For this Sunday, March 29th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Nature. A
couple of years ago I wrote about the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” and how it is a key part of their natural
approach to health. Spending time in Nature, such as taking a walk through the woods, helps reduce stress, lower
blood pressure, and improve mood, among other benefits. I am blessed to live in a community that
consists of over 200 acres, much of it woodlands with hiking trails. There are babbling brooks that meander
through the property, designated wildflower meadows, and a pond with a pair of
mating geese who return each year to nest there. With the cessation of so many of our normal
social activities as all hunker down at home and pray this pandemic soon eases
we have limited options for exercise and stress relief. We do, however, have access to the outdoors,
and it is free to enjoy. Even people who
live in apartments can step onto a balcony or open a window and take in some
scenery. I often like to combine a Nature
hike into a walking meditation. Weeks
when I have felt stumped for a meditation topic or intuitively knew what I had
written wasn’t on target I would take a break and go into the woods with my
dog. It is remarkable how often the
perfect topic would come to me as we hiked through Nature together. This week in our prayer and meditation let us
take time to appreciate our access to Nature and its free benefits. May we be reminded to take in Nature’s
beauty in our surroundings and bathe in its calming effects as we all together
get through this challenging period. Please
be sure to maintain at least six feet of distance from others while you are out
there. 😊
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 can appreciate
the beauty of Nature around me? How does it feel in my body when I
recognize the physical and psychological benefits that come from spending time
in Nature? 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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