Many saints overcame obstacles to become who they are, and I’d like to say that in many cases it is the process of overcoming that turns us into saints. Life offers choices and by choosing that which does no harm to ourselves or anyone else we maintain peace of mind.
Being kind while acting for the highest good of the situation allows us to improve the quality of our inner life - which shows up in the manifestations of our outer life. We maintain our harmony in this way.
If we forget to be kind and are nasty instead we disturb our peace of mind. Returning to kindness sets us aright once more.
That is the lesson from the saints. At any chance you can, read about their lives and struggles. Learn by their examples how to lead a harmonious life - a saintly life.
Meditation
Choose a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Sit up straight on a cushion on the floor with your legs bent in, or sit on a chair with your back straight and plant the soles of your feet on the floor to maintain your balance. Fold your hands in your lap or place them palms up or palms down on your thighs. Close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in and slowly release it. Then begin even regular breathing such as one count to breathe in and one count to breathe out. Keep up this rhythm throughout your meditation. Take the role of the observer and follow your even breathing.
Breath ties body, thoughts, emotions together into an alert relaxation. When one element of the trio is out of sorts, even breathing can aid in restoring your peace. And when we are feeling peaceful we think more clearly.
Contemplate on how you can overcome your shortcomings to reach a saintly state of mind. I recommend bringing kindness into your daily actions to achieve a saintly life. Remember we’re only here on earth for a determinate amount of time. It is up to each of us to strive for our saintly potential and enjoy the bliss and harmony it engenders.
To complete your meditation take a deep cleansing breath in and release it as you did to begin your meditation. Resolve to go forward being your best by doing your best. Open your eyes and stretch out. Lastly, thank the saints that have come before for their lessons and examples of growing toward our most holy state of being.
I highly recommend this book that I recently read and found moving - Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux - Available from Amazon.com.
Below is my book of meditation lessons -
Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults by Susan KramerMore 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. 116 pages.
Article by Susan Helene Kramer
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