It is my hope in the New Year that in holiness we manifest all that is good and useful for our world as a whole; our beloved Creator-Sustainer providing the model for molding our lives into harmonious alignment.
In this natural world we encounter a parallel world of opposites. By our free will we carry attitudes and thoughts, and create things and situations that we think will give us happiness now and later.
Meditation for Reflection
Sit in a quiet place; light a candle and burn some incense if you like; fold your hands in your lap; and close your eyes. Begin even, regular breathing such as 2 counts to breathe in; 2 counts to breathe out; 2 counts to breathe in and continue the rhythm without saying the counts while reflecting on the following thoughts:
We choose. Choices made for positive and good create peace of mind and harmony now, right in this moment, and set the ball rolling along a positive track in the future.
Attitudes, thoughts, actions reap like results.
When we are in harmony with people and the environment we feel complete and whole - fulfilled, at ease in our body and peaceful. This is our natural wholeness and holiness. What is of Spirit is for everyday living. What else matters? If we had an esoteric thought that could not be applied to making everyday an experience of joy, why partake of it?
The esoteric qualities are present for our use in bonding back to completeness-holiness-wholeness. The esoteric qualities that I find useful in daily living are unconditional love, goodness, kindness, charity, purity. These qualities uplift my consciousness when I am feeling out of sorts; when I am feeling down or negative. And they are simply attitude adjustments.
To encourage myself in keeping holy, whole, I take good care of my body. I get enough sleep, eat what agrees with me, exercise, and pray daily; keeping to a routine that allows time for this self-nurturing. And with each person during the day I give my attention and wholeness; whether friend, acquaintance, or someone new.
In viewing and interacting from my best self I feel like I am caring just as I would wish to be cared about. I feel peace and contentment in giving of my most holy and whole self.
Finish your meditation with a deep breath in and out. Then write any new thoughts in your journal for later reflection. Every New Year is a good time to begin another journal - adding to or beginning a series.
Article by Susan Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap - Harlingen, The Netherlands
***
For offsite reading
Meditation for Teens and AdultsMore 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.
***
Meditation for all KidsSitting, 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.
