St. Jude's Summary 11-18-2008

Meditation and Acceptance: Acceptance can be too passive when used in meditation. The purpose of meditation is to train our mind in order to change ourselves, not just accept who we are. Receptivity is perhaps more accurate. We want to receive as openly and as deeply as possible because that can help us understand what needs to be changed. So in meditation we want to be receptive.
The meditations on light that we have been doing tie into this because we when we receive light into our eyes, then we see.

Thoughts on compassion. Compassion and wisdom are needed together. Wisdom is described as the feminine principle because it is receptive, introspective and insightful. Wisdom is necessary because without wisdom we may act in ways we think are compassionate, but end up doing a lot of damage.
Compassion is the masculine principle because it is active. Since compassion is active it is NOT a feeling. I may feel compassionate, but compassion is something I express; it demands action. In fact, the depth of our compassion may be shown by our ability to act in a compassionate manner when we don’t feel compassionate.
Since wisdom and compassion go together one of the most important actions is to listen. To listen compassionately is to give another the gift of our time and energy and then to act on what we have heard.
Listening or observing deeply is important because it also informs us of the results of our actions and we can see if those results are in accord with what we want.
When we listen to another with faith in their ability to achieve, to be resourceful, and to overcome obstacles we enter into a relationship with them which is non-judgmental. We can be helpful without being pitying. We see them as an equal and avoid taking pride in the fact that we are the helpful one and they are in need.

Meditation 1: Center your attention on your breath for a couple of minutes and use the sensations of breathing as an anchor if your mind wanders. Then extend your awareness to your life and recall all the times you have achieved something against the odds. Remember how you have overcome obstacles. Acknowledge your strengths and abilities and express appreciation to Spirit for having given you these abilities.

When we listen to another who is suffering we listen for the strengths they have which they are not expressing or which may be hidden from them at the moment. We do not tell them this or explain how we have gone through difficulties as well. We listen with faith in them and in their connection with Spirit. This changes the way we listen, even though we do not talk about it. Our attitude is “I am strong and so are they.” When we listen in this way we avoid judging and we do a lot less fixing. We get permission before giving advice or suggestions. We put our agenda on hold and can hear what they really need.

Meditation 2: Center your attention on your breath for a couple of minutes as in #1 above. Then connect with your strengths and your connection with Spirit. Then imagine you are in the presence of someone in need and you are listening to them and radiating your sense of strength so that their strengths will resonate with that. Let this be the foundation of the interaction and them imagine how you might talk or act with them from this basis of faith.

Meditation on Light: We have been meditating on Light for several weeks. Last week we connected with Light as a dynamic experience. Start with the Divine Light Invocation:
I am created by Divine Light.
I am sustained by Divine Light.
I am protected by Divine Light.
I am surrounded by Diving Light.
I am one with Divine Light.
After repeating this a few times allow your awareness to shift more deeply into whatever experience of light you are having.
Now allow yourself to be somewhat creative or playful with the words of the prayer shifting them in a way that flows with your experience of light. Examples:
I filled with Divine Light.
I am radiating Divine Light.
I am playing with Divine Light.
I am soothed by Divine Light.
I am nurtured by Divine Light.
I am in love with Divine Light.
I am dancing with Divine Light.
etc.

You can also use phrases like this throughout the day as fits the situation. One of my favorites is “I am driving with Divine Light.”