For this Sunday, November 26th, the focus
for our meditation will be on Sadness. At this time of year when songs and greeting
cards exhort us to be filled with good cheer and joy Sadness may seem a contradictory
focus for our meditation. However, for
many this time of year is particularly challenging. Those who battle depression or who have
suffered loss can find the joyful spirit of those around them distressful at
best or abrasive and hurtful at worst. A
friend recently returned from an out-of-town trip where she attended the
funeral for her niece, a young woman who died after a lengthy fight with
cancer. This woman left behind two
daughters in their early teens, and I can’t help but think of them, realizing
this will be the first Christmas without their mother. For those who suffered the loss of homes and
businesses in the floods and wildfires that occurred over the summer the
holiday season does not bring an end to the struggle to rebuild their
lives. They instead must navigate
through this time while the enormity of their loss is magnified by the seasonal
emphasis on material things or the warmth of a home that no longer exists. While these sobering situations do not mean
we must abandon our desire for joyful celebration we do want to be sensitive to
those who choose not to participate.
Rather than making a friend who is struggling with Sadness feel
guilty or shamed for not wanting to join a large gathering perhaps consider
inviting them for a smaller, quiet social activity where they may better appreciate
the gestures of support and understanding without feeling so overwhelmed. Let us recognize the importance of being empathetic
with those who choose not to join in the merriment and find ways to let them
know they are still valued and loved.
Through the light and energy of our prayer and meditation may they feel
supported and accepted rather than judged and ostracized.
If you, or someone you love, may be
struggling with depression and considering suicide please reach out by calling
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free, 24/7 at
1-800-273-8255. You are never alone.
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 appreciate how
feelings of Sadness do not need to
be denied or ignored in order to please others? How does it feel in my
body when I accept that Sadness can
be a normal cycle in life? 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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