Feeling emotion is part of our nature. It is more than feeling happy and smiling and crying when sad. Emotional feelings of joy bring forth a rush of energy in our body and positive thoughts to mind.

Let's begin a meditation to arouse the emotion of joy and devotion to our Creator and Sustainer.

Find a comfortable, quiet and solitary space to sit undisturbed for your meditation. It can be in your garden, on a secluded beach, in a forest or indoors. I love outdoor meditations, because I most feel in tune when in nature.

When you've found your place sit upright on a cushion or chair. If on a cushion cross your legs in, and if on a chair place the soles of your feet on the ground to maintain your balance. Fold your hands in your lap or place them palms up or palms down on your thighs.

Close your eyes and begin regular even breathing such as with one count to breathe in and one count to breathe out. Keep up this rhythm throughout your session. Do not hold your breath at any time.

Even breathing helps calm your mind and relaxes your body when you are upset or agitated. No one can see you doing it so it is a good practice to use anywhere.

Feeling emotion can be made joyful by thoughts of appreciation and thanksgiving for the blessings in your life. Spend a minute now thinking of someone who has influenced you in a positive way. Allow yourself to feel positive about this person and send them blessings in return for what they have shared of themselves with you.

By caring about your special person you raise positive energy in yourself, which you can transform into service for others, devotion to the welfare of others, causing a snowball effect of good in the world. The more you energetically give of yourself the more harmonious and joyful your life becomes.

Finish your reflections with a prayer of appreciation to our Creator and Sustainer, then sit quietly feeling the peace and presence in your life.

Take a deep breath in and slowly release it, open your eyes, stretch out and go forward with your day invigorated.

For offline reading

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.

Meditation Lessons for Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

Article and photo by Susan Helene Kramer

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