For this Sunday, June 28th, the focus for our
meditation will be on Kindness.
Over the years I have come to a startling reversal in my opinions on
various important issues. Where I previously
held a very strong view on certain topics (and let me tell you, wasn’t I
convinced I was on the “right” side of that argument at the time?…) I later completely
changed my mind. This adjustment sometimes
only occurred years after some long-held belief slowly eroded over time. It isn’t easy for any of us to accept that
maybe we aren’t looking at a complex issue clearly. This isn’t to suggest all of our challenges
in life are easily split into binary “right” and “wrong” sides; often they contain
shades of gray that drift over that artificial dividing line. What helped me immensely had less to do with
my willingness to remain open-minded and instead was much more about the Kindness
shown to me by those who held very different opinions from mine. By presenting their views in a non-critical
way it allowed me to keep my mind open.
Over time the ideas they presented percolated in my thoughts until
eventually I had to confront my notions and accept that a change was in
order. So, what can we do to help people
remain receptive to ideas that may differ drastically from their own
beliefs? We may not be able to
immediately switch someone’s opinion, but if we can express ourselves with
calmness, clarity, and Kindness perhaps some of what we are trying to
communicate may sink in. This week in
our prayer and meditation time let us ask that we all come to appreciate how
complex issues have many different facets to them, and none of us holds an
entirely “correct” view. May Spirit help
guide us in how to extend Kindness to others who hold differing opinions
so we each may be willing to remain objective and open-minded rather than reject
any consideration of what seems contradictory or “wrong.” May the energy and light of our prayers help
spread a wave that brings clarity and Kindness to our
communication and lessens our tendency to automatically want to take “sides.”
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 someone has
expressed differing views with a consideration and Kindness that reduced
my defensiveness? How does it feel in my body when I understand how to
communicate to others in a way that reflects Kindness rather than
criticism? 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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