For this Sunday, July 8th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Attention. I recently heard a local street musician who
spoke between sets about how it saddened her to see a wonderfully talented
gentleman she knew, a former veteran who was homeless, ignored by many who
passed him by. He was a colorful
character who was kind and gentle, and she was hurt when he once told her how
he had asked a pedestrian what time it was and they replied that they didn’t
have any change on them presuming he was asking for a handout. What pained her the most was how here was
this beautiful person she had come to know and no one noticed him at all. That is a common complaint of those who are
homeless on the streets that people avoid making eye contact in an effort to
pretend they aren’t there. This musician,
who had also previously been homeless, mentioned how she now makes sure to acknowledge
those she sees on the streets by greeting them.
She still remembers what it was like when a stranger would say hello or
ask how she was doing and that such a simple act could warm her entire
day. In Arthur Miller’s classic play, “Death
of a Salesman,” the wife of Willy Loman, the Everyman of those who are overlooked
in life, exhorts his sons with the famous line, “Attention must be paid.” It is a strident call to remember that no one
is disposable. Everyone deserves respect
and Attention and no one should go through life feeling as though they
never mattered. This week in our prayer
and meditation time let us consider whether we take sufficient time to notice
those around us as we hurry about our daily routines. Let us ask to be gently reminded to pay Attention
particularly to those less fortunate in ways that acknowledge their presence with
the consideration and respect every human being deserves.
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 fully aware
and pay Attention to other people I
pass each day? How does it feel in my body when someone else pays Attention to me in a way that acknowledges
the value of my being? 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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