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