Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 29, 2019

For this Sunday, December 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Opportunity.  In a few days we will begin not just a new year but also a new decade.  These milestones can represent an Opportunity for a shift in our circumstances, if we allow it.  The thing about Opportunities is that you are not being handed immediate success or fulfillment.  They instead provide an opening that requires us to take action in order to take full advantage of what they can bring.  When presented with an Opportunity we have choices to make as to whether we want to step through that door as well as how to proceed down the path they open up for us.  Some effort on our part is likely going to be required, but the rewards can be more than we might even imagine.  What would you change about your circumstances, if the Opportunity presented itself?  How could your life be different, if you had the Opportunity to take another direction?  Let us use our prayer and meditation time this week to examine what Opportunities we would like to make possible in this new year and decade that are ahead.  Let us ask to be given the courage to take full advantage of the Opportunities that present themselves, and may we be supported in our desire to effect those changes that will help us continue to grow.

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 given an Opportunity to make important changes in my life?  How does it feel in my body when I am not afraid to proceed into the unknown and take full advantage of an Opportunity that arises?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 22, 2019

For this Sunday, December 22nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Trust.  I am the only one among my siblings who did not learn how to swim as a child.  My parents had me attend lessons at the local swimming pool, but to say I did not take to it like the proverbial duck to water is a gross understatement.  I was terrified of the water for some unknown reason.  Fast forward to college when I switched my major to Physical Education to become what I thought was going to be an athletic trainer before life had different plans for me, and I discovered swimming was a required course in the curriculum.  I dreaded the first class but dutifully showed up.  The instructor reassured the few non-swimmers among us that we were all capable of learning.  In her preliminary pep talk she mentioned that every summer she taught developmentally and physically challenged people how to swim.  That got my attention and opened up for me the initial possibility that perhaps she could even get me to not inhale half the pool’s contents when my head was beneath the surface.  Because of her experience and past success, I felt I could Trust her and began to relax a bit.  By the end of the semester I was actually swimming laps and was able to reasonably execute a variety of strokes, even the ones requiring me to submerge my head underwater.  If I hadn’t been able to let go and Trust this person, I never would have discovered the pleasure of swimming.  Our country right now is in such a period of turmoil with many people in angst about what is happening on the national stage.  Some even speak in terms of doom and gloom for our country and fear what the future will bring.  My experience reminds me in times such as these to remain positive and Trust that the foundational strength of our nation will see us through.  It has been a while since I spoke of the concept of the “manitou,” or the spiritual energy that is created when an organization is formed.  The manitou consists of the energy contribution of the founders and carries with it their hopes and intentions for what form their creation will take as it evolves.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us focus on connecting with the manitou or energetic purpose of our nation with a feeling of Trust that we will get through this difficult period.  May the light of our prayers help ease the unease that seems to pervade this country and replace it with a sense of confidence and Trust that a better future will come for all.

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 feel confident and have a sense of Trust in what the future will bring?  How does it feel in my body when I can let go of my fear and worry and allow myself to Trust that troubles will be resolved in time?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 15, 2019

For this Sunday, December 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Inclusiveness.  This time of year, when we are inundated with constant reminders of the “merriness” of the season, it can be especially difficult for those who feel rejected or marginalized by the rest of society.  The holidays are stressful enough, but add to the mix other issues such as being financially strained or separated from family and friends, and they can be anything but “merry.”  I find it heartwarming to hear of efforts to help those on the edge of society or who have struggles that make it difficult for them to feel Included in society.  A gentleman in Alabama named Rodney Smith, Jr. decided to do something about this problem.  He created an enterprise called Raising Men Lawn Care Service (https://weareraisingmen.com/).  The concept is simple.  Rodney inspires young men and women to accept his “50 Yard Challenge” by agreeing to mow the lawns of at least 50 people in need.  They provide this free service for the elderly, the disabled, single parents, and military veterans who may not have the means to maintain their own lawns.  The movement began regionally, then expanded nationally, and now involves youth in six countries who have mowed more than 15,000 lawns.  Along the way new friendships are formed, and the young people feel a sense of pride and accomplishment by helping others.  During the winter season these volunteers shovel driveways and sidewalks and also deliver donated items to people in need particularly the homeless.  The beaming smiles on the faces of those they help speak volumes.  It is much more than having your lawn mowed – it is feeling a connection with someone who is taking time to acknowledge you as a person.  People who may have been quite alone now have a caring friend who help them feel more a part of society.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us examine our own communities and ask if there are those in need of feeling more Included by others.  May we be inspired to expand a sense of Inclusiveness for all even in ways that make them simply feel acknowledged as an individual.

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 appreciated feeling Included by others as a member of their circle of friends?  How does it feel in my body when I have recognized the impact of intentionally Including others who may have been marginalized?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 8, 2019

For this Sunday, December 8th, the focus for our meditation will be on Precious.  I recently came across a marvelous panel of the cartoon featuring Calvin and Hobbes.  Calvin, the mischievous young boy, is nestled peacefully against his stuffed tiger friend, Hobbes, and both are sound asleep.  The caption is a quote from Hobbes and reads, “If good things lasted forever, would we appreciate how Precious they are?”  Moments like those are often something we wish would never end.  We want to forever bask in the comfort of those times when we are entirely at peace with ourselves and the world.  But perhaps Hobbes wisely realized we would lose our appreciation for the specialness of those moments if they were truly everlasting.  It may be that we need the contrast of the mundane or even the frustrating in life to fully cherish those times we consider Precious.  This season when we often are so distracted by material things and the stressors of the holidays, we would be well served to take a moment to pause and reflect on what is truly Precious in life.  What do we most value and would not want to live without?  Who in our life do we consider to be most important to us?  Are we really living our life in a way that takes full advantage of all the gifts we already have?  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider what is most Precious.  Let us give thanks for those Precious moments that help make life feel more fulfilling and satisfying.  In particular, let us ask that those who may struggle in this season with feelings of loneliness or sadness come to recognize what is present in their life that might be more Precious than they realize. 

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 a full appreciation for all that is Precious in my life?  How does it feel in my body when I cherish those non-material aspects of all I have that I find Precious?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 1, 2019

For this Sunday, December 1st, the focus for our meditation will be on Being.  One more inspiration drawn from the wisdom of Fred Rogers will serve as the focus for this week’s meditation topic, although I feel we could almost do an entire year of focus topics just based on his contributions to this world.  Fred’s widow, Joanne Rogers, continues to help spread his amazing legacy and has been giving many interviews with the recent release of the film about her husband.  She was recently asked how he might react given all the divisiveness and anger in our society right now.  Some wondered if Fred, who was first and foremost an ordained minister, might take to the pulpit of social media to tweet about his probable dismay with current events.  Joanne’s response was that he would just “Be.”  He wouldn’t turn to social media to rail against injustice or hatred or violence.  He would just Be a presence in the world who carried an energy to counter its deficiencies.  Being means so much more than just thinking or hoping or intending positivity.  Being requires us to physically create an energy that is fully present and that carries as much light as we can generate.  Being means that we energetically alter our immediate surroundings in a way that ultimately ripples out and continues to impact others near and far.  If we are filled with anger, hatred, jealousy, etc., that is what we end up broadcasting out into the world.  But if we turn to meditation to help raise our vibration, we emanate that greater light instead.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how we are Being in the world.  Let us ask to be assisted with generating the light and energy needed as a salve for the ills of our society and be shown how to fully Be a healing presence.

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 aware that I am a physical Being in the world creating light and energy that impacts others?  How does it feel in my body when I consciously seek to just Be a positive presence in the world?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., November 24, 2019

For this Sunday, November 24th, the focus for our meditation will be on Silence.  You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that I am once again going to draw upon Mister Rogers for inspiration for this week’s meditation topic.  I wasn’t even raised on Mister Rogers as I was more of the Captain Kangaroo generation.  I also never had children who would have served as a vehicle to watching his program.  But with the recent release of his biopic featuring Tom Hanks I find myself increasingly captivated by the specialness of this man and the wisdom he imparted to the world.  There is a practice Fred Rogers relied on numerous times in public speeches he delivered.  He would gently ask the entire audience to pause for ten seconds and reflect in Silence on those who had helped them become who they were in life.  It didn’t matter if the audience was one of educators, Hollywood’s finest, or staid members of a Senate Committee, they all ceased their conversations and reflected Silently along with him.  The effect was clearly moving for many of the participants.  In “The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers” by Amy Hollingsworth, she writes, “If we can learn to wait through the ‘natural Silences’ of life, he liked to say, we will be surprised by what awaits us on the other side.”  In today’s busy world we seldom take the time to linger in Silence.  We crave a deeper spiritual connection but can’t squeeze in a few seconds of Silence to pause and allow Spirit to communicate with us.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to find a way to linger in Silence as a regular practice in our life.  May we be encouraged to disconnect from our hectic activities and pause briefly in Silence in order to receive what Spirit is waiting to share with us on the other side.

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 taken the time to pause and reflect in Silence?  How does it feel in my body when I recognize the importance of Silence to strengthening my connection to Spirit?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., November 17, 2019

For this Sunday, November 17th, the focus for our meditation will be on Kindness.  Did you know Fred Rogers (aka Mister Rogers) was sickly and overweight as a child and as a result regularly bullied?  He could have taken the path of becoming a bully himself by justifying his childhood experience as having steered him in that direction.  Instead, he went on to epitomize genuine Kindness.  I read a book not too long ago about a man’s quest to find and confront his childhood bully.  The book was immensely unsatisfying as was the author’s eventual encounter with the bully who not only didn’t remember him at all but had turned out to be quite a decent individual.  It’s easy to be Kind to those we love but an entirely different matter when confronted with people we don’t like or may despise.  I suspect Fred Rogers was capable of being Kind even to bullies, for he probably realized their behavior was driven by self-loathing.  Last week I spoke about self-acceptance as the gateway to accepting others, but this week the role is reversed.  For those who do not yet know how to be Kind perhaps it takes someone else extending Kindness to them for that person to learn how to be Kind in turn.  Our world is so incredibly divided right now, and current events seem to only be polarizing us more and more.  The issues capturing our attention seem to draw out the most visceral of reactions with an emotional intensity they really don’t deserve.  To help bring more balance and grounding to our world let us ask to be gently guided how to show greater Kindness to those around us especially people from whom we feel separated because of differences.  May the light and energy of our prayers spread a rippling wave of Kindness that draws all into its fold and calm the flames of divisiveness that threaten to tear us apart.

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 overlook my differences with others and show them genuine Kindness?  How does it feel in my body when others have shown me Kindness I may have initially felt I didn’t deserve?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., November 10, 2019

For this Sunday, November 10th, the focus for our meditation will be on Acceptance.  I’ve mentioned before the ancient Egyptian tradition where initiates were first admitted to the temple, and how their training would begin with the inscription above the entrance advising them to, “Know Who You Are.”  Self-knowledge, however, is only the first step.  It is vital to know our deepest character, or what I think of as the person we are when no one else is watching.  The next step that is just as critical is to then fully embrace or Accept that person, warts and all.  In “The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers,” a book authored by Amy Hollingsworth, she writes, “Fred rightly reasoned that if we Accept ourselves we are better equipped to Accept our neighbor.  So Accepting ourselves is always the starting point to something greater – a deeper maturity, a deeper walk with the Lord, and ultimately, a greater Acceptance and understanding of our neighbor.”  How can we ever even begin to try and Accept others if we haven’t first granted the gift of Acceptance to ourselves?  For those of us who seem to want to frequently be in critical review mode, replaying mistakes we have made over and over again in our head, this can be challenging.  To break that loop we want to be honest with ourselves, admit we are flawed, and show the same generous Acceptance of our inner self that we would want extended by others.  Only then can we drop the façade of pretense and critical comparison always feeling we never measure up.  It is in that moment that we are then able to open our hearts more fully and let others in, even with their flaws.  We let go of judgment and Accept who they are with love and compassion.  There is so much division in our country right now, and the only way to heal this is to begin that same healing in ourselves.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be shown how to compassionately Accept who we truly are and through that generous spirit may we grant the same Acceptance to others, even those with whom we may have differences.  Through the light and energy of our prayers may the spirit of Acceptance spread across this nation and help us heal rather than tear us further apart.

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 not only understood who I am as a person but fully Accept myself as well?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to Accept others with compassion and understanding even if there are vast differences between us?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 27, 2019

For this Sunday, October 27th, the focus for our meditation will be on Standing.  I recently finished reading a wonderfully inspiring book titled, “Tattoos on the Heart” written by a Jesuit priest named Gregory Boyle.  Father Boyle took an assignment early in his ministry to head a church in the most troubled section of Los Angeles that was plagued by gang violence.  His mission was to create a sanctuary that would enable gang members to leave their past behind and start a new life.  To explain the motivation for his mission, Boyle wrote, “Success and failure, ultimately, have little to do with living the gospel.  Jesus just Stood with the outcasts until they were welcomed or until he was crucified—whichever came first.”  Boyle chose to Stand with the outcasts of gang members most of whom ended up in gangs because of being raised in incredibly dysfunctional and abusive families.  Father Boyle was initially worried parishioners would rebel against his vision for the church, but they embraced it fully.  As a result, his endeavors led to a decline in gang violence and inspired a nationwide movement of job creation and skills training to serve as conduits out of the gang life.  One of the surest ways for a society to decline is for citizens to become apathetic observers to the ills around them.  Father Boyle shows us how to move beyond judgment and be willing to take a Stand that may not be popular with others but that ultimately leads to the greatest good.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to find the courage to take a Stand on the important issues facing our communities.  May the light and energy of our prayers help guide our actions and spur us to Stand up rather than shy away from all that needs to be done to help us move forward.

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 taken a Stand on issues that are important to me and my community?  How does it feel in my body when I have found the courage to Stand up for others, especially those who may be considered outcasts by society?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 20, 2019

For this Sunday, October 20th, the focus for our meditation will be on Lessons.  Frequent flyers know there is an unwritten but universal code that the poor soul in the middle of a three-seat row gets ownership of both arm rests.  Recently I was sitting in an aisle seat next to a woman and her husband.  He had the window, and she was in the middle between us.  I noticed immediately after they took their seats that she was not only claiming a stake to the armrest between us (acceptable behavior) but was also stretching over into my seat and extending her elbow against me (not acceptable behavior, at least in my book).  The struggle began as I firmly resisted her encroachment into “my space” and would not yield against the obvious pressure from her arm.  I’ll admit that if the middle seat is occupied by someone who is quite large, I will give them additional latitude in this matter.  She was slim.  Also, if the person in the middle seat appears to be working on a laptop and needs extra elbow room to be able to type I will grant them the space.  She was not.  So, as the flight took off my internal seething began to build.  I was consumed with feelings of resentment and superiority and judgment.  The laughable thing is I was reading a spiritual book on my iPad at the time.  Here I was, all absorbed in trying to understand these profound concepts about brotherly and sisterly love and look how well I actually failed to embrace them in my life.  It was another one of those “in your face” Lessons from God that crop up any time I think I’ve got a handle on this whole spirituality thing.  As the beverage service began before I could refuse the flight attendant plunked down on my tray some packaged snack that is definitely not on my ketogenic diet.  Initially I thought I’d just stash it in the seat pocket for the next traveler.  But then something urged me to offer it to my seatmate.  She was initially startled, then delighted, and lo and behold a détente was reached in the armrest wars.  The ice thawed, we began to engage each other in pleasant conversation, and whether she no longer extended into my space or I no longer noticed, I truly can’t recall.  The experience was a small Lesson, but a valuable one, for me and another needed instance of gently pointing out my tendency toward critical judgment.  I can only imagine my spiritual guides laughing at me as the situation unfolded, saying with glee, “We’ll show her!”  There are opportunities for Lessons like this all around us, if we pay careful attention.  These are not to belittle ourselves but to help us recognize our foibles and to ultimately grow.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for kind assistance in seeing what Lessons life has to bring that will aid us in our evolution.  May we be gently reminded of all we still have yet to learn and be guided through the valuable Lessons that life can bring.

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 recognize the value of the Lessons that I can be taught through my life’s experiences?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate the opportunities of growth from life’s Lessons, even the small ones?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 13, 2019

For this Sunday, October 13th, the focus for our meditation will be on Equality.  The U.S. Supreme Court is presently considering arguments on the case of whether the Civil Rights Act extends to protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status.  It is baffling to me that in this day and age we as a nation even need to pass laws and then rule on their interpretation in order to insure basic rights of Equality for all people.  I have to admit I was woefully ignorant on this issue and assumed such protection already existed.  I was aware that same-sex marriage was not recognized or legal in all states but naively thought that was the only extent to which LGBTQ persons faced an uphill legal battle.  The cases serving as the basis for the Supreme Court deliberations clearly indicate otherwise.  Two gay men fired because of their sexual orientation and a transgender woman fired for wanting to live her life as a female.  The landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 introduced protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.  Why would we exclude from its mantle those who have a different sexual orientation or recognize themselves to be of a different gender than the physical body into which they were born?  The repercussions of the outcome of this Supreme Court case are likely to be vast, and I ask in our prayer and meditation time this week we lend our light and energy to the Supreme Court justices to be filled with wisdom, fairness and compassion that leads them to a decision that finally guarantees Equality for all. 

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 the importance of true Equality for all citizens regardless of our differences?  How does it feel in my body when I embrace a desire for Equality for all and the right to protection against discrimination?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 6, 2019

For this Sunday, October 6th, the focus for our meditation will be on Questioning.  Studies have shown when accidents occur that could have otherwise been avoided the blind acceptance of commands often contributed to the calamity.  Sociologist Charles Perrow, who researched industrial accidents, wrote, “If one person has unquestioned, absolute authority over a system, a human error by that person will not be checked by others.”  I tell my clients when I am coaching them to improve their interviewing skills never to accept a response at face-value.  Instead, they want to doublecheck what is being stated against what they already know to see if it makes sense.  Too often people assume others in positions of authority are more knowledgeable or competent than perhaps they truly deserve.  If something doesn’t sit right with them or seems to stray from the expected reasonable response, I advise them to follow up with additional Questioning.  If we don’t seek clarification our brain will quite readily work to fill in the gaps and attempt to rationalize information that otherwise should be deemed incomplete or contradictory.  As with most things in life, the key is in finding the right balance.  A Questioning mindset doesn’t necessarily lead to jaded skepticism where nothing is ever accepted or believed.  In this instance I am referring to when something seems amiss and to be willing to Question or gather additional information.  If we all followed this process, I’d like to think we would be better protected against falsehoods, particularly the urban myths that seem so prevalent in social media.  Someone posts something without fact-checking, and suddenly its impact is multiplied.  The defense that people just assume it must be correct because they read it on the Internet all too often proves us wrong.  Questioning can also be done in a respectful way that does not demean the other person’s character.  By asking to confirm their certainty or seek clarification both parties can benefit when misunderstandings or distortions are avoided.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be guided during instances when we would be best served to Question authority.  May we find the courage to Question others with respect in a way that guides us all to stay on the path for the truth.

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 Questioned information that did not seem accurate to me?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to speak out and Question what others are accepting if it feels divergent from the truth?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 29, 2019

For this Sunday, September 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Hope.  I recently finished reading a book titled, “Alexander’s Journey.”  It is about a British boy named Alexander Goodwin and his battle with a rare form of childhood cancer known as Ewing sarcoma.  Alexander developed cancer at age 9 and after being misdiagnosed for six months could finally put a name to the source of his pain and suffering.  For those who think nationalized healthcare such as they have in the U.K. is an ideal model you should read this book to understand how such a system can so badly go wrong.  To properly treat his condition Alex and his family had to seek medical care in the U.S.  He is now 12 years old and continues to deal with the aftereffects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to replace a cancerous right femur.  Every few months he has to return to the U.S. to have the artificial femur lengthened to accommodate his growth.  He regularly has to endure tortuous physiotherapy to help him recover full use of his muscles and enable him to walk properly.  Despite the ordeal he has been through, what is most astounding about Alex is his caring for nature and other people and particularly his optimism.  Even at his sickest, Alex would post videos of himself on social media encouraging others not to give up and to do their best.  His family adopted the motto, “Dum spiro spero,” which is Latin for, “While I breathe, I Hope.”  Just before his first surgery in December 2017 he received a visit from Santa Claus in the hospital, and when asked what he wanted, Alex replied that he would like everyone to be happy and for him to be able to help others.  His response brought Santa and onlookers to tears and was very characteristic of his selflessness.  If a young man like Alex, who has gone through so much, can still retain Hope, it inspires the rest of us to similarly remain positive.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us ponder how we might perpetuate Alex’s message of Hope in our own families and communities.  May we be shown ways to demonstrate Hope in the face of difficulties and encourage others to persevere.  Through the light and energy of our meditations may the spirit of Hope spread across this land and give us optimism that the future can be better.

[Please consider giving Alex a “follow” on social media:  @alexs_journey (Twitter), Alexander’s Journey (Facebook), alexsjourneydumspirospero (Instagram), or check out his website at www.alexanders-journey.com ]

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 hold on to Hope in the face of overwhelming odds?  How does it feel in my body when I can set aside my fears and worries and remain optimistic and Hopeful about the future?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 22, 2019

For this Sunday, September 22nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Quests.  Today’s Google Doodle reminds us it is the birthday of the first woman to successfully climb Mount Everest.  A Japanese mountaineer named Junko Tabei made the climb against impossible odds in 1975.  Her all-women climbing club faced many difficulties in having to overcome the bias of male climbers and to scrape and fight for funds to make the expedition.  Twelve days before the summit Tabei and her team were buried in an avalanche at an overnight camp.  Fortunately, Tabei was saved by a Sherpa who managed to dig her out in time.  She is quoted as saying, “Do not give up.  Keep on your Quest.”  A Quest is defined as a long or arduous search.  When I think of “Quest” what comes to mind is the fictional character Don Quixote who traveled in search of those in need of his assistance or the Knights Templar who sought to protect the Holy Grail.  To be on a Quest suggests there is something noble about the path you are pursuing.  It is not a journey where you merely collect as many check-ins as possible, but there is a passion behind your pursuit that spurs you on and leads you to achieve more than you perhaps thought possible.  As a motivational sign in my gym reads, “It isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey.”  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider whether we are aimlessly wandering or in need of a Quest in our life.  Let us ask whether we might want to take on a Quest that benefits us and others.  If we believe we already have accepted the challenge to be on a Quest let us ask for continued support and guidance in our pursuit of something nobler than our own interests.  May the spirit of our willingness to be on a Quest spread across this land and inspire others to look beyond what they think they can do so we all are ultimately taken to greater heights.

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 been on a Quest that brought me to achieve more than I thought possible?  How does it feel in my body when I am willing to take on a Quest to pursue goals that are nobler than just my own interests?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 15, 2019

For this Sunday, September 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Tenacity.  Studies looking at the aging process have discovered several key factors that appear to be predictive for healthy aging.  A rich social network of connections with family or friends, a spirit of optimism, having a sense of purpose, and, surprisingly, stubbornness.  Since this latter one perhaps hits too close to home for some of us, I prefer to think of this trait as Tenacity.  Being Tenacious often can insulate us against the pressure to “go with the flow,” particularly if it means compromising our own principles or desires.  It removes any concern over the judgment of others as we, I mean, those who are Tenacious tend to choose their own path regardless of what others think.  As a result, it is believed that being Tenacious tends to make us happier because we aren’t compromising ourselves to please others.  Additionally, having Tenacity can help us be more resilient in overcoming the inevitable curve balls life likes to throw at us.  We find a way to bounce back and not dwell in victimhood but just get right back to aiming for where we were going.  Unfortunately, being pegged as stubborn certainly comes with its own negative connotation.  Sometimes this may be deserved, particularly if it involves not being willing to ever concede a point to someone else.  But I believe it can be appropriate and even beneficial in many situations.  Perhaps the distinguishing factor is whether the presence of Tenacity hurts someone else or instead simply protects us from harm.  In the latter case, it may be entirely justified.  We’re not trying to stubbornly force our will on someone else and make them conform to our expectations so much as standing our ground and not giving in to another’s demands when we know it isn’t the right direction for us to take.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider whether we have a healthy level of self-respect that allows us to be Tenacious when we need to be.  May we gain the courage to stand up for ourselves and not be swayed by others when we know our Tenacity to stick to our beliefs is the correct course of action.  May we also ask that the tendency to be Tenacious be balanced by discernment to understand when it serves us well and when some measure of compromise may be in order. 

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 Tenacity and stand up for myself against the pressure of others?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to remain clear in my convictions and be Tenacious by not compromising myself?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 8, 2019

For this Sunday, September 8th, the focus for our meditation will be on Freedom.  As a nation we strongly identify with the Freedoms guaranteed by our U.S. Constitution.  Unless you have been exposed to other parts of the world where such rights are not assured it can be easy to take them for granted.  Real Freedom, however, is not something bestowed upon us by any formal document or legislative body.  Sometimes we ourselves can be the biggest impediment to attaining true Freedom in our life.  Every time we engage that seemingly endless loop of negative thinking, we inhibit our ability to feel Free.  When we confront a challenge and shy away out of a lack of confidence, we diminish our own Freedom.  In circumstances where we defer to others out of a sense of wanting to be loved rather than being genuine, we lose some of our personal Freedom.  For us to experience an authentic sense of self we must examine how we might be diminishing our own Freedom through accumulated bad habits or weaknesses.  It can be easy to want to blame others for circumstances that are far from ideal, but perhaps we want to first look inward and identify how we sabotage ourselves.  Finding a way to experience personal Freedom by modifying our own thoughts and behaviors can bring a valuable release from any dependency on external factors for our happiness.  When Nelson Mandela was finally released after 27 years in South African prisons, he realized, “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my Freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”  Real Freedom came when he was able to let go of blaming others and reach within to create the serenity he needed.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how we might be holding ourselves back from experiencing genuine Freedom in our life.  May we find the ability to go deep within and generate the only Freedom that lasts in the form of release from the constraints we create for ourselves or allow others to impose on us.  In finding our own sense of Freedom may we also Free others from any unreasonable expectations we may have set that are holding them back.

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 a genuine sense of Freedom in shedding my self-imposed worries and doubts?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate my ability to create my own Freedom rather than rely on external factors?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 1, 2019

For this Sunday, September 1st, the focus for our meditation will be on Self-Care.  The world recently and suddenly lost a shining light in the form of Sean Stephenson.  I’d written about Sean previously – he was a therapist, author and motivational speaker who lived a challenging life after coming into this world with a congenital condition that made his bones so fragile, he experienced over 100 fractures by the time he was in his teens.  He was small in stature but enormous in spirit, and his motivational talks and videos brought much joy and optimism into the world.  One of his last projects, proposed just days before his death, was to promote the concept of Self-Care as an antidote for insecurity.  I’d like this week’s meditation time to help further Sean’s goal of raising awareness of the problems created in the world by insecurity and the means to alleviate this issue.  After all, it is insecurity that causes us to commit theft or violence against others because we believe they have something we covet.  It is insecurity that leads a bully to torment another child.  It is insecurity behind political posturing, and the potential for aggression, that leads to war.  Sean’s view was that if we took the time to love ourselves through the actions of Self-Care we might not feel so insecure, and the world would have less strife and conflict as a result.  He did not believe Self-Care was in any way a selfish behavior, but one that we all were worthy of in terms of doing things that cultivate our love for ourselves.  Self-Care might be sitting in meditation, going for a walk, reading poetry, or doing whatever feeds your soul and makes you feel better about yourself.  We all sometimes need help recognizing our intrinsic worth, and if we engage in more Self-Care activities, we come to realize we are deserving of this attention for it makes us stronger and better in the end.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask what we do as an act of love for ourselves that fosters the concept of Self-Care?  How do we gain an appreciation for who we are that nurtures us on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level through the actions of Self-Care?  Through our willingness to shower ourselves with loving actions may the feelings of insecurity throughout this country be negated, and may we find ourselves more at peace instead. 

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 my own worth and take the time to nurture myself through Self-Care activities?  How does it feel in my body when I invest in myself by tending to my own Self-Care and consequently reduce any feelings of insecurity?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 25, 2019

For this Sunday, August 25th, the focus for our meditation will be on Effort.  I’ve been puzzled in recent years by the popularity of what are referred to as “life hacks.”  These are presumed shortcuts to tasks and ways to make things you are trying to do easier.  While aiming for efficiency might seem admirable, there is an aspect to the hack mentality that I find amusing.  It presumes everything can be shortcut, yet we are deluding ourselves by entertaining this notion.  Also, the impetus behind the hack is often not to be more productive but to simply not have to expend as much Effort.  Unfortunately, there are many aspects to life that cannot be simplified or reduced down to the bare minimum of steps.  You can’t “hack” your way through a relationship.  Trying to “hack” your way through college or a job with a great deal of responsibility also probably wouldn’t work very well in terms of the outcome.  Instead of promoting ways to “hack” your way through life perhaps we would be better served learning how to gain the patience and discipline needed to fully apply ourselves to the goals we try to achieve.  We have become an impatient culture, and it robs us of the fuller richness of life.  When we devote ourselves with total dedication to a task we come out with a greater sense of accomplishment.  We probably also learn a great deal more in the process when we put in a full Effort as opposed to trying to find shortcuts.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for the willingness to make a sincere Effort to accomplish what we have set out as goals in life.  Let us learn how to understand that all things come to those who wait and not try to circumvent the process of life that often requires patient Effort on our part. 

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 applied the Effort in life to achieve something I have never done before?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate the rewards that come from putting in the needed Effort to accomplish a task well?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 18, 2019

For this Sunday, August 18th, the focus for our meditation will be on Equanimity.  Not too long ago I made an online comment on a social media site.  It was both humorous and positive in nature, and there was little, if any, room for misinterpretation as to its nature.  Shortly after I noticed that a person I did not know posted a critical response.  It puzzled me for a brief moment until I realized what was happening.  This was an online troll, or someone who purposely tries to stir up trouble on the Internet by instigating debate or arguments.  Do you know what most annoys a troll?  Being ignored.  They relish the uproar that ensues and the knowledge that they have emotionally distressed others as it plays out in the ensuing back and forth attacks and counterattacks.  Nothing is ever accomplished through these exchanges, for the troll is not seeking to become informed, nor do I believe they are even trying to inform others.  They simply thrive on turmoil.  I recently had a discussion with a family member about the troubling issue of violence in our society.  They made the sage comment that a contributor to the problem is the inherent knee-jerk reaction in our society of seeking revenge when someone feels wronged.  We become enraged at the slightest provocation and reactively want to lash out.  Somehow our society has lost the concept of turning the other cheek.  Retribution never brings a lasting solution to the situation.  It might make us feel temporarily satisfied, but then begins the cycle of needing to be vigilant against the ricochet response and the potential for escalation.  We need to relearn how to shift away from this counterproductive reaction and acquire a mental calmness and Equanimity.  Initially it may require conscious practice but over time I believe we can restore the emotional balance that is needed to reverse this trend of violence.  We can proceed in that direction through the use of meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices that make us feel more connected to each other and the divine.  Those in roles of mentorship or leadership need to model this for those they influence.  We all need to contribute and through intentional changes in our behavior help spread the energy of calmness, balance, and Equanimity throughout this nation.  If we can fill our communities with a greater sense of Equanimity through the energy of our presence we have a chance of eliminating the troubling tendency toward violence that wants to destroy our country. 

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 respond to an emotionally distressful situation with calmness and Equanimity?  How does it feel in my body when I can resist the desire for retribution and instead find emotional balance by nurturing a state of Equanimity?  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