Guest Author - Susan Kramer

Throughout life we relate with people in the format of the roles we are playing, and the roles we see them in. We dance in and out of relationships, but on the inside we remain our essential 'Grand Self' - able to give and receive love..
While playing our roles we come to understand each other by feeling how similar we are underneath. Our role-playing lets us see many perspectives and points of view.

Underlying all is the thread of our commonality, interlocking us as the stitches in a sweater. One long thread with many loops; the fabric of humanity.

In our changing roles we are the unchanging ones, able to radiate caring love in any situation, and able to feel others' love for us from our underlying constant of lovingness.

We ask ourselves who we are. At any moment, in whatever role, we each can say, "I am the one who always has love to share." Roles change. Love is constant.

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Sitting Meditation for Developing a Radiant Heart

Time: 2 - 10 minutes or more.

Preparation: If indoors, sit on a carpet, folded blanket, or pillow on the floor with back held straight and facing forward. Clasp your hands and let them rest in your lap; close your eyes.

Breathe easily and evenly, in and out. Silently count each in breath as one count, and each out breath as one count, till 50 counts, or another even number.

Example:
Count 1: breathe in
Count 2: breathe out
Count 3: breathe in
Continue…

After the 50 counts while you are feeling calm begin thinking caring thoughts about at least one other person or even a pet. Notice that you will start feeling joy and harmony in yourself by holding caring and loving thoughts for another. Hold onto these thoughts after meditation time.

To finish, take a final deep breath in, slowly let it out, open your eyes, stand up, and stretch, refreshed.

More meditation techniques: Ways to Meditate Anywhere

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Thinking caring, loving thoughts opens up a flow of energy. Self-centered thoughts are like a log-jam in a river; clearing the way releases a great gush of energy that flows freely, energizing us.

At any moment, in whatever role we play
Son, daughter, mother, father, friend
We each can say
"I am the one who always has love to share"

Article by Susan Kramer
Photo credit Stan Schaap

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Insight Meditation Technique

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and 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.

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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.