For this Sunday, August 23rd, the focus for our meditation
will be on Self-Esteem. Mental health professionals have seen an
alarming increase in stress and anxiety disorders among college students, and
statistics indicate a corresponding increase in suicide rates among 15- to
24-year olds. Our youth are under such
pressure to build resumes rather than build character that it is easy to lose
sight of figuring out one’s own identity instead of tacking on activities to
impress others. Comparisons with one’s
peer group can seem unrealistically harsh with postings to social media that
make it appear everyone else but you is living the perfect life. I recall the angst of adolescence – those
awkward in-between years where you try to figure out who you are as an
individual. There was a time when I
would take out my wallet and proudly leaf through the growing collection of
laminated cards and slips of paper that I mistakenly felt represented my
identity. A library card was trumped by
a school identity card which eventually became trumped by a driver’s license,
and then my very first credit card (from a gasoline company). There was a false sense of identity and even
accomplishment that seemed to sprout from each successive addition of small
slips of paper or plastic. It took some
time, but I eventually came to realize that my identity came from within and
that Self-Esteem had to blossom
inside rather than being given to us by others.
Once I came to understand that life felt so much easier. There were still hardships and
disappointments, but at the root of it all I had developed a genuine liking of
who I was that helped weather those bumpy places. This week in our prayer and meditation time,
let us ask that our young people across this country who are beginning the
school year recognize the importance of valuing themselves and feeling a
genuine sense of Self-Esteem. May the light and energy of our prayers help
those who may be struggling with feelings of self-worth, and may they be
encouraged on their life path to appreciate their unique identity and develop
the Self-Esteem that will sustain
them through the challenges that will 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 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 truly cherish who I am as
an individual and thus feel a strong sense of Self-Esteem? How does it
feel in my body when I realize my sense of Self-Esteem
comes from within me and not from 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 kmiritello@gmail.com
If you or someone you know may be considering ending a life via suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and speak with someone who wants to help.
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