For this Sunday, September 27th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Acceptance. Most of us are probably familiar with a
well-known prayer by theologian Reinhold Niebuhr that is often referred to as
the Serenity Prayer. The prayer is a
simple one: “God, grant me the serenity to Accept
the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the
wisdom to know the difference.” A
key element to this prayer refers to the concept of Acceptance which is not synonymous with resignation or apathy. It is about freely giving one’s consent once
you recognize the limits of your ability to influence or change a particular circumstance. Acknowledging the intractability of a
situation without criticism relieves the need for judgment and better allows
one to be more fully in the moment. You
regain control because only you can give your consent to Accept the otherwise undesirable condition. But what about situations that should never
be Accepted? Should a person ever consent to being the target
of racial prejudice? It makes no sense
to expect someone who is the victim of sexual abuse to ever agree to such
treatment. In these instances Acceptance does not mean condoning the
situation but simply recognizes there may not be anything one can immediately
do about it. Rather than hold onto the anger
and frustration from trying to resist something that cannot be overcome, Acceptance lets you release your
attachment to it. This week in our
prayer and meditation let us look at those situations in our life that may be a
source of irritation and consider whether we may want to choose Acceptance over futile resistance that
only drains us. Let us ask to be shown
greater discernment as to when we want to try to overcome a difficulty and when
we are better off releasing ourselves from it through Acceptance instead.
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 that
comes from Accepting some situations? How does it feel in my body when I recognize Acceptance may be the best use of my
energy instead of resistance? 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
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