Meditation brings our body, mind, emotions and spirit into coordinated grace. In that way it becomes a useful tool when there is a need to harmonize one part of the equation that makes up our total being while we are humans.

Sometimes, when we express our opinions, they are not received as we expect. Others' reactions to our words and actions depend on their background, and their emotional, mental, and physical state of being at that moment.

Our own feelings are valid for us. We own them. And every other person owns and is entitled to their feelings, also.

If we get a reaction back that we do not expect, we need to slide over to another track of communication, or even forget about communicating with that person till another time.

We cannot expect to derive our happiness from the reaction of another person to us. Whether at work, play, home, or with family or friends, we are each responsible for acting so that we maintain our peace of mind and contentment without regard to another's feelings or reactions. This is where a meditation session becomes a valuable tool for harmonious daily living.

Some useful hints -

1. Maintain or establish positive attitudes under all circumstances. This is so important, as how we view situations determines their outcome. Positive attitudes allow the positive ideas for a resolve to come to mind. Think back. All situations from the past had a resolve; therefore it follows that all current and future situations will have a resolve, also.

2. Meditate for guidance. The combination of supplication, meditation and reflection gives us all the answers we need for the application of the guidance received in our prayer time.

3. Treat everyone and everything in life as we would our own possessions and family members. This keeps us striving to establish harmony at work, home and with friends.

4. Our body is our home base. Treat it with care and consideration, remembering that all we ingest becomes an integral part of us. Attitudes and thoughts, too, as stress is felt in our body as well as our mind.

In summary, detaching from other's reactions to us, allows us to maintain our peace of mind and harmony, best able to resolve the steady stream of situations that come our way in life. And, our right actions reap the best reactions - outcomes.

Article by Susan Kramer; photo of Grand Canyon by Stan Schaap

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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.