Meditation Instructions for Sun., Dec. 15, 2013

For this Sunday, December 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Connection.  Earlier this year a TEDx talk by Dr. Brené Brown served as inspiration to focus our weekly meditation on the topic of vulnerability.  A short video (which may be found at http://brenebrown.com/2013/12/10/rsabear/) animating another talk by Dr. Brown presents the important distinction between empathy and sympathy.  She makes the point that what distinguishes the sincerity of empathy from the superficiality of sympathy is the Connection made between two people.  In empathizing with another you acknowledge that you understand what they are feeling without the banality of claiming you know exactly how they feel.  There is a healing that comes simply from the realization another person is able to make a Connection without passing judgment.  It makes you feel less alone, especially during difficult or challenging times.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us consider whether there are others around us in need of Connection.  Especially at this time of year when people feel so stressed and overwhelmed, may we be more mindful of the benefits of making Connections that may help ease the strain of the holiday season.

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 appreciate the value of Connections to other people in my life?  How does it feel in my body when others ease difficult times by reaching out and making a Connection with me?  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