word since I heard it on a podcast recently.
I shun as much as possible to use traditional Christian words due to the historical and emotional baggage that often accompanies those words.
What is the first picture or thought that comes to mind when I say
Repentance!
I immediately think of the preacher who comes to No Name City in the play and movie Paint Your Wagon. He hopes to convert all the heathen to Christianity by shouting at them.
In your Bible, you may see the word Repent or Repentance. Translators often render metanoia that way for principally historical reasons.
Perhaps a better rendering of the meaning involves the concept of changing the direction of one’s heart. Or changing the direction of one’s life.
Another concept would be transforming. This might mean becoming aware that our heart will not accept new things, new people, new ideas. It is “hardened.” Then it somehow becomes transformed into a generous, loving, peaceful heart.
Metanoia. I was once that way; now I am this way. And I, as well as all those around me, am better for it.
Faith Venture 
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