For this Sunday, March 1st, the focus for our
meditation will be on Gentleness.
Most of us tend to be our own worst critics. We too easily succumb to listening to that
endless mental loop where we replay the mistakes of the day and chastise ourselves
for having said or done something “dumb.”
With this tendency to constantly find fault with ourselves no wonder our
society seems filled with people criticizing each other. Our internal talk track of reproach leaves us
in pain, and some find release by throwing stones at others. So how do we overcome this pattern of emotional
pain and self-criticism? I’d like to
think it begins with each of us as individuals.
If I can practice being Gentle with myself perhaps it will encourage
me to be more patient and understanding with others. Being Gentle with myself sometimes
means not pushing myself too hard and most importantly, not feeling guilty when
I give myself some leeway. Ideally, I’d
like to be able to exercise several times a week and there are periods when I
am able to do that. But then travel
disrupts my routine and I find myself groaning internally at the thought of
having to drag myself to the gym in the wee hours when I’d rather be catching a
little more sleep. Yes, there are times
when I do make myself exercise and it leaves me feeling better for it. But, there are also times when I know pushing
myself when I am too tired could lead to injury or leave me feeling even more
depleted. Over time, I’ve learned to
listen to my body and know when I need to nudge myself and when I can back off
and rest without agonizing over it. Learning
how to be Gentle with myself can bring a feeling of worthiness. I value myself and am able to treat myself
properly, even if that means skipping a workout or sleeping in for a
change. In doing that for myself it
allows me to be more patient with others as well. If I can cut myself some slack now and then I
can equally be Gentle with others when they fall short. This week in our prayer and meditation time
let us ask to be guided on how to be Gentle and forgiving with ourselves. Through this practice may we come to learn
how to treat other individuals with greater Gentleness and kindness in
return.
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 able
to be patient and Gentle with myself? How does it feel in my body
when I have extended Gentleness to others who needed this assistance?
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