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
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