Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 31, 2017

For this Sunday, December 31st, the focus for our meditation will be on Change.  President John F. Kennedy once wrote, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”  Being resistant to Change is so much a part of human nature.  Many of us love feeling in control and residing comfortably in the reliable predictability of routine.  Yet to be in that state for too long could also make us eventually become stagnant and even feel dissatisfied over time.  The problem with Change is it results in a new direction that may not be of our choosing.  It is especially challenging when the Change is one we abhor or find disagreeable.  In those instances, it may be best to simply recognize Change is a continuum, and that pendulum will eventually swing back in the other direction.  In the meantime, there may be a positive opportunity from a temporarily uncomfortable condition in that it forces us to learn a new strategy for coping.  We stretch and grow as a result of what may be an unpleasant Change in our life.  Let us remember as we stand on the cusp of another new year that our nation is also undergoing Change.  If the present circumstances are not to your liking, find solace in realizing Change is inevitable, and this may be the time to allow the current friction to push our country in a needed new direction we might otherwise resist taking.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for divine support in helping us learn to better adapt to Change in our world.  May we be shown how to deal with Change in a positive way and become more resilient as a result. 

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 Change forces me to go in a direction I might not have chosen?  How does it feel in my body when I have survived a Change that made me stronger and more adaptive?  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 24, 2017

For this Sunday, December 24th, the focus for our meditation will be on Buoyancy.  It is hard to imagine now, decades later, but in 1940 when Winston Churchill accepted the role of Prime Minister for Great Britain, the country was filled with gloom at the prospect of what they believed was an inevitable victory by Hitler’s armed forces.  Much of Western Europe had already been overrun, and it was thought Great Britain was next.  When Churchill took over as Prime Minister he stepped into the role with “Buoyancy and hope” in spite of the desperate situation his country faced.  To be able to be Buoyant means that one can rise above that which is trying to weigh one down.  Rather than sink into despair in difficult circumstances one finds a way to be lifted above the mire.  Our nation has certainly seen a difficult past year on many fronts, and as we near the end of another milestone let us consider how we can best remain Buoyant despite the challenges.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us reflect on what we can turn to in our life to help us remain positive and lift us above the morass of pervasive negativity.  Let us accompany the energy of our prayers with the light of Buoyancy so they rise up to help fill this nation with genuine hope for a better future.

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 experienced Buoyancy that lifts me above what has tried to weigh me down?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to be Buoyant and rise above challenges rather than sink into despair?  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 17, 2017

For this Sunday, December 17th, the focus for our meditation will be on Guidance.  In dark times it can be so easy to feel alone and overcome by events.  Our nation is going through a period of turmoil in the heart of our society as well as in politics that seems unrelenting.  There are many who wonder what the next crisis will bring and question whether they can tolerate the unending chaos much longer.  As a reminder that we are never alone, Helen Keller once said, “I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above.  They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to Guide us with a light of love.”  Whether you believe in angels, divine beings, Mother Mary, Jesus, or even spirit guides, it doesn’t matter – the point is there are others always present to support and Guide us when we feel lost.  The most helpful thing we can do when feeling overwhelmed is to take time to perceive the connection we have with our Guidance.  Sometimes the connection can be quite palpable and at other times it may be harder to recognize, but they are always there just waiting for us to call on them for assistance.  Rather than continuing to struggle on our own during difficult periods let us remember to reach out to those who are available to help Guide us here on earth.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be shown how to strengthen our connection with Guidance and gently reminded of their perpetual accessibility.  Let us also ask that those in positions of power and leadership come to recognize the presence and importance of Guidance and learn to rely on them for direction.

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 recognized the presence of divine Guidance for direction in my life?  How does it feel in my body when my awareness of Guidance helps sustain me through difficult periods?  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 10, 2017

For this Sunday, December 10th, the focus for our meditation will be on Leadership.  A new record has been made at West Point, the U.S. Army’s military service academy.  West Pointers often go on to illustrious careers in the Army, and notable among their ranks are those who are selected for the position of “first captain,” which makes them the highest-ranked cadet in the Corps.  This year the person selected for this Leadership position was not only female, but also African-American.  Her name is Simone Askew, and at the age of 21 is already breaking records.  A predecessor of hers, Pat Locke, graduated from the Academy in 1980 as one of the first African-American women to do so.  Locke proudly spoke of Askew when she said, “We’ve been building to Simone for the past 35 years.  You see so much of our nation in her.  The way that she thinks, the way that she carries herself.  She knows she wants to be a Leader because she wants to make a difference.”  Despite all the upheaval in our society right now hearing stories about young people like Simone Askew fill me with hope for our nation’s future.  It gives me optimism that altruism, dedication, ethics, hard work, loyalty and patriotism will be perpetuated and continue to carry our country forward.  We so badly need true Leadership across this land, not only in politics but also in business.  The recently exposed scandals regarding how men have disrespected women shout to us that society needs to change.  We cannot progress as a nation unless all people are viewed with respect and treated with decency.  With more young people like Askew we have a chance for this to happen.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask that the spirit of genuine Leadership that is altruistic and not self-serving, that is ethical and respectful of those that person serves, spread across this nation.  Through the power of our meditation may this country help build more Leaders who will guide us into a better future.

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 been in the presence of someone who is a true Leader who looks out for others?  How does it feel in my body when genuine Leaders set aside petty differences and show respect for 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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 3, 2017

For this Sunday, December 3rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Meditation.  Many studies have repeatedly demonstrated the numerous benefits of Meditation.  Schools experience less truancy and disruptive behaviors.  Even prison populations find a reduction in the outbreak of violence and better adherence to rules.  What I find most astounding are the physical effects of Meditation.  Research has clearly shown people who Meditate have lower blood pressure and require fewer medications for their medical issues.  Even brain imaging studies have suggested that Meditation can reduce or slow the formation of plaque formations that are thought to be implicated in Alzheimer’s dementia.  With the maelstrom of events occurring in our nation right now it can sometimes feel as though we are being propelled toward a whirring buzz saw faster than the kidnapped heroine in a Flash Gordon episode.  Add to this mix the blur of all we have to do over a busy holiday season and it can quickly become overwhelming.  Imagine, though, if more people across our nation took time on a regular basis to pause and Meditate.  Think of how not only they would change for the better but also the ripple effect of how everyone they interacted with would likewise benefit.  I don’t know how many of our politicians practice Meditation, but we can always support them energetically through our Meditation practice and perhaps with time our leaders would be encouraged to also give it a try.  This week in our prayer and Meditation time let us use the energy we create to build a momentum across this nation of an interest in practicing Meditation by more and more people.  Let the wave of this energy sweep across our country and help foster a profound desire to connect with the peace that Meditation can bring for us all.

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 recognize the positive changes that occur when I take time in my busy life to Meditate?  How does it feel in my body when I allow myself to linger in the calm and bliss of Meditation that I can then transfer into my conscious behavior?  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., November 26, 2017

For this Sunday, November 26th, the focus for our meditation will be on Sadness.  At this time of year when songs and greeting cards exhort us to be filled with good cheer and joy Sadness may seem a contradictory focus for our meditation.  However, for many this time of year is particularly challenging.  Those who battle depression or who have suffered loss can find the joyful spirit of those around them distressful at best or abrasive and hurtful at worst.  A friend recently returned from an out-of-town trip where she attended the funeral for her niece, a young woman who died after a lengthy fight with cancer.  This woman left behind two daughters in their early teens, and I can’t help but think of them, realizing this will be the first Christmas without their mother.  For those who suffered the loss of homes and businesses in the floods and wildfires that occurred over the summer the holiday season does not bring an end to the struggle to rebuild their lives.  They instead must navigate through this time while the enormity of their loss is magnified by the seasonal emphasis on material things or the warmth of a home that no longer exists.  While these sobering situations do not mean we must abandon our desire for joyful celebration we do want to be sensitive to those who choose not to participate.  Rather than making a friend who is struggling with Sadness feel guilty or shamed for not wanting to join a large gathering perhaps consider inviting them for a smaller, quiet social activity where they may better appreciate the gestures of support and understanding without feeling so overwhelmed.  Let us recognize the importance of being empathetic with those who choose not to join in the merriment and find ways to let them know they are still valued and loved.  Through the light and energy of our prayer and meditation may they feel supported and accepted rather than judged and ostracized. 

If you, or someone you love, may be struggling with depression and considering suicide please reach out by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free, 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.  You are never alone.

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 how feelings of Sadness do not need to be denied or ignored in order to please others?  How does it feel in my body when I accept that Sadness can be a normal cycle in 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., November 19, 2017

For this Sunday, November 19th, the focus for our meditation will be on Receptivity.  Looking at news headlines often leaves the impression our world is so filled with anger and resentment from disparate groups of people who feel they are not being heard.  Some say the predominant constituency of voters who elected our current president is such a group.  They are often characterized as white males who are mostly not well-educated and too frequently unemployed, but I believe that is a gross over-simplification as are most such assumptions.  Nevertheless, they do represent a segment of our population whose frustration rises with the sense of being ignored.  Add them to the growing list of other groups who share concerns about being people of color, or having different sexual orientation, or having served in the military, and you create quite a mix.  The common base is they do not feel others want to understand or listen to their complaints.  One of the simplest ways to help de-escalate tension in a situation is to simply be willing to be Receptive and listen in a non-judgmental way to what the other person has to say.  Too often our society is choosing not to listen to others or allow them to have a voice, and as a result of shutting each other out the underlying anger simmers.  It can create an unhealthy state of tension that undermines our ability to truly connect with other people.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be shown how to be more Receptive to what others around us need to communicate.  May we all find more effective ways to stop and listen to others so they feel they are truly being heard.  Through a greater willingness to be Receptive to the message of others may we allow them to feel recognized and take the first step toward being understood.

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 Receptive to what others around me are trying to say?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to stop and truly listen in a fully Receptive way to the messages of those who seem different from 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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., November 12, 2017

For this Sunday, November 12th, the focus for our meditation will be on Witness.  I was recently reading an account by an emergency room physician of his experiences in that very difficult profession.  One of the challenges he wrote about was the constant struggle to not allow what he had to deal with in the emergency room make him callous and uncaring.  Sometimes the pain of a circumstance is so great that as a human being it becomes intolerable to fully take in the horror of certain tragedies.  This is often accompanied by feelings of helplessness.  In those instances it is not unusual for someone to allow themselves to harden so as to appear immune to what they are observing.  One way he learned to overcome the sense of powerlessness was to simply be present and bear Witness to the pain and suffering of another human being.  He may not have been able to save every patient he encountered, but he was able to honor their life by remaining present and being a compassionate Witness for their family’s pain and loss.  Years ago our nation used to honor returning veterans by holding a parade.  The streets would be lined with citizens wanting to offer Witness to the bravery and sacrifice of those in the military.  The custom seems to have gone by the wayside in most places, and so our veterans return to their hometowns in quiet anonymity to try and pick up the pieces of their life.  On this occasion of our nation’s commemoration of our military let us ask how we may better serve as Witness for all they have done for their nation.  Let us not only offer the energy and comfort of our prayers and meditation on their behalf, but let us also be guided how we might bear Witness to express our gratitude for their sacrifices.

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 be fully present and bear Witness for another individual?  How does it feel in my body when I have been a supportive Witness to acknowledge the sacrifice others have made?  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., November 5, 2017

For this Sunday, November 5th, the focus for our meditation will be on Story.  In many cities Storytelling is a local art form that is revered and flourishes thanks to the support of those who appreciate the importance of retaining our culture’s oral history.  Through the telling of Stories we educate, we entertain, we motivate, and we model for others a way of being based on how others before us lived their lives.  In this area there are several annual gatherings devoted to Storytelling that bring out local legends as well as talented performers from afar.  The events are for young and old alike, and they help carry on a tradition of passing on the wisdom of a culture through oral renderings that sometimes blend myth and reality.  If you were to attend such an event today, what would your Story be about?  What would you like to pass on to others in your Story that captures who you have become or what you have experienced along the way?  Seldom do we take the opportunity to sit down and write our real Story.  We might succinctly capture in a few disparate words how we want to be characterized in a social media profile, but is that really our Story?  Does the Story we find ourselves telling others really represent who we are?  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ponder how we would like to write our Story and what it would say about the progress we have made on our life journey thus far.  If we find the initial draft of our Story isn’t what we had hoped, let us ask for support and direction to be shown how to rewrite that Story in a way that helps us get back on track.  Through the ability to tell our Story may we appreciate how far we have come and look eagerly to the next chapter waiting to be created.

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 tell a Story that helps me better understand my history of how far I have come?  How does it feel in my body when I allow myself to tell my Story in a way that is honest and sincere?  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., October 29, 2017

For this Sunday, October 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Better.  A school principal in Virginia has a reputation of turning around underperforming schools.  Hamish Brewer goes in and not only changes the physical environment but more importantly gets the full buy-in of the students and their parents.  He encourages them not to be satisfied with being average but to Better themselves and strive to be amazing.  What is interesting is that Brewer came from a background similar to many of his students.  His parents were separated when he was young, and he experienced poverty and hunger and being around substance abuse.  As he puts it, he tries not to repeat the mistakes that were made for him when he was growing up.  He asks himself at the end of each day, “Was I Better for kids today?”  This is not about achieving perfection but is more about trying to be Better than you were before day in and day out.  Sometimes in life we aim so high that our goals are impractical, and it is easy to then feel discouraged and want to give up.  Rather than seek perfection we would so much better served if in little ways we consistently just tried to be a little Better.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask in what way do we seek to Better ourselves?  What is it that we do each day that will help us become Better than we were before?  If we find we need some help in this practice, let us ask for assistance from our spiritual support network in a way that is gentle and encouraging.  Through our efforts to make ourselves Better may we also help this nation grow stronger and Better with every passing day.

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 consciously working to become a Better person each day?  How does it feel in my body when I do things that encourage not only myself but also those around me to be Better than we were?  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., October 22, 2017

For this Sunday, October 22nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Practice.  Ever wonder how some people are able to change their behavior more easily than others?  The secret may be how they Practice.  When we have some ingrained habit that we want to shed we may initially encounter resistance to altering that pattern.  Old habits die hard, as we are wont to say.  It may have to do with the way we are neurologically wired.  Neural connections in the brain that fire most frequently tend to be reinforced.  To change behaviors we need to overcome the inertia of falling into comfortable habits and consciously choose a different path.  We want to get some new neural pathways firing so they become more automatic.  Initially as we Practice some new behavior it may feel unnatural or effortful.  With repetition, however, the new behavior can evolve to a pattern that seems more unconscious.  This technique of conscious Practice can help us change almost any unwanted behavioral pattern.  I tend to be an impatient driver and chafe at other vehicles that in my opinion are driving far too slowly or are inconsiderate of others.  Drivers who will sit in the left lane going below the speed limit and not move over, even when the right lane is vacant, simply know how to push my buttons.  It is a habit I detest, and so I am working to consciously change this pattern through Practice.  A dear friend gave me a visor clip of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so now when I encounter a driving situation that makes me feel frustrated I touch the image and say a quick prayer for the other drivers on the road as well as myself.  It hasn’t yet become automatic, but the majority of the time I now remember to do this, and I am sure with Practice it will replace my initial response of irritation.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider what we are Practicing through our behavior in the world.  Do we want to reinforce or perhaps change the patterns we have adopted?  Let us ask for assistance in being gently reminded to Practice new responses that better serve us, and may the changes that result serve as a model to encourage others.

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 successfully Practice a new way of responding that helps me overcome bad habits?  How does it feel in my body when my conscious Practice of a new behavior gradually becomes more automatic?  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., October 15, 2017

For this Sunday, October 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Altruism.  The events of recent weeks have to some degree begun to strain the generosity and charitable giving of our nation’s populace.  The U.S. is one of the most giving countries in the world; our readiness to lend support and aid to others is one of the traits that distinguishes us from other, especially less benevolent, nations.  The string of incidents resulting in desperate pleas for assistance began with the flooding in Texas, was followed by the destruction in Florida from a hurricane, continued with the senseless violence and loss of life in a Las Vegas mass shooting, was further perpetuated by the toll another storm had on Puerto Rico, and now is surfacing in the utter devastation from raging wildfires in Northern California.  There is a sense of how much more can we as a nation take and how do we help all those who are in need?  When people begin to feel strained in terms of their lending aid there is an unfortunate consequence of trying to determine the relative merit for each group’s cause.  How do you possibly measure the full toll of some of these tragedies?  Do you triage based on total lives lost?  What about the numbers of those who did not perish but are left with life-altering injuries?  How much should we factor in the cost of what it will take to rebuild homes, businesses, schools, and infrastructure?  Even more troubling are those times when people seek to argue the perceived value of the group being impacted.  Some rush to point blame at particular groups or communities as though they brought the disaster on themselves and therefore are “less deserving” to receive assistance.  An important characteristic of Altruism is that it reflects a giving spirit that is selfless and compassionate.  When we are being Altruistic we do not give with the expectation of anything in return, nor do we believe the recipient owes us any expression of gratitude or needs to demonstrate their worthiness for our generosity.  We simply give because there is a need.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask that the spirit of Altruism spread across this country.  May the hearts of all be opened to perceive the needs of others in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.  Through the power of our collective prayers may a genuine desire to be generous and charitable with others fill this nation and bring aid to those who require help. 

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 experienced the true compassion and selflessness of Altruism?  How does it feel in my body when I have acted in a generous and Altruistic way that only considers the needs of 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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 8, 2017

For this Sunday, October 8th, the focus for our meditation will be on Non-judgment.  If you have a chance there is a short video found at https://tinyurl.com/yatmhrcq that tells a remarkable story about an unlikely friendship between a male former Neo-Nazi white supremacist and his female black probation officer.  Her approach to the situation is probably what made the turnaround even possible.  As she states in the video her job was not to Judge him but to be a source of positive encouragement.  It worked, and they now are as close as family members, and this previously violent individual now seems more filled with peace in his life.  Their story serves as a reminder of how quick we can be to rush to Judgment, especially when things go wrong or we encounter people we dislike.  I know people are once again devastated by the senseless violence that occurred last weekend in Las Vegas.  We may never fully comprehend what impelled that individual to perpetuate such an act of evil.  However, to turn on each other and begin Judging and even blaming people, officials, politicians, etc., does nothing to better the situation.  I recognize this reaction comes from the anger and fear people are feeling.  Rather than rush to castigate, perhaps we would be better served to reach out and seek to rationally communicate with those we feel may have fallen short of their duty.  By modeling positive support and encouragement instead of Judgment we may have a better chance of our message being heard.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider in what way might we be too quick to Judge others in our life.  Let us ask to be directed to a more positive and supportive stance of Non-Judgment when we are feeling upset about a person or situation.  From this position of Non-Judgment may we gain the clarity needed to see more options that can truly make things better rather than worse.

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 withhold Judgment about others with whom I disagree?  How does it feel in my body when I find the ability to react with Non-Judgment in a difficult situation?  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., October 1, 2017

For this Sunday, October 1st, the focus for our meditation will be on Family.  There is a saying that we are born into the Family that brings us our karmic lessons, but we choose a Family in the form of friends who help us with that journey.   There are groups of friends I only get to see a few times a year when we gather for an occasion such as a class or retreat.  I look forward to these events because to me they feel like a Family reunion but with less drama.  Our friends support us in ways Family often can’t.  They bring a new perspective that provides contrast to the Family way of doing things so we can better see alternative patterns to break the “Family trance.”  This is the state that occurs when we accept the way things have always been done and fall into habits and relationships simply because it is how our Family expects us to behave.  While we want to always appreciate the connection to our hereditary ancestors, we also want to recognize the importance of our “chosen” Family.  Both may take some work to keep the relationships healthy, but they bring us different rewards in return.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider the importance of Family, particularly those people close to us who may not be relations but who are there for us in so many critical ways.  Let us remember to express our appreciation for the Family we have created through friendship and let them know how much we value their presence in our life. 

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 those people who through friendship have become my adopted Family?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize how I am supported by Family, especially those I have chosen to surround me 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., September 24, 2017

For this Sunday, September 24th, the focus for our meditation will be on Direction.  I apologize in advance, but there is a lengthy quotation I would like to use from a speech given by Robert Kennedy on October 22, 1966 titled, “A Speech on Race,” that is so relevant and timely it could have been written for today. 

“We must, as thinking men, distinguish between the right of dissent and the way we choose to exercise that right.  It is not enough to justify or explain our actions by the fact that they are legal or constitutionally protected.  The Constitution protects wisdom and ignorance, compassion and selfishness alike.  But that dissent which consists simply of sporadic and dramatic acts sustained by neither continuing labor or research – that dissent which seeks to demolish while lacking both the desire and direction for rebuilding, that dissent which contemptuously or out of laziness, casts aside the practical weapons and instruments of change and progress – that kind of dissent is merely self-indulgence.  It is satisfying perhaps to those who make it.

But it will not solve the problems of our society.  It will not assist those seriously engaged in the difficult and frustrating work of the nation.  And, when it is all over, it will not have brightened or enriched the life of a single portion of humanity in a single part of the globe.

All of us have the right to dissipate our energies and talent as we desire.  But those who are serious about the future have the obligation to Direct those energies and talents toward concrete objectives consistent with the ideals they profess.  From those of you who take that course will come the fresh ideas and leadership, which are the compelling needs of America.”

My wise brother and I were recently discussing the controversial way some professional athletes are demonstrating their dissent (about what I wasn’t exactly sure).  I’ve never been a fan of demonstrations, as I feel they accomplish little other than to self-satisfy those who participate, as Kennedy mentions above.  My brother then raised the examples of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or the suffragettes, who all were known for their public protests to raise awareness of important issues.  How could I possibly find those historic moments a waste of time and effort?  The difference, I believe, is the way in which they Directed their efforts to voice their discontent.  For me, there is a huge separation between marching peacefully and engaging in disrespectful behavior.  Gandhi and King, in particular, did more than just publicly protest.  They also followed up on their concerns by meeting with community and religious leaders and elected officials who could influence and make needed change.  The protests alone likely would not have led to changes in laws that were a first step to rectifying the injustice.  There needed to be additional follow-up action that Directed the energy of the protest toward positive and concrete change.

This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how we Direct our energy particularly in relation to those causes and issues we feel are important in our life and for our nation.  Let us ask to be gently guided to find better ways to Direct our efforts to bring fruitful results that help us move forward in a positive direction.  Additionally, let us ask that all those who are oppressed or the victims of injustice have an opportunity to be heard so that those in power will be Directed to enact needed change so their lives may improve.

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 successfully Directed my efforts toward making positive change?  How does it feel in my body when I see how focusing and Directing my energies can bring real results?  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., September 17, 2017

For this Sunday, September 17th, the focus for our meditation will be on Humor.  In his 2002 book titled, “Nothing Is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life,” actor Christopher Reeve talks about the importance of Humor following an equestrian accident that left him paralyzed.  His life was forever altered by that accident, but as the title of his first book, “Still Me,” attested, he wanted people to recognize he was still the same person inside.  To set others at ease and to help return to some sense of normality in his life he embraced Humor.  As Reeve puts it, “When things are really bad, you have to laugh.  We use Humor to relieve tension and cope with many things in life that are whimsical and even absurd.”  The gallows Humor of those in high-stress jobs and environments is a well-known phenomenon.  It helps relieve the pressure of what they have to deal with far too often that would otherwise lead to burnout.  Rather than take ourselves too seriously, perhaps we would all be mentally healthier and happier if we regularly allowed ourselves to just see some Humor even in difficult situations.  It is interesting to me that some people view spirituality as something “sacred” that should not be perceived as comical in any way.  Yet, I am quite certain that those in the spirit world who are there to assist us very much retain a sense of Humor and enjoy using it in their interaction with us.  Perhaps they understand better than we here on earth do that we need Humor to help us make it through life’s challenges.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider whether we sufficiently appreciate the value of Humor in our life.  Let us ask to be gently reminded of the benefits Humor can bring so we can more easily surmount the difficulties we all face.

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 use Humor to help me through a difficult situation?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate how Humor makes me feel better when I am stressed or upset?  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., September 10, 2017

For this Sunday, September 10th, the focus for our meditation will be on Impact.  There is a story that is often told, with different variations, about an individual (sometimes a little girl, sometimes a young man) who walks alone along a beach tossing live starfish that have washed ashore back into the sea.  The observer in the story comments on the futility of their actions, and the thrower replies as they gently toss another starfish into the water, “It made a difference for that one.”  The actual origin for the story came from an essay that was published by a writer named Loren Eiseley almost 50 years ago.  Eiseley was both a scientist and a poet, and the essay reflects his awareness, as a naturalist, of the perils the natural world presents as well as his optimism that we each have the ability to move from being mere observers to taking action and having an Impact on the world.  Presently we are seeing a confluence of natural events that may threaten to exhaust our hopefulness.  Wildfires in the western part of the country, the remnants of terrific flooding in Texas, and now the anticipation of what Hurricane Irma may bring to Florida and the southeast all have combined in a short period of time to deaden our empathic sensibilities.  The end result may produce feelings of not just helplessness but also apathy as we sit as numb observers wondering what comes next.  As Eisely urged in his original essay we all have the ability to make an Impact if we so choose.  Rather than feel overwhelmed and powerless, let us each recognize that if we step out of the observer role and find a way to help another, even if it is just a single individual, collectively we can have a tremendous Impact.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us call upon our country’s indomitable spirit of generosity and compassion and ask that we each be shown a viable way to make an Impact during challenging times.  Let us ask that all people and living creatures who may be in peril from natural events be given the assistance they need, and may we weave a web of support that unifies and strengthens this nation.

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 taken even a small action that helps Impact someone else in a positive way?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize the power I have to make an Impact that spurs me to assist 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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 3, 2017

For this Sunday, September 3rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Prayer.  Images from the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey continue to capture our attention in the news and on social media.  I’ve never experienced a natural disaster such as a major earthquake, flood, or wildfire first-hand and can’t truly fathom how life-altering these events can be for the families and business owners who live in their path.  Watching the desperate rescue efforts and seeing all the loss people experience can leave one feeling so powerless.  Thankfully, numerous stories abound of regular citizens stepping in to do what they can to help by bringing boats into areas under water, or offering food, shelter and clothing for those displaced by the storm.  Self-organized rescue and relief efforts provide a valuable sense of optimism about the power of the human spirit under difficult circumstances.  For those of us not able to physically lend a hand we need not feel entirely helpless, however.  The power of Prayer is always at our disposal, and I am a deep believer in its miraculous workings.  This week in our Prayer and meditation time let us lend our support to all people in our nation currently impacted by tragedy and natural disaster.  May we ask that those who serve as emergency responders conduct their rescue operations in safety.  Let the support of our Prayers help sustain those who need to rebuild their lives, and may these events bring out only the best and most charitable traits in all those who seek to come to the assistance of others.

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 observed the miracles that can come from Prayer?  How does it feel in my body when I have felt supported and embraced by others through the power of Prayer?  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., August 27, 2017

For this Sunday, August 27th, the focus for our meditation will be on Perception.  What is your Perception of former President Harry S. Truman?  Perhaps you think of the iconic photograph of a grinning President Truman holding aloft a newspaper that erroneously declared his opponent, Thomas E. Dewey, the victor in the 1948 election.  If you’re like me, I didn’t really know much about him and am not old enough to have formed any personal memories of his time in office.  He assumed the presidency in April 1945 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s sudden death from a stroke.  A former Missouri Senator, Truman was relatively unknown at the time and saw a climb in approval ratings to 87 percent by June 1945 as relieved Americans found World War II winding down.  By February 1952, however, his approval ratings had sunk to an all-time low of 22 percent, lower than even the nadir of 24 percent achieved by Richard Nixon during his time in office.  Yet, today Truman is consistently ranked among the top ten best presidents in our nation’s history.  Apparently, it took time for his contributions and accomplishments to be fully appreciated and for people’s Perceptions to change.  I don’t know what history and time will eventually do to form a lasting Perception of our current or most recent Presidents.  But I do know that the distance provided by time often helps infuse more objectivity in our Perceptions.  In the heat of the moment it is easy to be swayed by the visceral emotions some events can provoke.  To buffer ourselves against these emotional whirlpools perhaps we would be best served trying to look at the bigger picture and recognize that years from now our current Perceptions may very well have shifted.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be assisted in gaining a better understanding of how our Perceptions can be malleable and can require distance to gain clarity.  May we be shown as a nation how to be patient and methodical in forming Perceptions that go beyond more volatile spontaneous reactions.

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 formed Perceptions on an issue that have later evolved and changed?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize the benefit that time brings in helping me make clearer Perceptions?  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., August 20, 2017

For this Sunday, August 20th, the focus for our meditation will be on Resolve.  There was a tremendous amount of reporting this past week offering different perspectives on the situation in Charlottesville and the broader reflection it provided on the ills of our country.  One account that especially struck me was an article by a member of the clergy and their experience during the protests.  It took great courage for those individuals to purposely wade into the middle of some of the frays that erupted, knowing they risked physical harm.  Their Resolve to be a center of peace and calm is what motivated and sustained them even when chaos seemed to be unraveling around them.  One definition of the word Resolve is the firm commitment to act.  It is backed by a determination that is unwavering, even in the face of doubt and uncertainty.  There is a groundedness to individuals who possess true Resolve, for they can be very much in touch with their spiritual center.  They often have deep insight into who they are and more importantly, who they need to be in times of crisis.  Genuine Resolve can be profoundly peaceful in its strength and does not require force or physical violence to make an impact.  As our nation deals with the anger that continues to fuel demonstrations across this country let us ask to all find the courage to stand with Resolve against hatred, bigotry, and violence.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us support those with Resolve to maintain calm in the face of turmoil.  May we all be shown how to find Resolve at times when we may be fearful or uncertain, and may our unity help sustain our commitment to each other as we seek to heal the long-standing wounds of this great nation.

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 maintained Resolve in my commitment to a difficult decision?  How does it feel in my body when I have Resolve to take action even when afraid?  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., August 13, 2017

For this Sunday, August 13th, the focus for our meditation will be on Love.  I have spent the better part of the day following the news regarding the terrible events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and trying to decide how to best address the situation.  The particular challenge, as I see it, is how do you Love people who seem so clearly filled with hate, with arrogance, and with utter disregard for those they wish to see eliminated?  For me, step one is to not direct the same hatred and anger toward them that they direct toward others.  Step two is to go instead to an emotional state of neutrality.  Step three is to try and see the bigger picture.  Step four is to somehow find the ability to recognize all parties on all sides as human beings.  Step five is to project Love to them no matter who they are.  It is only with the power of Love that such evil hatred can be won over.  It is only with Love that hearts hardened with anger can be softened.  As trite and as challenging as it may seem, Love is truly the only solution to the desire for violent conflict that repeatedly wants to erupt across our cities.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us please direct the powerful energy of Love to the city of Charlottesville to help ease the tensions that have flared up there.  Let us ask that the soothing balm of Love bring peace to all areas of the country where evil seeks to rise up against others.  Through the power of our prayers may the people of this nation choose to embrace Love that leaves no room for hatred.

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 been completely consumed with a Love that leave no room for negative emotions?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to extend Love even to those I find difficult to understand and accept?  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., August 6, 2017

For this Sunday, August 6th, the focus for our meditation will be on Loyalty.  One of the most endearing qualities to our animal companions is their unfailing Loyalty toward their human caregivers.  Those of you who have had pets know how they don’t care what mood you are in, what you look like, how distracted or busy you may be; for them there is the fulfilling sense of joy just to be in your presence.  How many of us can claim human relationships that are just as unconditional and forgiving?  Admittedly it can be difficult on occasion to remain Loyal, particularly in light of what one may perceive as a hurt or slight caused by another.  At the same time, there are limits that can be reasonably be placed on Loyalty.  I will never quite understand how an adult victim of abuse continues to remain Loyal to their partner who delivers such mistreatment.  As a former police officer, it was particularly frustrating to arrive at the scene of a domestic dispute only to have the victim, with obvious physical signs of abuse, refuse to press charges.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider where we place our Loyalty in our life.  May we recognize and appreciate those qualities that endear others to us and make us readily want to remain Loyal to them.  Likewise, may we examine those relationships where Loyalty may be misplaced, and ask to be guided how to best step away from situations and people where our higher good is not being served. 

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 a strong sense of deserved Loyalty toward another?  How does it feel in my body when the Loyalty from those around me help to sustain me through difficult times?  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., July 30, 2017

For this Sunday, July 30th, the focus for our meditation will be on Decorum.  Over the past few years what is considered polite public demeanor seems to be slowly eroding.  This was most certainly the case with a recent magazine article stating that a White House official gave an interview saturated not just with profanity but replete with coarse vulgarity most of which was directed against colleagues.  I’ve seen on many occasions reporters act with incredible insolence as they hurl volatile questions in public at celebrities and politicians just to capture a needed sound-bite for the news.  This past week a reporter shouted a question at the President during a gathering to honor White House interns.  The attention-grabbing ploy was not only disrespectful to the Office of the President but also took the focus away from the interns who were being acknowledged.  Several years ago a U.S. Representative brazenly interrupted a speech by President Obama to a joint session of Congress by yelling, “You lie,” earning him a formal rebuke by the House.  Such conduct would have been unthinkable decades ago.  It is not clear what has fostered this deterioration in public conduct, but we can work to counter this trend through not only our own behavior but also our prayers and meditation.  This week let us examine how we conduct ourselves publicly, even in circumstances when we may be irritated or impatient, and may we always seek to rise above rudeness.  Through the power of our prayers let us ask that the desire to restore civility spread across this nation, and may our public officials help model a sense of Decorum for us all.

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 retain a sense of Decorum even during trying situations?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize others are behaving with Decorum rather than meeting rudeness with discourtesy?  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., July 23, 2017

For this Sunday, July 23rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Adaptability.  Growing up I lived a life of regular routine.  I never found it boring or dull but instead enjoyed the comfort of feeling settled in a predictable pattern.  I could have very easily persisted in that comfortable predictability my entire life, and as a result may never have moved beyond a small geographic circumference of where I was raised.  Instead, a career choice led me to a series of positions that required a significant amount of travel, both domestic and international.  I grew to become comfortable in discomfort and the disorientation of foreign environments.  There is no doubt that these experiences helped me become much more Adaptable than I would have ever been otherwise.  The funny thing is that while some people consider themselves flexible, the real need for Adaptability is never thrust upon them as they pass through their fairly regular schedule of activities.  It is only when the jarring reality of change is forced on us that we must learn how to Adapt.  The same may be true for our nation.  If we think back to the original formation of our country those same set of laws and regulations could never have helped us manage our transformation into the modern age without some Adaptability.  The prescience of our forefathers to accommodate change through constitutional amendments built in the Adaptability we needed to evolve as a nation.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider whether we might benefit as individuals by allowing greater Adaptability into our life routine.  Also, let us ask whether our nation could be assisted in its progression by Adapting to needed change that could move us forward rather than hold us back.

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 be Adaptable to change that brings a positive benefit?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to accommodate disruptions in my routine and thus exercise my Adaptability?  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., July 16, 2017

For this Sunday, July 16th, the focus for our meditation will be on Unexpected.  Several times this week I was very fortunate to be able to walk a Chartres-patterned labyrinth that was placed on the floor of our community’s chapel.  The famous Chartres pattern has 11 circuits created by winding paths and simple yet beautiful petal embellishments.  Each time I walked the labyrinth I found myself surprised by the Unexpected turns and twists in its pattern.  Deep in contemplation I would on one level find myself thinking that this was where we moved to the next quadrant, only to find a turn that took me in an Unexpected direction.  Sometimes I would be caught by surprise to find I was finally being led out of the labyrinth, thinking I must surely have more time to spend walking its curving lanes.  The experience made me appreciate how we likewise can encounter the Unexpected in our life.  Most of us like to feel in control and plan things out, including our long-term life goals.  Every now and then, however, reality springs up and forces us to alter our plans with something Unexpected that occurs.  The Unexpected can bring a positive opportunity but often it initially feels like a blocked doorway that frustrates us in our inability to pass through.  Once we learn to give in to the Unexpected it helps us become more flexible.  We may even come to appreciate the serendipity of discovering an exciting prospect we could never have foreseen or manifested ourselves.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider those periods in our life when something Unexpected has occurred and ultimately led to a positive benefit.  While we may not be able to actively seek out Unexpected events, let us ask to be helped to recognize the good that can come from the opportunities they bring.

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 experienced an Unexpected event that may have taken my life in a different direction?  How does it feel in my body when I can appreciate the wonder and benefit that the Unexpected can bring?  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