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
No comments:
Post a Comment