Meditation Instructions for Sun., Sept. 7, 2014

For this Sunday, August 31st, the focus for our meditation will be on Moderation.  An international prayer group that I belong to has set their focus for this next month on bringing an end to the violence wrought by extremist groups.  As I thought about this issue I quickly realized there is no place in the world that is immune to this problem.  Here in our own country we have the historical blight of the Ku Klux Klan and in more recent times the idiocy of the Westboro Baptist Church.  The problem with such groups is their firm belief that they are right, everyone else is wrong, and their mission in life is to make everyone adopt their views without scrutiny or question.  I’m not sure such extreme ideological groups even appreciate the luxury they have of being able to freely voice their opinions in this country.  It says something about the tolerance and fair-mindedness of this nation that groups that deviate so far from mainstream ideas have the right to exist.  There is nothing wrong with having diversity in the viewpoints presented for consideration by our citizens – I consider it to be a hallmark of our democracy that it actually encourages some dissension.  After all, weren’t our forefathers the original dissenters in not only voicing their dislike but acting upon them in creating this new nation?  The difference between diversity of opinion and extremism is the extent to which people are willing to allow differing views to be expressed and considered.  Extremists won’t even open their mind to consider the perspective of those who differ from them.  Moderation has been one of the pillars of this country’s strength over the years in that it allows differing or even radical ideas to be thoughtfully assessed and on occasion to even drive needed change.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us cherish the value of Moderation in this country.  Let us ask through our prayers that more people across this nation be open to receiving the viewpoints of others and to permit the peaceful communication of ideas that differ from their own.  Through greater respect for diverse philosophies and beliefs may the characteristic of Moderation continue to strengthen this land for many years to come. 

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 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 have recognized the value of Moderation in being open to the views of others?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to be Moderate and open-minded in my own beliefs?  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