Meditation Instructions for Sun., January 1, 2017

For this Sunday, January 1st, the first day of a new year, the focus for our meditation will be on Friendship.  Do you realize there is an entire generation of young people for whom the concept of “Friendship” means clicking a button on social media by the name of someone they may never have met and with whom they barely have a passing acquaintance?  Their entire experience of Friendship relies on a technological device to superficially connect with others.  For that generation, being Friends with someone often means having to pretend publicly that life is wonderful and enviable.  Real Friendship, however, takes work and often requires our attention as though tending to a seedling.  While you may have to put some effort into it, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling.  It means you have someone you can reach out to when life lets you down or someone you can ask a favor of without feeling as though you are imposing on them.  Genuine Friendship involves trust, knowing someone is there who has your back and with whom a shared confidence will be maintained.  Generations don’t know and may never come to know what this form of Friendship entails, which I consider to be a sad prospect.  This first week of a new year let us take time in our meditation and prayer practice to deeply ponder the concept of Friendship in our life.  Let us ask whether we take sufficient time to nurture those important relationships that blossom into deep Friendships rather than casual acquaintances.  Let us find ways to express our appreciation for the presence of real Friends in our life.  Through the expansion of our ability to cherish true Friendship may others around us also come to recognize the immeasurable benefit that comes from investing in those relationships that help sustain us through life’s inevitable difficulties.

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 what do I feel in my body when I appreciate the presence of true Friends around me?  How does it feel in my body when I take time to nurture those Friendships that truly make a difference in my life?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 25, 2016

For this Sunday, December 25th, the focus for our meditation will be on Inspiration.  One thing I love about this holiday season each year is how stories proliferate about people and incidents that can Inspire us.  Tales abound of compassion, generosity, and kindness extended to others in unexpected ways.  For a change the evening news programs include coverage about the goodness of people and how they reach out to others in need this time of year.  In a period where there has been so much anger, hatred, and division the only way to relieve the oppression of that darkness is to increase our focus on the light that is always present.  It is easy to become distracted by all the negativity and forget that the option to choose what brings light and Inspiration to us is always the better choice.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us try to find those things that most Inspire us in life.  Through moments of Inspiration may we be shown how to raise ourselves and our nation up.

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 what do I feel in my body when I feel Inspired by the goodness and light of others?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate those moments that bring Inspiration and help raise me up?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 18, 2016

For this Sunday, December 18th, the focus for our meditation will be on Solitude.  This time of year quickly becomes busy with numerous social obligations.  People gather at the workplace or in neighborhoods and communities to celebrate the holiday season, perhaps exchange gifts, and enjoy some merriment.  For those of us who tend to be more on the introverted side, this time can be stressful and draining.  While I can put on a game face and engage in chit chat with people I don’t know well I quickly reach saturation and find myself longing to extricate myself from these social events.  Sometimes all I want to do is curl up with a good book and my dog and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with Solitude.  This morning I began my day with a long hike in the woods.  The temperatures were surprisingly nice, and I enjoyed the companionship of my dog, the chirping birds, and the rustling trees.  There weren’t any other hikers out on the trail, and I soaked up the calm that filled the Solitude of the woods.  We all benefit from periods of Solitude where we can take time to examine our thoughts, to dialogue with God, and connect with nature.  Such Solitude can help to center and ground us against the otherwise hectic pace of life.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how we may find occasional moments of Solitude even in a busy time of year that will help us recharge.  May we be gently reminded of the benefits of Solitude that bring an inner peace that help insulate us against the pressures of our world all year long.

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 what do I feel in my body when I am filled with the peace that comes with Solitude?  How does it feel in my body when I am still and appreciate a moment of Solitude that helps clear and recharge my energy?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 11, 2016

For this Sunday, December 11th, the focus for our meditation will be on Building.  This past week John Glenn, the first American to circumnavigate the earth in space, passed away at the age of 95.  He was a courageous pioneer who not only served his country as an astronaut but also represented his home state of Ohio in the U.S. Senate for twenty years.  During his lifetime he saw a lot of changes in this country and our society, but he never lost his optimism.  He is quoted as saying, “Don’t give in to complacency and cynicism.  Don’t ignore what is bad, but concentrate on Building what is good.  Don’t take America and the values reflected in our form of government for granted.  And never forget that in our democracy, the government is not ‘them’ – it is ‘us.’”  At a time when cynicism and negativity seem rampant, there is much wisdom in his words.  I completely understand how people feel discouraged and seriously concerned about the future of this country.  Yet, if we only seek to tear down and criticize rather than Build up and make positive change our efforts do not contribute in a beneficial way and are simply a waste of our time and energy.  As Senator Glenn suggested this is not about passivity or apathy.  The government is our creation, and it is our responsibility to see that it acts in a manner that truly reflects the values and ethics of this great country.  However, the most effective way to shape this country’s future is to act with the intent to Build up rather than tear down.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be shown how to help Build something that contributes to our society and nation in a constructive way.  May we be guided how to assist this country in a manner that brings positive change instead of more negativity and ask that this same energy spread across our entire land.

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 what do I feel in my body when I have Built something that makes a beneficial difference in the world?  How does it feel in my body when I desire to contribute positively by Building rather than perpetuate the destruction of negativity?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 4, 2016

For this Sunday, December 4th, the focus for our meditation will be on Shedding.  I’m sure it is more than mere coincidence that I know of many people right now who are going through possessions and Shedding what they no longer need.  Some are going through this process because of a relocation and trying to downsize with the move.  Others, however, have no plans to move but are simply feeling pulled to Shed the excess items around them to minimize and simplify their homes.  It seems paradoxical that at a time of year when so many people are adding to their material possessions through the mad dash of holiday shopping others are seeking to lighten their load of what they own. 

As we enter winter nature goes through this same process as the trees Shed their leaves.  It actually helps them better withstand the snows that will eventually come as New England learned a few years ago when an early snowfall made tree branches, still teeming with leaves, break under the extra weight.  Native cultures believe that the winter season is when many people who are nearing the end of their life cycle choose to Shed this life on earth and pass into the next.  There is a time and season for all things, including the need for loss and giving things up.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us ponder whether our life might be made less stressful by Shedding rather than accumulating more.  Let us take advantage of the spirit of generosity that hallmarks this season by considering others without enough who may benefit from that which we are willing to Shed.  May we also be moved to look beyond material goods and recognize the advantage that comes from Shedding habits or patterns in our life that are no longer helpful.

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 what do I feel in my body when I am able to minimalize my abundance of possessions and Shed what I no longer need?  How does it feel in my body when I lighten and simplify my life by Shedding that which no longer serves 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 kmiritello@gmail.com