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
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