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
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