For this Sunday, June 4th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Mindfulness. One of my favorite childhood memories is
something as simple as the experience of laying on my back in the grass on a
beautiful summer day just watching the clouds pass overhead. The sensation of feeling the warm sun,
smelling freshly cut lawns, and hearing the buzzing of insects was so totally
satisfying and fulfilling there was no space for a single care in the world. While I didn’t know it at the time it was
probably my first exposure to the concept of Mindfulness meditation. Admittedly
at such a young age it was relatively easy to clear the mind of any worries and
be completely at peace. Now when I try
to meditate I must struggle against an intellect that doesn’t like
relinquishing control and wants to instead make me process all the tasks on a lengthy
to-do list. Every now and then, however,
I briefly recapture that childhood experience of clearing the mind and feeling totally
present and at ease with the world. Earlier
today I was assisted in this process by my dog, Joy. We were just returning from a walk on a
wooded trail near where we live, and before we were even home I was already
mentally rushing ahead and planning all the errands I needed to run. She, however, had other plans and chose to
plunk herself down on the ground, refusing to move. I know these moments and rather than waste
energy trying to convince her to give up her stubbornness I now instead join
her. I sat down in the lush green grass
beside her and stretched out my legs, just watching her take in the scenery
around us. After only a few moments you
can’t help but feel yourself take a deep breath and relax, relieving any stress
or concern. Somehow that lengthy to-do
list was forgotten, and it was just me and my dog, enjoying being present with
each other. It refreshed that childhood
memory for me and made me laugh at the thought that an animal can be so much
better at Mindfulness than us
humans. This week in our prayer and
meditation time let us consider this lesson of Mindfulness that is modeled for us by the very young and our animal
companions. Let us pause to take time
from our busy schedules to remember how to clear our mind and be so full of
peace that no cares can penetrate, even if just for a few moments. As we seek to recapture that feeling of calm
and innocence may we ask that the same sensation spread across this nation and
help ease so many of the tensions that we as busy adults seem to always want to
create.
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 completely
at ease and able to reach a state of Mindfulness?
How does it feel in my body when I can clear my mind and be able to experience
the peace of Mindfulness? Then
send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.
Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express
thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.
If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share
please let me know via e-mail to kmiritello@gmail.com
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