For this Sunday, November 15th, the focus for our meditation
will be on Humanizing. The mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico came up
with a positive way to help the problem of homelessness in his city. All too often authorities deal with the issue
of homelessness by acts intended to discourage those who are in need, such as
arresting panhandlers or placing barriers on public benches and other surfaces
that might serve as a bed for the night.
But Mayor Richard Berry saw things differently and realized the homeless
people he observed every day on the streets were Human beings; people who could be his brother or sister if things
had turned out differently for his family.
He then came up with the idea to offer them work maintaining public
areas in exchange for a fair hourly wage and a free meal. People who accept the offer are picked up by
a roaming van that gives them a waiting lunch and then transports them to
various sites around the city to perform weeding, trash pickup, etc. They are also given the opportunity to
connect with available resources for assistance in counseling, health and
housing services. The vast majority of
those approached by the city actually take them up on their offer. The result is it helps those who are on hard
times restore their dignity and self-respect.
Rather than just giving them a handout it gives them a chance to do
meaningful work instead. It also makes
people see them in a more Humanizing
way rather than turn away from the nameless in need. The issue of de-Humanizing is at the root of so many of the world’s ills. It is the foundation of human trafficking,
domestic violence, child sex abuse, and is also demonstrated every time a
radical terrorist group chooses to target innocent people to make a point. This week in our prayer and meditation time
let us ask to be shown how to see our fellow citizens of the world as Human beings. Let us see people in a more Humanizing way that allows us to recognize
their intrinsic value as genuine people and not mere objects. May a wave of Humanizing light spread across our nation and the entire globe help
to ease so many of the troubles that result when we do not treat others with the
kindness and respect they deserve.
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.
Let us also send the
light and energy of our prayers to the people of Paris who were under siege
this week by another senseless act of terrorism. May our
prayers help console those who have suffered loss in this tragic incident.
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 see strangers in need in a
Humanizing way? How does it feel in my body when I recognize
the homeless as Human beings? 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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