“Each time someone stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others… he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” – Robert Kennedy
Message of the Day
Today’s meditation is about how we can become a beacon of hope for others by offering love and support without expecting anything in return from them. You can reawaken their hope by living that example of hope in your own life. When we can accept and love another person without judgment, we are connecting our true self with their true self on the feeling level. This breaks down the barriers of defensiveness and distrust, while reigniting their light of hope.
CENTERING THOUGHT
I bond with others to give them hope.
SANSKRIT MANTRA
Om Karuna Namah (I invoke the universal power of compassion.)
Journal Reflection Questions
- Think of one person in your life you’d like to encourage, someone who would benefit from closer contact with you. Write about how you can inspire them and keep doing it over time. Keep in mind how hard it can be for some people to accept encouragement and adapt to this fact. For example, those who need encouragement may feel timid and vulnerable, so approaching them with too much confidence can push them away. Deep listening means relating to their humanity on its own level, and if you show your own vulnerabilities, doubts, and struggles, you will be much more effective in reaching them.
- Consider people you’d like to help but have been unable to for some reason. Maybe it’s a sick relative living out of state, or a close friend in financial straits. Describe what the obstacles might be and how you can remove them, or other ways you might be able to help. Let hope find new options. For example, you might set up Skype sessions with your aunt twice a week to see how she is. With your friend under financial stress, you might help by spending some quality time with him on a backpacking trip for a weekend. Describe ways you can be more open, available, and inspiring.
- Write down the name of someone you feel a connection to and with whom you want a stronger bond – perhaps someone in your book club who seems interesting. Write about what draws you to this person and what you feel that brings out in you. Reflect on and write about what you can do to cultivate this connection. For example, being more open about yourself, asking for their advice and counsel, showing more affection and appreciation, etc.
- Reflect further on your experience today.