For this Sunday, January 13th, the focus for
our meditation will be on Awe. I recently read about a research
study that examined the physiological response of people when watching an
entertaining performance that completely captivated them and filled them with a
sense of Awe. The activity in
their brain changed as they were drawn into the performance and resulted in
reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex.
That’s the area of the brain most involved in planning. When we are trying to organize how our day
will play out, for instance, we are using the prefrontal cortex. The researchers characterized the results as
the participants were simply “taking it all in” which seemed to be key to their
level of enjoyment. They weren’t
thinking critically and reliving the past nor were they impatiently leaping
ahead and thinking about what they would do next. They were fully present in the moment and
therefore found themselves in a state of Awe that filled them with
emotion. There is so much about life and
our world that deserves our full attention, but we are often in too much of a
hurry or are distracted by tasks and our technology devices to take
notice. If you have ever had a moment of
Awe that comes from watching a truly remarkable and moving performance,
the sort of thing that stays in your memory for a long time, you know how
satisfying and fulfilling those experiences can be. There is a sense of delight or even pleasant
surprise that makes those moments so special.
With the problems and stress in our world right now perhaps we would all
feel a bit better if we allowed ourselves to be more in the moment, so we can appreciate
those experiences of Awe that may be all around us. In our prayer and meditation time let us ask
to be shown how to let go of worrying about the future or regretting the past
and simply savor life in all its grandeur.
May we find opportunities to appreciate the sense of Awe that
life can bring if we allow ourselves to be fully present and in the moment.
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
completely moved by an experience that has filled me with Awe? How does it feel in my body when I am able to be
completely in the moment and content to feel a sense of Awe? 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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