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
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