Meditation Instructions for Sun., December 5, 2021

For this Sunday, December 5th, the focus for our meditation will be on Following.  I’m always amused by the social media sites that refer to the people who want to remain current with the content that you post as Followers.  It makes me feel a bit like a cult leader.  I definitely don’t feel worthy of having Followers, especially since I post very little.  One concern that I have is that it perpetuates the notion of readily being willing to Follow someone else.  Even Jesus didn’t ask for Followers.  He didn’t preach or even perform miracles in order to attract a Following of adoring fans; he only wanted to lead people to accept God.  In today’s society, however, there appear to be far too many who vie for Followers and unfortunately, few, if any, are deserving of them.  Athletes, celebrities, and politicians all seem to want to vie for a Following of the masses.  The danger occurs when people become blindered to the foibles of the star on whom they are fixated and are led to take actions they might otherwise regret.  This month in our prayer and meditation time let us reflect on the people we like to Follow and consider whether they are truly worthy of our loyalty.  Let us ask to have any blinders removed that keep us from honestly seeing the true nature of people we Follow so we may not be led astray.

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 discovered that my loyalty has been misplaced by Following someone who did not deserve my dedication?  How does it feel in my body when I am discerning about the people I choose to Follow and perhaps try to emulate?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., November 7, 2021

For this Sunday, November 7th, the focus for our meditation will be on Contagion.  That is probably not the topic you would expect, particularly during a pandemic that doesn’t seem to want to ever end.  In focusing on Contagion, I would like us to consider how our behavior encourages others to act as we do.  In particular, do we exemplify behaviors that motivate others to behave better than they might otherwise?  One of my favorite examples of Contagious behavior is when someone in a drive-through lane at a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant anonymously pays for the vehicle behind them.  I love hearing how this altruistic gesture keeps paying forward for much longer than the initial gift-giver ever anticipated as car after car continues to treat someone behind them.  Being the recipient of a simple but generous act makes people think of doing the same for others.  Similarly, when we engage in more negative behavior, such as publicly ranting or raving about an issue that has us worked up, it can be Contagious in making others feel also enraged.  However, perpetuating those negative emotions does not benefit anyone in the chain of their impact.  This month in our prayer and meditation let us consider how we impact others in a way that Contagiously encourages them to behave better.  Let us ask for inspiration on ways we may be a vector of positive behaviors that through the Contagion of our presence motivates others to do the same. 

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 my behavior has been Contagious and encouraged others around me to act similarly?  How does it feel in my body when I see others emulating positive acts in a way that appears Contagious?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., October 3, 2021

For this Sunday, October 3rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Perseverance.  I am mystified by the popularity of life “hacks” that populate social media feeds.  A “hack” is essentially a shortcut designed to make a process easier or shorter.  To my amusement, however, I find most of the hacks minimally effective and probably not much of a time-saver.  What amuses me even more, however, is the assumption that everything in life can be achieved via a shortcut.  Despite the popularity of speed dating, I have my doubts as to whether a serious relationship can be created from such a practice.  I also have yet to identify a professional career where one can legitimately rise to the top via hacks or shortcuts.  There is an impatience to the notion of hacks that lures one into vainly believing you can ignore the complexity of life.  There is much about life that simply can’t be managed with a clever shortcut.  What is needed instead is dedication and commitment to forge ahead in the face of challenges and the Perseverance to repeatedly give it another try despite initial failures.  Perseverance helps us acquire the discipline needed to keep going even when we may want to give up.  We usually make slow progress in life, and if we can accept that we might be in less of a rush to make it across the finish line to some goal we have set for ourselves.  This week in our prayer and meditation let us consider the objectives we have for our life and whether they require greater Perseverance than we were initially willing to give.  Let us ask for assistance in making a commitment to Persevere despite adversity and give ourselves credit for slow progress that reflects we are truly doing our best. 

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 managed to Persevere despite obstacles?  How does it feel in my body the discipline of Perseverance helps me through some challenge?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 12, 2021

For this Sunday, September 12th, the focus for our meditation will be on Distance.  We have put 20 years between the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and today.  That Distance helps us to look back and better appreciate how we have gotten to the point where we now are as a country.  It helps us understand the folly of a lengthy military conflict that led to the loss of so many additional lives not on our soil but in a faraway country.  It encourages us to recognize how we need to once again renew compassion for our fellow human beings and regain the sense of national unity sparked by the terrorist attacks of 20 years ago.  I am also reminded of the events that took place in Selma, Alabama in 1965.  Only Distance can provide the perspective needed to realize that the violence against those protestors served as the impetus for the Voting Rights Act.  Without the outrage prompted by the death of James Reeb, a minister from Boston, President Lyndon Johnson may never have given in and approved that historic legislation.  It is unfortunate that the earlier death of civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson, an African American, was not sufficient to propel that legislation.  Perhaps, though, the Distance from that event and the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020 was needed to rouse people from their apathy and speak out against police brutality and racial prejudice.  Sometimes it just takes time for us to see such events more clearly and appreciate the long-lasting positive ripple effects they generate.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider if there are events in our life from which we need more Distance in order to gain an understanding of their impact.  Let us ask to be guided in how to be patient and allow the passage of time to help us eventually see things more clearly.

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 an event or circumstance was made clearer with the Distance of time?  How does it feel in my body when I allow Distance to help me gain a better perspective on a situation?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., September 5, 2021

For this Sunday, September 5th, the focus for our meditation will be on Prayer.  A number of my friends and neighbors are in despair at the events of the past couple of weeks.  They worry about the conditions of the world their children and grandchildren will have to live in and the potential difficulties being created for them by current decisions.  They are saddened at the turmoil in a faraway country with a rich cultural history that is once again in peril.  I have no answer for these difficult problems.  They are complex issues with many facets that I readily admit I don’t fully understand.  My biggest concern is for the human impact which has the potential to be vast.  When I encounter these convoluted dilemmas, my strongest ally is the power of Prayer.  I may never reach a clear understanding of the issues, but I can have faith that my Prayers will be answered with a solution that is in the highest good for those involved.  Rather than go down the path of despair or rage, it is so much more empowering to simply turn the problem over to Prayer.  This does not mean we should become complacent or apathetic about issues where we can take direct action, but it is a much better solution in those situations where we just don’t know what to do.  This week in our Prayer and meditation time let us consider the issues troubling our nation and our world.  May we be guided in how to Pray for the resolution of those problems in a way that serves the highest good of all, and may we be reminded that by turning to Prayer we can find solace no matter how difficult the challenges ahead. 

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 comforted by knowing the power of Prayer is always available to me?  How does it feel in my body when I have experienced the miraculous results of Prayer in the world?  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

Additionally, if you have specific requests for Prayer, please email them to me as I will be attending a spiritual retreat later this month and will be honored to focus my Prayers on your intentions.

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 15, 2021

For this Sunday, August 15th, the focus for our meditation will be on Expansion.  Each summer Harvard University holds a prestigious debate competition involving teams from around the world.  This year’s contest was won by a duo who made history for several reasons.  They were undefeated through all ten rounds of the competition, they are both female, and they are both Black students from high schools in the Atlanta area.  Jayla Jackson and Emani Stanton acquired their interest in debate for different reasons but agree that one of the substantial benefits is how the practice of learning debate has Expanded their thinking.  Jackson and Stanton both have come to realize that debate forces one to consider alternative perspectives on an issue.  If you are unwilling or unable to shed an overly narrow focus on a topic you likely would not be very successful as a debater.  Those who do well at debate learn how to consider all possible aspects on an issue that might be raised by an opponent so they can prepare to counter those arguments.  Learning through debate how to Expand their thinking made Jackson and Stanton appreciate that a more Expansive viewpoint will serve them well in whatever they go on to do in life.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us reflect on whether we may be clinging to views that are too narrow and prevent us from considering alternative opinions.  May we ask for guidance in how to Expand our perspective and see the bigger picture in order to have a more balanced view of the world. 

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 experienced a more open mind by allowing myself to Expand my views on an issue?  How does it feel in my body when I experience growth and learning from a more Expansive perspective?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., August 1, 2021

For this Sunday, August 1st, the focus for our meditation will be on Imitation.  For some people life is a journey to find their authentic self.  However, our authentic self is not some already-formed object that only requires layers to be peeled away to be discovered.  It is a work in progress that evolves under the influence of family, environment, and others who leave an imprint on us.  Sometimes different aspects of who we become are modeled for us by those around us.  Early in my career I had to learn how to become an interviewer in a field that was very male-dominated.  I knew it wasn’t a good fit for me to simply Imitate my male colleagues, but there were no women in those positions to serve as mentors for me.  So, I landed on the idea of emulating a female physician and how she would approach a patient in terms of a friendly, but professional, greeting and yet get right down to business in asking questions.  That form of Imitation worked for me until I eventually created my own interviewing persona.  There is a saying that Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  I like to think it is also the sincerest form of working to discover yourself.  There is nothing false about adopting new patterns of behavior based on the intention of becoming a better person.  Often those new patterns are first observed in those we adopt as role models.  To Imitate them helps us initially determine what feels right, just as in trying on new clothes.  We shed those that do not fit us and retain the ones that work well.  Over time we develop our own sense of style and gradually our authentic self emerges.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us reflect whether there are sources of influence around us we might want to Imitate in order to progress in our development.  Let us also consider if we have allowed ourselves to Imitate some whose behavior is not serving us well.  If so, let us ask for the courage to make changes and find better sources of inspiration for us to Imitate. 

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 recognize the benefit that can come from Imitating those who have a positive influence on me?  How does it feel in my body when I find a good fit for who I want to become by Imitating someone I admire and respect?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 25, 2021

For this Sunday, July 25th, the focus for our meditation will be on Results.  Many of the positions I’ve held over my career were ones where despite all the effort put into accomplishing a particular task, the actual Results were seldom known.  Information might be gathered and sent up the chain for someone else to use.  My contribution may have been a small piece of a larger project, and so it was difficult to determine exactly in what way my work made a difference.  There is thankfully at least one task in my life that shows immediate Results and that is when I weed the mulched garden beds in my yard.  I love to weed.  It is almost meditative for me as the simple physical exertion allows much time to think.  I feel a great deal of satisfaction when I finish weeding a mulched bed and can instantly see how much better it looks.  My weeding enthusiasm has also spread beyond my yard as I have volunteered to maintain certain common areas in my community.  It bothers me to walk past these areas and see unsightly weeds that appear to be outgrowing the good plants.  Pulling the weeds Results in a sense of pride by making our community more attractive.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider what Results do we obtain from our labors?  Are we able to appreciate those Results, and do they provide us with a sense of pride or accomplishment?  If we feel our efforts are not producing the Results we had hoped for, let us ask for spiritual direction in ways we may better apply our talents and abilities to make a positive impact in the world.

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 am able to notice the Results of my efforts?  How does it feel in my body when I know my contribution leads to Results that make a positive difference?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 11, 2021

For this Sunday, July 11th, the focus for our meditation will be on Magic.  With the absence of live shows during the pandemic I developed an interest in watching virtual performances online by professional Magicians.  In particular, I acquired a fondness for watching what would be called “close up” work where the Magician performs sleight-of-hand tricks with the viewer at a close angle.  There are only so many ways Magic can be done.  You make something appear, or make it disappear, transmute it into something different, or transport it from one place to another, along with a few other basic options.  What makes Magic mesmerizing is what I call the wrapping, or the story behind the presentation.  Even though I know it is a trick of illusion I still find myself drawn in and captivated by the punch line effect that makes me react with surprise each time.  If you were to watch me during these presentations, I would probably look like a six-year-old who claps with glee each time Elsa breaks into her signature anthem during the millionth viewing of the movie, Frozen.  It is never tiresome, and for some reason I enjoy being tricked each and every time.  We all need some Magic in our lives.  The delight in being pleasantly surprised disrupts what might otherwise be dull monotony.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider what do we find Magical in our life?  What are the sources of enjoyable surprises that enrich our experience?  Also ask for help in seeking out Magic if you find yourself feeling in a rut.  Let us allow Magic to enter into our world and renew our enthusiasm for life. 

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 experienced something Magical that delights and surprises me?  How does it feel in my body when I can appreciate the beauty and joy present in Magic?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., July 4, 2021

For this Sunday, July 4th, the focus for our meditation will be on Confidence.  I am fortunate to have been fully vaccinated for several months, but I still find myself struggling with being in situations where I am in a group of people and unmasked, such as eating in a restaurant.  It is getting easier to do, and I keep telling myself I really have no reason to be concerned since there is such miniscule risk as compared to those who haven’t yet been vaccinated.  Part of the worry stems from the psychological stress we have all been under with months of having to take precautions and remain physically isolated from others.  On one level I know I don’t need to continue to be anxious but, on another level, there is still some residual apprehension.  I have to keep reminding myself I have every reason to have Confidence in the vaccine and its effectiveness.  It is an unusual circumstance for me because for most of my life I have felt very Confident.  There have been times I was Confident I had no idea what I was doing, but I also felt certain I would somehow figure things out.  So, to experience a lack of Confidence is quite foreign to me.  I know others out there are experiencing the same struggle, and so I would ask that this week in our prayer and meditation time we examine those aspects of our life where we might benefit from a greater level of Confidence.  Ask for assistance in identifying where we continue to lack Confidence and then to receive guidance on how to bolster our faith and trust.  Through the light and energy of our prayers may more people come to feel Confident about themselves and shed the worries that needlessly hold them back.

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 recognize I have genuine Confidence in myself or others?  How does it feel in my body when I have been able to summon the Confidence needed to get through a challenging situation?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., June 27, 2021

For this Sunday, June 27th, the focus for our meditation will be on Unexpectedness.  The community where I live recently opened a fine dining restaurant with a French cooking suite where you can sit at the counter and watch the chefs prepare meals.  It has become the highlight of my week to go there, sit by myself, and take in the incredible work of the restaurant staff.  To me it resembles a choreographed ballet as they finely coordinate the timing of preparing food and plating dishes.  Last night as I was waiting for my order another woman was placed at the counter to my left.  She sat down, turned to me and said, “Oh, good, someone to chat with!”  My heart sank.  I am not into small talk, I am still learning how to be sociable again after so many months of isolation during the pandemic, and the very last thing I wanted to do was to have my evening ruined by someone who appeared ready to talk my ear off.  I smiled weakly and managed to escape too much conversation by avoiding direct eye contact.  A few minutes later another woman was seated to my right.  Double jeopardy.  Fortunately, after we made an initial greeting, I glanced over and saw she had taken out a magazine to read.  Salvation!  As I neared the end of my main course the first woman had finished her meal and left, so it was just two of us sitting at the counter.  We both were waiting for the next course, and I noticed she had set aside her magazine.  By that time, I had begun to relax, so I decided to turn and say something to her.  That led to us introducing ourselves, and to our amusement we quickly realized we had met multiple times before, but neither one of us recognized the other without a mask.  To our surprise, we began a most delightful conversation that continued through the remainder of the meal and led to interest in meeting up again at the counter for a future meal and discussion.  On my way home I was struck by the Unexpected encounter.  If you had told me ahead of time I would enjoy sitting there chatting with someone I barely knew I would have rejected the thought.  What I realized was that by allowing myself to be more open it let something Unexpected occur.  It made me wonder how many other times I may have missed an opportunity for a positive experience by prejudging the outcome and not being willing to engage.  While I’m still unlikely to become a social butterfly, I am going to remain open to the possibility of letting the Unexpected happen when I am with others, and I would encourage you to do the same.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider if there are times when we want to be more receptive to the Unexpected in our life.  Let us ask for assistance in not being closed off to the possibility of experiencing something new and find ourselves instead delighted by the Unexpected.

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 experienced something Unexpected that turned out to be more positive than I would have thought?  How does it feel in my body when I am intentionally open to the Unexpected in my life?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., June 20, 2021

For this Sunday, June 20th, the focus for our meditation will be on Accomplishment.  I have always been puzzled by people who near the end of their professional lives and have regrets at not having Accomplished more.  The vast majority of them I consider to have had very productive lives that contributed a great deal to their workplaces and communities.  So, it leaves me mystified as to why they feel they have not done enough.  I recall former colleagues who felt robbed of their identity upon the day of their retirement as though it had somehow erased all they had Accomplished.  My ex-husband had four different careers, any one of which people would have been envious to have had, but after retirement he routinely bemoaned that he was not able to continue to serve in his former capacities.  Relatively few people ever achieve fame and stardom, but that does not diminish the Accomplishments of everyday people who have gone about their lives with relative anonymity yet had enormous positive impacts on those around them.  When we dismiss what we have achieved in our life we are essentially belittling ourselves.  If we instead are gracious in acknowledging what we have achieved it can make us more ready to encourage recognition for the Accomplishments of others.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us reflect on what we have Accomplished thus far.  Let us find a way to feel satisfied with what we have contributed without judgment that we have fallen short of expectations.  By reconciling our self-worth with a life well-lived may we ultimately inspire others to follow in our footsteps. 

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 recognize all that I have Accomplished that has made a positive contribution to my world?  How does it feel in my body when I feel satisfied with what I have been able to Accomplish thus far in my life?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., May 30, 2021

For this Sunday, May 30th, the focus for our meditation will be on Routine.  Most of my adult life has consisted of change and variety, and seldom have I been able to enjoy a consistent Routine.  Frequent business travel doesn’t allow much opportunity for Routine.  Instead, I was fortunate to learn how to be adaptive and intrepid by regularly traveling to far-flung places.  There was a time in my life when I would have chafed with impatience if I was not traveling and would crave to get back on the road as soon as I could.  Therefore, I was surprised to find myself quite content at the prospect of having to stay put over the past 15 months.  This is the longest amount of time I have ever gone without getting on an airplane, and it feels great.  I have always been amused by the reaction of some who express envy at the travel I have had to do for work.  It might appear to be an exhilarating lifestyle, but I often found it exhausting.  Staying in different hotel rooms was so much the norm that I recall one morning waking up at home and wondering why a copy of the hotel bill had not been slipped under my bedroom door.  Over the past year I have been able to settle into a very comfortable Routine.  Each morning begins the same and although there is some variation in work and social activities, I have the luxury of being able to follow what most people would consider to be a normal Routine rather than constantly being stressed by travel disruptions.  One advantage to a Routine is the comfort that comes with familiarity.  Repeated tasks become more fluid and economical.  It conserves my energy which has resulted in a noticeable increase in stamina.  Another advantage is the opportunity to engage in certain activities, such as exercise, with greater consistency.  At some point I know I will be traveling again, but for now I luxuriate in the comfortable ease of Routine.  Rather than viewing Routine as dull and monotonous let us take time this week in our prayer and meditation to ponder its benefits.  How might a regular Routine help reinforce good habits we are trying to acquire?  Are there life skills we want to embed that need the consistency of a Routine to become second nature?  Let us ask for assistance in identifying the positive aspects of Routine in our life and appreciate how it can help us make progress toward our goals.

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 am able to consistently follow a Routine that helps me in some way?  How does it feel in my body when I appreciate the efficiency that comes from having fine-tuned a Routine in my life?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., May 23, 2021

For this Sunday, May 23rd, the focus for our meditation will be on Elation.  I felt positively giddy with Elation the first time I was recently able to be inside with others without having to wear a mask.  It wasn’t so much not having to breathe through a mask but had more to do with being able to see other people smile again.  You could see on the expressions of other people’s faces that they, too, were thrilled at once again having the freedom to be without a mask and actually socialize with friends and neighbors.  I want to always remember that moment and savor how such a simple experience sparked incredible feelings of Elation.  It just goes to show you don’t need to spend money or travel to far-flung places or do anything exotic to become Elated; sometimes you just need to appreciate all that makes each moment special and unique in our life.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider what makes us experience Elation.  Let us ask whether we truly allow ourselves to linger in those special moments, or are we resuming life at such a pace that we rush by and fail to recognize how special they can be in elevating our spirits.

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 experienced a moment of Elation from the simplest of occasions?  How does it feel in my body when I allow myself to really savor those moments in life that cause me to feel genuine Elation?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., May 16, 2021

For this Sunday, May 16th, the focus for our meditation will be on Wounds.  This past year has inflicted many Wounds, and no one has been impervious to them.  People have suffered the loss of loved ones, the decline of health, financial hardships, the absence of close social and emotional support systems, etc.  How we deal with those Wounds will make a significant difference in our ability to move forward on our path.  We want to acknowledge them and allow ourselves to grieve while at the same time not fall victim to letting those Wounds define us.  I still wonder at the complete lack of any mention of the 1918 influenza epidemic and its impact on my grandparents who lived through it.  Other people I know with grandparents of the same generation say that they, too, never heard them talk about it.  That generation got through it and then went on with their lives.  They didn’t wallow in the Wounds they likely experienced during that troubling time.  I’m not so sure about the ability of our existing generations to do the same.  Even before the pandemic descended on us there was a prevalence toward a victim mentality in which some people seemed unable to move on from Wounds.  Instead, they needed to make sure their Wounds were prominently on figurative display so others would grant them a never-ending stream of attention.  However, those forms of commiseration never fully satisfy what is missing in that person’s life.  We now have an opportunity to move beyond the Wounds we may have accumulated either from the pandemic or other potentially damaging experiences in our life.  A reminder of the Wound may always be present as a scar of some sort, but over time it is likely to fade.  If we keep picking at the scab of a Wound it will never heal.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us summon the courage to acknowledge the various Wounds we may have experienced in our life.  Let us ask for spiritual assistance in finding a way to allow those Wounds to heal so they do not permanently define our identity.  May all those who have suffered Wounds of any type feel the healing love and support of Spirit that will help them move from the past.

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 heal from a deep Wound?  How does it feel in my body when I allow myself to grieve the infliction of a Wound but then am able to let go and not wallow in it?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., May 2, 2021

For this Sunday, May 2nd, the focus for our meditation will be on Environment.  For many of us our physical Environment over the past year has been rather limited.  People are finally beginning to return to shopping, restaurants, offices, and even socializing in the homes of friends.  As we expand the Environments in which we feel comfortable we may want to examine whether they truly help or hinder our desire to progress as human beings.  Addiction counselors tell patients who are struggling to change their behavior that they have little chance of success if they return to the same Environment that encouraged or enabled their bad habits in the first place.  Some of us thrive working in isolation as a remote employee while others crave the stimulation of being with coworkers.  As we return to our places of employment we may want to consider if there are aspects to our work Environment that are not helpful.  If you are someone who finds it irresistible to join others in a gab fest around the water cooler perhaps limiting that time would help you feel less stressed when you become delayed in finishing an assignment.  One of my college professors spoke of being very strict in how she spent time in her assigned study room in the library when working on her doctorate.  If friends dropped by to talk, she made herself step out of the room before engaging with them.  Only when the conversation was over would she go back into the room.  This habit helped her create a more focused Environment that allowed her to better concentrate on her studies and not become distracted.  The past year’s period of forced hermitage has caused many to reflect on their life and consider the possibility of change.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us examine the Environments to which we are returning and ask if we might be better served if they were somehow different.  May we be assisted to recognize when change in our Environment is needed and be granted the courage to behave in a way that helps us with that transformation. 

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 know I am in an Environment that helps me transform in a positive way?  How does it feel in my body when I can change my Environment to one that is better for me?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., April 25, 2021

For this Sunday, April 25th, the focus for our meditation will be on Justice.  This past week I sat transfixed along with much of the country as the verdict was read aloud in the Derek Chauvin trial.  I was hopeful that the preponderance of evidence and the damning testimony by his peers and superiors would be sufficient to render a conviction of guilty, but I also sadly knew there were too many cases in the past where Justice was not served.  As much of a relief as it was to hear the result it reminded me that this was just one small drop against an ocean of inJustices.   Far too many times people of color have been treated very differently by our law enforcement and Justice systems because of their race or ethnicity.  I am immensely grateful for the courage of the young woman who filmed the arrest and death of George Floyd, for without that horrific video there may have been a very different outcome in the case.  It will also take courage for those in law enforcement to speak out against unprofessional conduct and police their own.  It will require courage and a belief in genuine objectivity for our Justice system to treat people of color equitably.  This week in our meditation time let us add the energy of our prayers to bring light that advances and balances our system of Justice in this country.  May the light we send create more integrity and courage for those in law enforcement to do the right thing and weed out the pervasive racism that exists as a hazard to their profession.  We will likely never be able to eliminate racism everywhere, but we can make certain people in the important positions of law enforcement and Justice recognize the need to carry out their duties responsibly and with fairness for all. 

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 observed Justice being carried out in a manner that holds to its highest and best standards?  How does it feel in my body when I see true Justice made available to all citizens, regardless of their color or ethnicity?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., April 18, 2021

For this Sunday, April 18th, the focus for our meditation will be on Serenity.  This pandemic and resulting lockdown have not been that difficult for me personally.  I realize I am likely in the minority but not having to travel and to be required to be isolated at home has been quite enjoyable.  As I begin to resume some semblance of a social life, I am repeatedly finding my patience tested.  My tolerance for people who are inconsiderate or rude to others has significantly waned below what was even before a low threshold.  It takes much conscious effort on my part to exercise restraint when I encounter situations with people whose bad behavior pushes my buttons.  I do not want to emerge from this pandemic and go back out into the real world feeling grumpy all the time, so I have had to work on finding ways to carry with me the Serenity I experienced in isolation.  The oft-cited prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr provides inspiration on how to better manage as I go back into the world.  He wrote, “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”  As I encounter challenging situations I want to first ask if there is anything I can do about it.  If not, I ask Spirit for assistance in helping me accept it as it is.  There are circumstances when trying to force a change may result in more of an energy drain than it is worth.  Perhaps if we all adopt this approach, we will find ourselves feeling less frazzled by our return to the real world.  We may even discover we are able to be more patient and understanding of those who are not merging back into public life gracefully.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for help in retaining a sense of Serenity amidst disruption.  May the light and energy of our prayers help spread a feeling of Serenity around us that motivates others to adopt the same calming behavior. 

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 am able to embrace a sense of Serenity no matter what is going on around me?  How does it feel in my body when I am infused with a Serenity that helps restore calming peace to any situation?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., April 4, 2021

For this Sunday, April 4th, the focus for our meditation will be on Comfort.  One of my most memorable and enjoyable meals was had in the most unexpected of circumstances.  It was in a large general purpose tent set up by my Army Reserve unit to serve as a dining facility while we were on a two-week drill in the field.  The weather was absolutely miserable with a chilling rain that would not let up for days.  We were assigned to work 12-hour shifts, and mine ended at midnight.  On this particular occasion I was cold and exhausted but too hungry to go to bed, so I entered the sparsely occupied mess tent after I came off my shift to get something to eat.  In hindsight there should have been nothing remarkable about the meal.  It was Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, but it was hot and began to warm my insides with the first bite.  To this day I remember the sensation of utter delight as I ate that ordinary meal seated by myself in a dimly lit tent that reeked of the kerosene heaters that vainly tried to keep the damp cold at bay.  There was something so viscerally Comforting about that food that I can still vividly recall how incredibly good it tasted to me at the time.  It reminds me that as we slowly emerge from this pandemic and our social isolation, we may find the things that brought us Comfort before are now too rich for our “diet.”  Perhaps instead of attending large social gatherings at clubs we would find more Comfort from a meal at a restaurant or in a home with only a few friends.  We may discover that our tastes are simpler than before, and we derive great Comfort from mundane activities such as going to the movies.  In any case we may want to resume normal life slowly and with conscious thought as to what we are choosing to do with our time and resources and how much Comfort that activity will bring.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how our interests may have changed over the past year and how that could impact what we find Comforting.  Let us ask to be given clarity in our prioritization of the gradually increasing choices that are opening up before us and be guided to choose wisely how we seek to find Comfort in our life.

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 elected to do something that has brought me a sense of Comfort?  How does it feel in my body when an experience fills me in an unexpectedly Comforting way?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., March 28, 2021

For this Sunday, March 28th, the focus for our meditation will be on Renewal.  As we slowly emerge from the winter season and this pandemic it is time to concentrate on finding Renewal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It can be easy to feel that Renewal is something that will occur automatically simply with the change in seasons.  After all, our enrollment in subscription services and membership programs may be set up to automatically Renew without any effort on our part other than updating credit card information every few years.  But this process of personal Renewal is something that deserves our more conscious attention.  It may require us to take action to slough off whatever we have accumulated along the way that no longer serves us.  We might need to change our habits, learn new patterns, and find ways to restore those aspects of our life that are feeling neglected.  For me, the period of Lent has always been about Renewal of spirit.  While it can also be a period of sacrifice and fasting, those practices may be needed to help remove blocks and restore a feeling of balance and new beginnings.  We might want to look back to see what would be beneficial to change and then look ahead to envision how things could be if we underwent the transformation of Renewal.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us examine our life to find where we may be in need of restoration of our physical, emotional and spiritual being.  Let us ask for the inspiration to be drawn to practices that help bring about a Renewal of our being and enable us to emerge from a period of darkness even stronger than before.

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 experienced a period of Renewal that restores and brings into balance all aspects of my life?  How does it feel in my body when I have embraced practices that help Renew my spirit?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., March 14, 2021

For this Sunday, March 14th, the focus for our meditation will be on Worth.  People around the country are excited to see us nearing the end to this pandemic and are anxious to return to “normal” life.  But some are dealing with the despair of feeling as though life will never return to what it was before.  There are many people who have lost their jobs and their homes.  I know people who poured so much of themselves into creating a business only to have to shutter it during the pandemic and may never recover what was lost.  As people begin to celebrate the return of normality let us not ignore those who will continue to struggle long after this pandemic is declared over.  For many it will be a long, slow process of financial and emotional recovery that will extend far beyond whatever date we no longer have to wear masks in public.  As a result of these unprecedented times there are some who have been driven to such depths of despair that they contemplate ending their life by suicide.  It is hard to imagine the pain they experience to go down that path.  There are many complex factors that contribute to someone choosing to take their own life.  Depression, social isolation, life crises, etc., can all be implicated.  Some feel they have no Worth and may even worry they have become a burden to others.  As we approach the light at the end of this long tunnel let us remember to reach out to others and let them know they have Worth in our eyes.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask to be shown when someone may be in pain who needs to be reminded of their own Worth.  May we be given the insight to perceive when someone needs our assistance and the courage to engage in an honest discussion that lets them know others value their presence.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours per day at 800-273-8255.

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 appreciate how others have Worth even when they may be struggling?  How does it feel in my body when I can express what others are Worth to me in a way that validates their existence?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., March 7, 2021

For this Sunday, March 7th, the focus for our meditation will be on Focus.  My day begins every morning with a long walk with my dog.  More than half of it is through gorgeous wooded trails but some sections have us walking along sidewalks or roadways in my community.  Unfortunately, there has been a lot of construction activity in the community for the past year, and I find when I am walking beside those areas, I can’t help but notice all the debris that has made its way into neighboring shrubs, lawns, and mulched beds, etc.  It drives me crazy.  With each step I find myself feeling increasingly irritated at how our beautiful community is being sullied by the carelessness of the construction workers who don’t properly dispose of their trash.  Physically I am changed by this Focus as it alters my mood, and that more negative feeling of agitation is what my body then projects as I walk.  That is not the emotion I want to carry through my community that needs so much light right now as we hopefully near the end of this pandemic and a long period of social isolation.  It occurred to me that by Focusing solely on the unsightly rubbish I was not able to appreciate the vast majority of my view that was lovely.  Choosing where to Focus my attention does not prevent me from noticing everything that is in my broader field of view; it simply limits where I decide to concentrate my attention.  There is a similar experience when I browse social media.  On some occasions my social media channels seem filled with political commentary, and I can only take in so much before I find myself becoming upset.  When I recognize the impact what I am reading is having on my body I have learned to break away and intentionally Focus on something else.  It is much more beneficial to look at photos of adorable pets than to only read political diatribes!  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider where we are Focusing our attention and especially the impact that may be having on us physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Let us ask to be gently reminded when we are overly Focused on something that is not helping us in a positive way.  May Spirit help show us how to bring more balance to our Focus so we remain aware but not overly obsessed with issues that prevent us from enjoying the bigger picture in life.

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 realize I may be hyper-Focused on something that is having a negative impact on me?  How does it feel in my body when I am able to bring more balance to my Focus?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., February 28, 2021

For this Sunday, February 28th, the focus for our meditation will be on Friendship.  One of the positive things to come out of this pandemic is I resurrected the practice of card and letter writing.  Yes, I could have relied on email, but there is something so special about receiving an actual hand-written note in the mail.  I regularly have sent off notes to neighbors and those in my community who I know are feeling more isolated.  The notes aren’t lengthy, but they let the person know someone is thinking of them and they aren’t forgotten.  At the end of last year, I sent out Christmas cards which is something I haven’t done in ages.  I went through my address book and sent cards with hand-written notes to everyone I could think of, even those I had lost touch with in the hopes their address had not changed and the cards would make their way to them.  As a result, I ended up reconnecting with several longtime Friends with whom I had lost touch.  It was so heartwarming to hear their voices again by phone after they received my card.  Those conversations reminisced over past memories but also got us up-to-date with life events that had occurred over the years (sometimes decades) that had passed.  I was struck by how it felt as though we were picking back up exactly where we left off in our relationship.  There is something about a longtime Friendship that is definitely to be cherished.  You often have been through the best and worst of times with each other.  True Friendship accepts who you are without the social media masks we tend to rely on.  Nothing gets in the way of a genuine, lasting Friendship; not a pandemic nor geographical distance nor the silence of passing years can extinguish it.  Sometime this year we will all be able to once again gather in person, and life will resume the appearance of normality.  As we move back into our familiar routines that can often distract us let us be mindful of the value of real Friends in our life.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us recognize those relationships that are deeply rooted in honest Friendship.  May our contemplation help us appreciate how real Friendship enriches our life and foster the desire to maintain those important connections to each other.

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 recognize all that genuine Friendship brings to my life?  How does it feel in my body when I have been able to make sincere, lasting Friendships with others?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., February 21, 2021

For this Sunday, February 21st, the focus for our meditation will be on Perseverance.  The robotic rover that successfully landed on Mars this week was aptly named Perseverance when you consider the launch took place last July in the middle of a pandemic.  The NASA team had to take advantage of a window of time that is only present about every two years, and COVID required them to re-engineer much of the process involved in making a launch happen.  When we consider the benefit of Perseverance in our own life it is important to realize this is a trait that does not mean blind or stubborn rigidity in trying to overcome an obstacle.  Rather than repeatedly bang our head against a wall, Perseverance involves self-reflection to determine why the current approach isn’t working.  We then have to use creativity to come up with an alternate method.  There is no guarantee the second attempt will succeed, so we also have to be willing to fail but without giving up.  It may require courage on our part to give it another try in the face of disappointment.  Our present global circumstances certainly are testing our ability to Persevere.  As vaccinations continue to slowly roll out and case numbers gradually come under control, we are still a long way off from any return to normality.  We are still going to be tested, and I’m not referring to a nasal swab, for quite some time.  Despite our fatigue with pandemic restrictions, we will only emerge on the other side of this by exercising patience and Perseverance.  Many of us have had to adapt to work, school, and social routines that are very different from pre-COVID times.  Some of these may prove beneficial in the long-run, such as businesses that were able to find a way to operate virtually without the need for a physical office and the overhead it demands.  I am certainly hoping the more rigorous hand-washing phenomenon continues long after COVID goes away.  Just as the Perseverance rover achieved success, we too can land safely on the other side of this struggle.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us consider how we may need to exercise Perseverance in our life.  What obstacles have we encountered that may require a more novel approach?  What lessons can we learn from the failures our normal procedures have brought?  Let us ask to be gently shown how to Persevere with creativity and flexibility so we may ultimately succeed in reaching our goals.

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 Persevered in the face of disappointment?  How does it feel in my body when I find an alternate approach to a problem that allows me to eventually Persevere?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., February 14, 2021

For this Sunday, February 14th, the focus for our meditation will be on Romance.  Most probably think of Romance as the expression of mutual affection between people who are in love.  But I know plenty of unattached individuals whose lives are filled with Romance and numerous couples whose relationships are completely devoid of Romance.  One definition of Romance is “a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life.”  You don’t need to be in a relationship to have genuine Romance in your life.  Consider how a walk through the woods or along a river can fill you with feelings of mystery and certainly remoteness.  Think of the excitement you feel in your body when you listen to a performer whose voice or instrument resonates with you.  Perhaps you have had the experience of viewing a piece of art that took your breath away and moved you profoundly.  You essentially captured a moment of Romance in your life with those experiences.  In this week that begins with a nod to the Valentine’s Day tradition, let us consider all the ways we experience Romance in our life.  In our prayer and meditation time let us ask that all people find the ability to experience Romance that fills them with a sense of mystery and excitement.  May we be shown how to recognize the presence of real Romance in ways that may surprise us. 

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 experienced genuine Romance in my life?  How does it feel in my body when I have felt Romance that filled me with a sense of true mystery and excitement?  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

Meditation Instructions for Sun., January 31, 2021

For this Sunday, January 31st, the focus for our meditation will be on Blessings.  Don’t we all long for Blessings to be showered on us in this life?  But there are times when we may be going through a situation that feels like the furthest thing from a Blessing.  The expression, “a Blessing in disguise,” reminds us that sometimes only in hindsight does an experience turn out to be exactly what we needed.  Blessings have the potential to alter us in ways we can’t foresee, and this process of change and transformation can seem painful at first.  When we are in the uncomfortable position of feeling swept along by the tide, we might be best served by avoiding the temptation to resist its flow.  Let us instead allow ourselves to be carried away and wait to see on which shore we are deposited.  There is a very good chance we will end up in a much better place than where we began the journey.  This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for assistance in recognizing and accepting all the Blessings that may come to us in our life.  May we be willing to be patient and wait to see how all Blessings ultimately bring us to a better state we could not have reached without that divine intervention.

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 am able to appreciate how what initially appears to be an uncomfortable experience turns out to be a Blessing for me?  How does it feel in my body when I can see how a Blessing brought me a needed transformation?  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