For this Sunday, November 29th, the focus for our meditation will be on Tradition. This is a year when many normal Traditions have been set aside. For most of us the Thanksgiving holiday took a different form than in the past. Gatherings were smaller, if they occurred at all, and the huge feasts with extended family and friends were just a memory of what took place before. This does not mean all Tradition is abandoned – I still spent the day watching the Macy’s parade (done with masked performers and no live crowds lining the streets) as I set out my Christmas decorations. Some Traditions have simply changed a bit but will still gamely carry on in a new form. The purpose of many Traditions is to honor our connection to those who came before. We feel comforted when we follow long-standing Tradition as it helps us feel the presence of those who are no longer with us. The memories of loved ones come flooding back with the practice of Tradition and strengthen our identity through ancestral ties. That sense of reassurance and connection is not lost even if the way Traditions are carried out are different from before. Just research any country’s holiday Traditions and you will find they have changed significantly over the years. They are not carved in stone but adapt to the times. As we enter the countdown to Christmas and New Year’s we will need to find ways to modify those Traditions we want to embrace once again. In doing so perhaps we will discover new ways to honor the past. Let us not be tempted by the hollow comfort that comes from mindless repetition of actions that may have become meaningless. Instead, let us thoughtfully consider how we may create new Traditions that restore a deeper connection to others. May we ponder the meaning behind some of our past Traditions and find new ways to represent those intentions. This week in our meditation and prayer time let us ask that those who are feeling stressed by the events of the year recognize the importance of still honoring Tradition. May we all find a way to acknowledge the past by establishing new Traditions that bring renewed hope for the future.
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 willing to change cherished Traditions? How does it feel in my body when I am able to invent novel ways to honor the past and create new Traditions? 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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