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
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