Meditation Instructions for Sun., January 29, 2017

For this Sunday, January 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Discernment.  In times of war many nations have used misdirection and deception to purposely mislead the enemy.  The objective is to conceal one’s true intentions and cause the opposition to look elsewhere, or to perceive something that is not actually there, or to disregard something that is in fact present.  Magicians who practice slight-of-hand tricks do the same thing.  Behind a successful deception and misdirection strategy is an understanding of the other party’s bias as that often guides what ruse is used to pull their attention away from what you don’t want to be seen or noticed.  Of late we are seeing much misdirection in the world.  For instance, I’m often surprised at how readily some people succumb to fake news stories.  To my eye, there are glaring indicators that signal the report is not to be believed or at a minimum should be looked at with a healthy dose of skepticism.  One clue is when the “news” report is accompanied by an incredibly unflattering photograph of the human subject of the article.  It becomes blatantly obvious they are trying from the outset to portray the individual in a highly critical light.  My preference would be that they allow the facts alone to speak for themselves, so when other steps are made to superficially appeal to a bias it makes me question why they feel the need to take that approach.  The counter to such attempts at manipulation is to retain a sense of objectivity that helps hone one’s level of Discernment.  To be Discerning suggests one is able to see through the smoke and mirrors and not be as easily misled.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask that the people of this nation be guided to develop a stronger sense of Discernment that enables them to see through so much of the deception that is present.  Through the power of Discernment may all citizens come to recognize when they are being manipulated and to better recognize the truth that may initially be hidden from view.

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 power of Discernment in helping me sort truth from falsehood?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to Discern when the truth is being concealed?  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., January 22, 2017

For this Sunday, January 22nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Hope.  This weekend marks the dawning of another new era in our nation’s long history.  The reins of government will be transferred from one president to another, and a new team of politicians will draw together to try and move our country forward.  Like them or not, those elected officials are what we have at the helm.  For our leaders to have any chance of success we must lend them our support.  The next four years have the potential to be very difficult.  There will be much needed scrutiny to keep individuals accountable for their words and actions.  It will require vigilance and strength to monitor those in office.  However, to proceed from a base of suspicion and negativity will only weaken our efforts.  Instead, as we seek to evaluate the honesty and integrity of the actions that proceed we want to do so from a position of Hope.  Let us conduct our examination of this country and its leaders against the light of Hope that we hold up, casting before us an image of what is eternally possible for us to accomplish.  In creating a template of possibility built out of Hope we aim to raise ourselves, our leaders, and our nation up rather than tear it down.  As difficult as it may seem, we want to summon within us the knowledge that our nation, founded on a sacred contract, has the potential for greatness.  No single individual or political party can unseat that foundation.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us breathe in the power given by Hope to help guide our nation along the challenging path ahead. 

Let us also recognize the energy that is created with the gathering of large groups of people.  This weekend we will see large assemblies for the inauguration ceremonies as well as the various marches organized by women and other concerned citizens across the country.  No matter what your position on such matters, please add to your prayers that all gatherings take place safely and securely, and may we draw upon the energy of those congregations to enable our prayers to be lifted up across this entire country.

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 I am filled with more Hope than dismay for what the future holds?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to hold up the light of Hope that helps guide the way?  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., January 15, 2017

For this Sunday, January 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Service.  For inspiration for this week’s meditation I am turning once again to the John O’Donohue poem, “For a Leader,” which I have vowed will become part of my daily prayer practice over the next four years.  Another line in his stirring, memorable poem reads, “May you act not from arrogance but out of Service.”  Our President-Elect will be sworn into office this coming Friday.  He has achieved some measure of success in business but has never before Served in an elected political office.  It will be an interesting experiment to see if some of the practices that worked in the business world will translate as effectively into the convoluted world of politics.  During my time in government I survived at least one ill-fated attempt to transform a federal organization into something that operated more like a private sector business.  While it sounded like a great concept initially, filled with the potential to bring greater efficiency and streamlining, in practical reality it was an abysmal failure.  I’m not exactly sure why, other than the behemoth of a bureaucracy can be a daunting thing to try and transform.  What is apparent is that our federal government has its weaknesses and flaws.  To correct them may take more than whatever is the latest business trend in efficiency.  I hope and pray this next President comes to recognize this important office requires much more of a leader beyond what may have helped run a business.  What is more essential is the sincere desire to be of Service to the nation, which demands setting one’s own ego and agenda aside.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask that all our elected officials stepping into the role of leadership and responsibility recognize the importance of Service.  May they develop a sincere desire to be of Service to all citizens and find the means to help lead this nation forward during difficult times.

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 importance of being of Service to others?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to take on a role of leadership and responsibility that is driven by Serving others rather than myself?  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., January 8, 2017

For this Sunday, January 8th, the focus for our meditation will be on Adventure.  We are only a couple of weeks away from the inauguration of a new President; one who has been at the center of a storm of controversy and generated much fear and anger, particularly for those who opposed his election.  The time is here to turn away from that negativity and instead focus on what we can do to help elevate him to what this nation needs.  I’ll be the first to admit I think this next four years is going to require a lot of prayer for our country to try to resolve so many fundamental issues that appear to be tearing us apart.  If you aren’t sure what to pray, former Irish priest and renowned poet John O’Donohue wrote a poem that is perfectly suited as the basis for prayer that will help our nation.  It is titled, “For a Leader,” and calls upon the qualities of wisdom, kindness, graciousness, decorum, etc. to rest upon a leader’s mantle.  We need these qualities more than ever, and through the power of our prayer and meditation we can help transform leaders to become better individuals.  The last line of the poem reads, “May leadership be for you a true Adventure of growth.”  To enter on an Adventure implies there is much that is unknown before us, and perhaps we may not yet possess all the skills and knowledge that will be required.  Part of participating in an Adventure is the opportunity for growth that it brings.  If we aren’t yet prepared to take on an Adventure the process itself will help us develop those needed capabilities.  Our nation stands on the cusp of an Adventure, and the nature of the ride will depend on what we contribute through the energy of our prayers.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us focus on the spiritual aspects of Adventure and ask that our nation and leaders be assisted as we embark on this uncertain journey.

(If you would like to read the John O’Donohue prayer, “For a Leader,” in its entirety, please go to http://www.aaronkeyes.com/blog/2014/1/8/for-the-leader).

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 about to embark on the uncertain path that is brought by Adventure?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize the growth I can attain when I am willing to be Adventurous?  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