Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 30, 2012

For this Sunday, December 30th, the focus for our meditation will be on Conscience.  Eleanor Roosevelt once asked, “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”  Conscience involves an awareness of what is right or correct versus what is wrong in our own actions and motives.  Having a Conscience tends to impel us to behave in a manner that serves the higher good rather than putting ourselves first.  We all like to believe that we act with Conscience, but there are times when it is easy to lose sight of the grand scheme in which it operates.  Sometimes the fleeting gratification of giving in to an urge to have to be right, to have the last say, to acquire material goods or wealth can stifle what our Conscience might otherwise dictate.  Think about the changes that would manifest in the world if more people followed their Conscience in how they behaved.  There would certainly be less violence and greed, and fewer people would be without the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter.  As our elected officials struggle at the end of the year to find a resolution to the budget crisis and as each of us reviews the year we are about to leave behind let us ask that the energy of acting with Conscience permeates this land. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation let us re-energize the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I act in a manner that reflects what my Conscience directs?  How does it feel in my body when I consider what my Conscience is dictating before I take action?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 23, 2012

For this Sunday, December 23rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Hope.  This is a time of year when the difficulties we face may appear magnified.  The juxtaposition of any trial we may be experiencing against the backdrop of what is supposed to be a joyous holiday season only seems to make the contrast more severe.  For those who have been out of work, for those who have lost their homes or are in fear of becoming homeless, and especially for the families of Newtown, Connecticut it may seem impossible to feel any sense of joy right now.  For many there is certainly no perceptible reason to feel merry.  This week in our prayer and meditation, while we may not be able to completely eradicate their fear and sorrow, we can offer them the promise of Hope.  Let us confidently ask that those seeking employment obtain suitable work, others find the security of having a home of their own, all who are facing serious illness be given healing, and may those consumed with sorrow receive comfort.  In extending Hope to them through our prayers and meditation we may bring them the promise that the future will hold something better. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation let us re-energize the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project.  

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am filled with the Hope that the future will bring a solution to any challenge?  How does it feel in my body when I have Hope that any difficult situation can eventually get better?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 16, 2012

For this Sunday, December 16th, the focus for our meditation will be on Love and Light.  None of the words used to describe the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut this week manages to capture the immense grief brought on by such an incident.  It is beyond comprehension to further try to understand even how or why something like this could occur.  As our nation pauses to mourn the loss of these young innocents let us also consider our response to this heartbreaking episode.  Some will want to use the occasion to rant and rave about various political agendas and demand change in laws and regulations.  Others will revile the perpetrator and bemoan the lost opportunity to seek vengeance.  But if a call for change is needed, it is best done from the perspective of clear-headed objectivity and not a visceral reaction to a heinous incident.  Any response fueled by anger and hatred only allows more darkness to seep into our soul.  Instead, let us focus our energy on bringing Love and Light to the victims and their families.  When incomprehensible evil manifests in our world the only recourse to fighting darkness is Light; choosing to lash out in rage merely strengthens the darkness. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation and especially Newtown, Connecticut.  As we perform our meditation let us re-energize the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over Newtown and then the entire nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I choose to bring Love and Light to help console others?  How does it feel in my body when I am filled with the energy of Love and Light rather than anger and darkness?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

For this Sunday, December 9th, the focus for our meditation will be on Consideration.  Once again our nation finds itself on the brink of a crisis with the inability of our elected officials to come to an agreement over the Federal budget.  While the contentious debates in Washington, D.C. may seem remote from most of us, the potential for a budget impasse has broad implications.  Setting aside the obvious issue of potential tax hikes, a failure to come to an agreement could halt operations and services at local government levels reliant on federal subsidies.  Additionally, social security and disability payments along with salaries for military personnel could be impacted.  Rather than pointing the finger and blaming each other, it would be much more beneficial if our government leaders acted with true Consideration for their constituents and the impact their actions may have on them.  Let us ask through our prayer and meditation that those in power set aside any ego-driven differences and instead choose to place the needs of the citizens they represent above their own. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation let us re-energize the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I act with Consideration toward others?  How does it feel in my body when I choose to take the needs of others into Consideration in my decision-making?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 2, 2012

For this Sunday, December 2nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Philanthropy.  One of my favorite things about this end-of-year holiday season is how it can have the magical effect of opening people’s hearts toward others.  Stories abound of people playing “Secret Santa” by paying off a family’s department store layaway account in time for presents to appear beneath their tree.  This week several touching stories have gone viral regarding a New York City police officer who purchased boots for a barefoot homeless man and an anonymous benefactor who visited devastated neighborhoods in New Jersey and New York and handed out hundred-dollar bills to recovering residents.  These examples of Philanthropy reflect the best of the human spirit and also serve to encourage the spread of generosity and a sense of caring for one’s fellow citizens.  As we enter this holiday season let us use our meditation to help spread the spirit of Philanthropy across this nation and permeate the hearts of all.  Additionally, despite our country’s continuing financial struggles let us not forget the importance of national Philanthropy to others in need around the globe.

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation let us re-energize the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I have a desire to be Philanthropic toward others?  How does it feel in my body when I seek to increase the generosity of my heart and resources through acts of greater Philanthropy?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Nov. 25, 2012

For this Sunday, November 25th, the focus for our meditation will be on Gratefulness.  On Thanksgiving Day a wonderful video on Gratefulness from one of the inspiring TED conferences made the rounds on the Internet.  [To see the video follow this link:  http://tinyurl.com/dxdnvgt.]  In it the narrator encourages, “If you do nothing else but to cultivate that response to the great gift that this unique day is, if you learn to respond as if it were the first day in your life and the very last day then you will have spent this day very well…Open your heart to all these blessings and let them flow through you that everyone whom you will meet on this day will be blessed by you, just by your eyes, by your smile, by your touch, just by your presence.  Let the gratefulness overflow into blessing all around you.  And then it will really be a good day.”  What an amazingly simple yet bountiful concept.  Imagine beginning each day with the enthusiasm of exploring your life for the very first time or with the deep appreciation that comes from knowing everything you experienced might be your last.  Every year the quiet moments of Gratefulness that we pause to experience on Thanksgiving Day become more and more drowned out by appeals to holiday shoppers.  This year as we return to the normal schedule of our life following Thanksgiving Day let us seek to carry a clear sense of the Gratefulness we hold.  Even among the bustle of activity around us let us continue to foster the serenity and peace that come from Gratefulness and in so doing help promote that sense of profound gratitude to others.

In our efforts this week let us also continue to use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project.  

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am Grateful for even the simplest of gifts in my life?  How does it feel in my body when I am aware of all the reasons why I feel Grateful each and every day?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Nov. 18, 2012

For this Sunday, November 18th, the focus for our meditation will be on Open-Mindedness.  Confirmation bias is a concept much in vogue in recent years in the area of understanding human behavior and decision-making.  It is a flaw we are all prone to and comes from the remarkable staying power of having drawn a conclusion.  Once we believe we have enough information to make a decision or form an opinion that initial position tends to stick even in the face of contradictory information.  Confirmation bias serves as a filter that often blinders us to the presence of salient information that does not match what we have already come to believe and instead allows us to only recognize and process that which already confirms what we believe we know.  In this post-election period our nation needs both parties to work together.  Given the chasm that now exists it is unlikely that either side will convince the other that they are wrong and to completely alter their position.  But at a minimum we want to influence all elected officials to not shut the other side out and to be willing to consider what their opponents hold as important that may differ from their view.  In our prayer and meditation efforts we want to foster a willingness to be Open-Minded.  With a greater spirit of being receptive to the views of the other side perhaps our nation will more readily find a way to reconcile differences and reach amicable agreements that benefit all.

In our efforts this week let us also continue to use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am Open-Minded and able to consider the opposing view of others?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to remain Open-Minded and consider new information that may contradict what I have come to believe?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Nov. 11, 2012

For this Sunday, November 11th, the focus for our meditation will be on Reconciliation.  The dictionary defines Reconciliation as a process to settle or resolve differences and to reestablish a close relationship between parties.  Now that the election is over, it is time for our nation to heal the divisions that result from people taking what are viewed as opposing sides.  For the past two decades the margin of difference in popular vote has not exceeded ten percent.  Next time you are standing in a queue somewhere think about the possibility that every other person in that queue may have cast a very different vote from yours.  Our country is dealing with too many problems for these divisions to remain.  We must band together and recognize the importance of uniting all of our energy and resources to help this nation overcome the challenges ahead.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us ask that people across this nation sincerely seek Reconciliation with those whose opinions differ from their own.  In particular, let us also ask that the spirit of Reconciliation be sought by those in elected office so that greater cooperation may ensue. 

In our efforts this week let us also continue to use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am Reconciled with others?  How does it feel in my body when those who hold differing opinions are able to seek Reconciliation?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Nov. 4, 2012

For this Sunday, November 4th, we will use our meditation to bring a final focus on Light.  This year’s election sees many challenges with the potential for events to result in another contested outcome similar to what occurred in 2000.  Instead, let us use our Light to help ensure a clear and definitive conclusion.  As a reminder, the use of this Light is not to try and direct the results in favor of a particular candidate, but to allow this democratic process to be carried out with the utmost integrity.  In our prayer and meditation let us ask that the Light we create help increase the discernment of voters and motivate them to cast their votes in a responsible manner.  Additionally, in the final hours let all candidates campaign with honesty and a regard for ethical behavior that best serves their higher self.

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Oct. 28, 2012

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 28, 2012

For this Sunday, October 28th, we will maintain our meditation focus on Light.  As the final full week of campaigning begins the pressure mounts, and with it a growing tendency to point blame, avoid responsibility, and engage in desperate measures to swing the election.  Let us instead make our Light this week even brighter so that the highest and best qualities of our electoral process are brought forth. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Oct. 21, 2012

For this Sunday, October 21st, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  Early voting has begun in many states, and this week we want to ask that our Light help to bring a greater degree of discernment for all voters.  May our Light help them to see the truth from the falsehoods, and to cast their votes in a responsible and conscientious way. 

In our efforts this week let us also use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Oct. 13, 2012

For this Sunday, October 14th, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  Recently I heard a campaign ad for a candidate that had a refreshing message.  Rather than disparage his opponent, he chose to urge everyone to recognize that for things to improve we must stop trying to point the finger and place blame.  His simple message was that we need for everyone to work together if we are going to turn things around.  I have no idea what party he represents, but I was impressed by his ad and wish other politicians would follow suit.  As the campaign rhetoric increases let us use the Light this week to help dilute the distortions, exaggerations, and vile character attacks that seem to dominate the airwaves and print media.  May we ask that our Light continue to seek to increase the honesty, integrity and ethics of the ongoing campaign and improve the discretion of voters to see beyond the hyperbole.

In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Oct. 7, 2012

For this Sunday, October 7th, the focus for our meditation will once again be on Light.  With the debates now under way let us ask that they serve as a platform for fair and honest discourse and the respectful consideration of opposing views.  In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Sept. 30, 2012

For this Sunday, September 30th, the focus for our meditation will once again be on Light.  In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Sept. 23, 2012

For this Sunday, September 23rd, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Lightthat is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquidLight that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Lightthat fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net orkmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Sept. 16, 2012

For this Sunday, September 16th, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country and extends across the border to our Canadian neighbors, filling all of North America with Light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., Sept. 9, 2012

For this Sunday, September 9th, the focus for our meditation will once again be on Light.  In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  One of our participants suggested we include all of North America in this effort, and I believe that is a good suggestion.  Although our Canadian neighbors obviously do not participate in our election process they have always been integral to the defense of our borders, and for that reason it seems a good idea to include them in the act of filling all of North America with light.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.  In particular, let us try to fill our country with the energy of honesty, integrity, and ethics that will help draw out the highest good in our ongoing election process.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 2, 2012

For this Sunday, September 2nd, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  This week we want to again extend the Light of our prayers not only to surround the entire nation but also to bring special focus to the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 3rd.  In our meditation we want to use the same method described below to fill not only our country but also this particular city with Light. 

In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire nation be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.

In addition, let us create another sphere of Light that is centered separately over the city of Charlotte.  Rather than focus just on the particular convention hall let us fill the entire city with Light as there will be many meetings and discussions held throughout the city.  Once we have lifted up our ball of Light and used it to create a Light-filled dome let us also add to that Light the energy of honesty, integrity and ethics.  Let all of Charlotte be filled with the energy that makes for honest and polite discourse, behavior that is of the utmost integrity, and a desire for ethical decision-making.  Let the Light that rains down on this city elevate all thoughts, speech, and action that occur there so that they may be for the highest good of all. 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation and to the city of Charlotte.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 26, 2012

For this Sunday, August 26th, the focus for our meditation will continue to be on Light.  This week we want to again extend the Light of our prayers not only to surround the entire nation but also to bring special focus to the cities of Tampa, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina, where the political conventions will soon be held.  The Republican National Convention is scheduled to begin this coming week in Tampa, and the Democratic National Convention will begin the following week in Charlotte.  In our meditation we want to use the same method described below to fill not only our country but also these particular cities with Light. 

In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire nation be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.

In addition, let us create other spheres of Light that are centered separately over the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.  Rather than focus just on the particular convention halls themselves let us fill the entire city with Light as there will be many meetings and discussions held throughout each city.  Once we have lifted up our ball of Light and used it to create a Light-filled dome over each let us also add to that Light the energy of honesty, integrity and ethics.  Let all of Tampa and all of Charlotte be filled with the energy that makes for honest and polite discourse, behavior that is of the utmost integrity, and a desire for ethical decision-making.  Let the Light that rains down on these cities elevate all thoughts, speech, and action that occur there so that they may be for the highest good of all.  Finally, let us ask that the city of Tampa and its residents and many visitors this week be kept safe, particularly with the potential for an impending tropical storm that may impact that area.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation and to the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 19, 2012

For this Sunday, August 19th, the focus for our meditation will be on Light.  We will be suspending our normal practice of offering a different topic or theme each week until after the elections as this important process will require all of our attention.  This week we want to again extend the Light of our prayers not only to surround the entire nation but also to bring special focus to the cities of Tampa, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina, where the political conventions will soon be held.  The Republican National Convention is scheduled to begin the week of August 27^th in Tampa, and the Democratic National Convention will begin the week of September 3^rd in Charlotte.  In the upcoming weeks we will repeatedly use the same method described below to fill not only our country but also these particular cities with Light. 

In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire nation be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.

In addition, let us create other spheres of Light that are centered separately over the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.  Rather than focus just on the particular convention halls themselves let us fill the entire city with Light as there will be many meetings and discussions held throughout each city.  Once we have lifted up our ball of Light and used it to create a Light-filled dome over each let us also add to that Light the energy of honesty, integrity and ethics.  Let all of Tampa and all of Charlotte be filled with the energy that makes for honest and polite discourse, behavior that is of the utmost integrity, and a desire for ethical decision-making.  Let the Light that rains down on these cities elevate all thoughts, speech, and action that occur there so that they may be for the highest good of all.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation and to the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 12, 2012

For this Sunday, August 12th, the focus for our meditation will again be on Light.  This week we want to extend the Light of our prayers not only to surround the entire nation but also to bring special focus to the cities of Tampa, Florida and Charlotte, North Carolina, where the political conventions will soon be held.  The Republican National Convention is scheduled to begin the week of August 27^th in Tampa, and the Democratic National Convention will begin the week of September 3^rd in Charlotte.  In the upcoming weeks we will repeatedly use the same method described below to fill not only our country but also these particular cities with Light. 

In our efforts this week let us use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire nation be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.

In addition, let us create other spheres of Light that are centered separately over the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.  Rather than focus just on the particular convention halls themselves let us fill the entire city with Light as there will be many meetings and discussions held throughout each city.  Once we have lifted up our ball of Light and used it to create a Light-filled dome over each let us also add to that Light the energy of honesty, integrity and ethics.  Let all of Tampa and all of Charlotte be filled with the energy that makes for honest and polite discourse, behavior that is of the utmost integrity, and a desire for ethical decision-making.  Let the Light that rains down on these cities elevate all thoughts, speech, and action that occur there so that they may be for the highest good of all.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, and connect to the circle of others participating in this project. 

Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  How do I feel when I know I am acting with honesty, integrity and ethics?  What does it feel like when I recognize people around me are behaving with honest, integrity, and ethics in how they conduct themselves with others?  Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation and to the cities of Tampa and Charlotte.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 5, 2012

For this Sunday, August 5th, the focus for our meditation will be on Light.  Each week we begin our meditation with the energetic formation of a brilliant, star-like Light that is then raised up to shine down over the nation.  While this is a preliminary step prior to shifting focus to the particular topic or theme for the week it is an important one that sometimes can seem secondary or even trivial in importance.  This week I would like to re-energize this portion of our meditation practice with an added emphasis that will be sustained through the remainder of the year.  In less than a month the political conventions will begin, followed by the run-up to the national elections in November.  This process is a critical part of our nation’s democratic foundation.  In preparing for it to begin we want to assist that process in running smoothly and in a manner that is filled with honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct.  To do that we will use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the Light that covers and fills this nation.  As we perform our meditation this week let us spend our focus on re-energizing the brilliance and power of the Light we create.  Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of Light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it.  Raise this sphere of Light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of Light that completely covers every inch of our country.  From shore to shore and border to border let the entire nation be filled with this brilliant, dense Light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.

As a reminder, we typically form as a group in our focused meditation every Sunday from 12:15 to 12:30 pm (Eastern time) and return to bring more energy to the same theme throughout the week as time permits. If you are unable to participate at that particular time there are instructions posted on how to energetically contribute at either an earlier or later time (please see “Instructions for Meditating at Alternate Dates or Times”). A few minutes before 12:15 you may want to get into your meditation posture and begin the relaxation phase.

Stage 1:
Sit (or lay down) so that you are relaxed and comfortable but your spine is straight and aligned over your pelvis (if seated). Begin by taking several slow, deep breaths. Follow the sensation of the breath down into your body. Breathe into your spine, your hips, and then your legs. Feel the breath reach your feet on the floor and then feel the connection through your feet to the earth's energy. Draw the earth's energy up through your feet into your body. Feel your body fill completely with this energy from your breath and the earth. Invite your own personal spiritual guides to join you in this meditation. Ask for those in the spiritual realm (especially the nation's Founding Fathers) who want to assist us in this effort to be present. If you have trouble feeling centered and fully in your body or feeling grounded to the earth ask Guidance to help you.

Stage 2:
Stay relaxed and begin to make a connection with the others in the group by perceiving that we are present in the same room and formed in a circle. Feel yourself make contact with the person on each side of you in the circle by taking their hand -- one to the right and one to the left. Feel the energy of the group grow as you make this connection. Recognize there are groups all over who are doing similar activities with the same intention. We are connected to them as well as to each other. Feel the grid or network that is created from this energetic connection. We receive energy from it as we feed energy to it.

Stage 3:
Place a brilliant white light over the center of the country. Extend blue rays out from the center of that light in the four directions (north, south, east, and west). The blue rays fill the country from border to border and sea to sea. Connect to the energetic grid or network created across the circle. Use that grid to direct energy to the manitou of the nation (see "Explanation of the Grid or Manitou" for more information) with the intent of sending the energy of Light across the nation.

The way to do this is to perceive in your body how the quality of Light feels. Ask yourself how do I feel when I am bathed in a brilliant, liquid Light that feels so dense that I am completely saturated by it?  How does it feel in my body when I am surrounded by a dome of Light that fills all the space around me?  Hold that sensation and allow it to intensify as you feed that energy to the grid or network with each breath.

Stage 4:
Close by disconnecting from the group circle. Feel as though you release the hand of the person next to you and feel yourself break from the group.

Stage 5:
Thank your guidance and those in the spiritual realm for coming to assist you in this endeavor. Ask them to continue this work from their plane on your behalf. If you are able, you may want to repeat this process throughout the week, focusing on bringing light and energy to the meditation topic. When you do, connect to the same network or grid of energy created by the group at the original meditation session. Direct your intention to help support and grow that group energy. Be sure to disconnect from the group at the end.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 29, 2012

For this Sunday, July 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Precipitation.  This summer brings to more than 50% of the United States a drought so severe and widespread that it has been ranked as the second worst drought in our history.  Portions of 29 states have been declared disaster areas because of the lack of rain that has had a tremendous impact on farmers.  While some parts of the country have recently had rain it continues to fall short of what is needed, and many areas continue to see no rain at all.  Combined with extremely high temperatures the drought conditions are threatening the livelihood of untold numbers of people.  In farming communities when the farmers suffer it ripples to other businesses that subsequently feel the impact from a loss of revenue.  Even for those in more metropolitan areas the impact will eventually be felt as shoppers see the inevitable increase in food prices.  If you want to see the massive geographic footprint of this problem, go to the following website that has a clear graphic map of areas impacted by the drought:  http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ (you may want to use this map in your prayers).  This week in our prayer and meditation let us focus our efforts on helping to relieve the drought conditions across this country.  Let us ask that gentle, soaking rains be brought to those regions suffering from the drought and that the stress felt by farmers and others because of the hot, dry conditions similarly be washed away with the Precipitation.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I am being showered with needed Precipitation?  What does it feel like when the sense of gentle, soaking Precipitation helps to wash away my stress?  Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 22, 2012

For this Sunday, July 22nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Passage.  Just as there are specific milestones in the maturation of a child once we become adults our developmental period is far from over.  There will always be times in our life when we are required to move from one phase to another such as leaving the shelter of college life to head out on one’s career, starting a family, entering into a marriage, preparing for retirement, etc.  These transitional periods can bring much uncertainty and anxiety as they require us to leave what we may have already mastered and step into a stage that will present us with unknown trials.  When one is on the precipice of such a change it can be tempting to not make the Passage but to remain in the comfort of the familiar.  Yet in doing so we are not allowing the opportunity for growth that can come with being able to face the unknown and take on new challenges.  Our world is similarly poised on the threshold of a significant astrological shift as we move into the next age.  This Passage will bring with it many changes, and though some may long for things to remain the same without this shift it would not be possible to progress and we would instead find ourselves becoming stagnant.  As we enter this Passage let us consider the direction we would like our nation to take.  What awaits us on the other side of this threshold and what potential could it bring for our nation to evolve?  This week let us use the energy of our prayer and meditation for our nation to make this Passage with the optimism that we will emerge better and stronger as a result of having made the journey.

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I have successfully made the Passage that life changes can bring?  What does it feel like when I have emerged from a Passage in my life and become better through the process?  Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 15, 2012

For this Sunday, July 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Trust.  Many of us have a natural tendency when faced with an unexpected difficulty to go immediately to worry.  As a frequent business traveler I long ago learned what an incredible waste of energy worry creates.  In a situation where travel plans are disrupted there is often little anyone can do about events such as extreme weather.  I have learned to take a deep breath and just Trust that at some point things will eventually work out.  I see the stress of those around me, pushing them into panic mode over not being able to get somewhere, and wonder what impact that is having on their body.  Even worse is the inclination to worry about problems before they materialize.  I know someone who doesn’t travel as frequently and becomes distressed before starting the journey with all the “what ifs” and imagining problems that may not even develop.  In hindsight, we can realize how foolish we were to worry needlessly when everything inevitably works its way to a solution.  When we go first to a state of worry rather than Trust we are essentially telling the universe we don’t expect to be given assistance in our life.  Instead, let us try to approach life’s difficulties with a sense of Trust that we will be cared for, and that in the end as said in the proverbs of folklore “this too shall pass.” 

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I have Trust that a solution will be found to any challenge?  What does it feel like when I know I can Trust in being cared for by Spirit?  Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 8, 2012

For this Sunday, July 8th, the focus for our meditation will be on Family.  One of the significant changes in our society that has occurred with the ready availability of modern transportation is the resulting geographical dispersion of families.  Where decades ago it was more typical for someone to be raised in a community and then go on to create their own independent Family units in the same or nearby community this is much less common today.  The convenience of airplane travel and computers has made living across the country or world, far distant from where one was initially raised, more feasible.  Although there may be tremendous physical separation with some effort it is still possible for a sense of Family unity to remain intact.  There is some essential value to a Family that cannot ever truly be substituted by the friends one may acquire.  Unfortunately, sometimes the physical distance can more easily erode this sense of Family and our appreciation for what that familial affiliation means in our life.  The passing on of Family values and history can serve a vital role in the development of younger generations that may not come from other sources.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us acknowledge the importance of Family to the foundation of this nation and ask that our sense of appreciation for Family be strengthened and supported. 

           

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I am appreciative of the Family that surrounds me?  What does it feel like when I recognize the importance of Family in my life?  Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 1, 2012

For this Sunday, July 1st, the focus for our meditation will be on Protection.  There has been some conjecture that the wildfires raging through Colorado that displaced tens of thousands of people and caused the destruction of almost 350 homes may have been intentionally set as an act of terrorism.  While the insidious and cowardly nature of such an act does reflect the stamp of certain extremist groups what matters most now is taking action to provide Protection.  This week in our prayers and meditation let us ask for Protection and support for the hundreds of emergency personnel responding to battle the fire, the residents, pets and wildlife in the area, and the sparing of the remaining homes and businesses that continue to be threatened.  Later this week we will celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence and as part of those commemorations will salute our military personnel.  Just as their service has helped to secure our nation’s freedom let us not forget that we can also do our part with prayer.  Let us use the power of our prayers to envelop this country in a shield of Protection that will prevent similar acts of terrorism from being successfully carried out. 

As a reminder, we typically form as a group in our focused meditation every Sunday from 12:15 to 12:30 pm (Eastern time) and return to bring more energy to the same theme throughout the week as time permits. If you are unable to participate at that particular time there are instructions posted on how to energetically contribute at either an earlier or later time (please see “Instructions for Meditating at Alternate Dates or Times”). A few minutes before 12:15 you may want to get into your meditation posture and begin the relaxation phase.

Stage 1:
Sit (or lay down) so that you are relaxed and comfortable but your spine is straight and aligned over your pelvis (if seated). Begin by taking several slow, deep breaths. Follow the sensation of the breath down into your body. Breathe into your spine, your hips, and then your legs. Feel the breath reach your feet on the floor and then feel the connection through your feet to the earth's energy. Draw the earth's energy up through your feet into your body. Feel your body fill completely with this energy from your breath and the earth. Invite your own personal spiritual guides to join you in this meditation. Ask for those in the spiritual realm (especially the nation's Founding Fathers) who want to assist us in this effort to be present. If you have trouble feeling centered and fully in your body or feeling grounded to the earth ask Guidance to help you.

Stage 2:
Stay relaxed and begin to make a connection with the others in the group by perceiving that we are present in the same room and formed in a circle. Feel yourself make contact with the person on each side of you in the circle by taking their hand -- one to the right and one to the left. Feel the energy of the group grow as you make this connection. Recognize there are groups all over who are doing similar activities with the same intention. We are connected to them as well as to each other. Feel the grid or network that is created from this energetic connection. We receive energy from it as we feed energy to it.

Stage 3:
Place a brilliant white light over the center of the country. Extend blue rays out from the center of that light in the four directions (north, south, east, and west). The blue rays fill the country from border to border and sea to sea. Connect to the energetic grid or network created across the circle. Use that grid to direct energy to the manitou of the nation (see "Explanation of the Grid or Manitou" for more information) with the intent of sending the energy of Protection across the nation.

The way to do this is to perceive in your body how the quality of Protection feels. Ask yourself how do I feel when I am confident in the Protection that exists around me?  How does it feel in my body when I know no harm will come to me because I am being Protected?  Hold that sensation and allow it to intensify as you feed that energy to the grid or network with each breath.

Stage 4:
Close by disconnecting from the group circle. Feel as though you release the hand of the person next to you and feel yourself break from the group.

Stage 5:
Thank your guidance and those in the spiritual realm for coming to assist you in this endeavor. Ask them to continue this work from their plane on your behalf. If you are able, you may want to repeat this process throughout the week, focusing on bringing light and energy to the meditation topic. When you do, connect to the same network or grid of energy created by the group at the original meditation session. Direct your intention to help support and grow that group energy. Be sure to disconnect from the group at the end.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., June 24, 2012

For this Sunday, June 24th, the focus for our meditation will be on Support.  By now many of you have probably heard about or seen the YouTube video showing four upstate New York middle school boys unleashing a relentless stream of verbal abuse on their school bus monitor.  The 68-year-old grandmother, Karen Klein, sat there with remarkable composure and self-control as for over ten minutes they taunted her with profanities and ridicule.  It is not until the end, when one of them jeers that she probably doesn’t have any family because they all killed themselves, that she finally dissolves in tears.  What is not clear is whether the miscreant knew that ten years ago Karen’s oldest son killed himself.  The video is disturbing to watch and reflects just a single isolated example of the sort of bullying that goes on daily across this country.  What is incredible is that this time the target was an adult rather than a peer.  The upside to the story, however, is that there has been an international outpouring of Support for Karen since the video went viral.  As Karen says incredulously in one interview, “There’s a whole world out there I didn’t know.”  As I watch the video I find myself wondering what the impact would have been on a young person subjected to such hateful ridicule.  It hurts just to think of the damage that may linger in a child’s psyche when they have been repeatedly bullied.  Rather than hurl invectives at the abusers, however, one option is to make sure those who may be harassed know they have the Support of others around them.  So much of the damage from bullying can be overcome when someone realizes others value them and acknowledge their self-worth.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us ask that the victims of bullying and harassment across this nation find a source of Support.  May people be motivated to reach out to those they suspect may be subject to harassment and provide them with the encouragement and Support that will help them heal the wounds of abuse.

                                                                                   

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I feel Supported by those who surround me?  What does it feel like when the Support I receive from others helps reinforce my sense of self-worth?  Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., June 17, 2012

For this Sunday, June 17th, the focus for our meditation will be on Inspiration.  The need for Inspiration goes far beyond an artist or writer seeking to find their creative Muse.  Our elected officials will require more Inspiration in order to come up with solutions that will help our nation recover from the pressures of the current economic situation.  Business people could use more Inspiration to find innovative ways to improve efficiency without resorting to out-sourcing that takes needed jobs outside the U.S.  Teachers benefit from Inspiration when they find a way to motivate a child or come up with an effective method to help their students understand a complex concept.  Even in our day-to-day living Inspiration can add an element of creativity, enthusiasm, and motivation that helps us with challenging tasks.  When one considers great accomplishments the factor that often drove someone to aim for higher achievement is Inspiration.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us consider whether there are aspects to our life that could benefit from greater Inspiration.  Additionally, let us ask that our elected officials, business leaders, teachers, and all people find themselves filled with the Inspiration that will improve their work and life. 

                                                                                   

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I find myself Inspired to accomplish something I might have been reluctant to tackle?  What does it feel like when Inspiration has helped me complete a difficult task? Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com

Meditation Instructions for Sun., June 10, 2012

For this Sunday, June 10th, the focus for our meditation will be on Light.  In just a few months from now the final stage of our national election will begin with the convening of the party conventions in Florida and North Carolina.  At that time we will once again return to the purpose for which this prayer group was first created back in 2008 – to help bring more ethics, integrity, and honesty into the election process.  This week as we look ahead to all that will need to be accomplished we want to increase the amount of Light that is shed on our nation in order to help make this process run smoothly and effectively.  Let us begin with our neighborhoods, our communities, our towns and cities, and ask that the areas in which we live be filled with more Light.  Let us look around us and find those areas that may be struggling against the darkness of apathy, of hopelessness, and of despair, and ask that they instead be filled with a Light that brings hope, optimism, and a promise of a better future. 

                                                                                   

Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us, connect to the circle of others participating in this project, and create the brilliant star-like light over the nation. Extend blue rays from the center of this light to the nation's four borders and then connect to the grid or matrix that extends from the circle. 

Ask yourself how does it feel in my body when I know how the radiance of a brilliant Light fills me with hope and optimism?  What does it feel like when I have seen the darkness of the world dispersed by the Light? Then send the energy and intention of that feeling to the nation.

Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.

If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share please let me know via e-mail to k_miritello@bellsouth.net or kmiritello@gmail.com