On November 1st each year we celebrate the lives of saints from the past. I see this as a prelude to the grouping of holy days around the winter solstice from the many world religions and traditions.
In the Northern Hemisphere, November it is a time of waning light, a time for more indoor activities of reading and reflection. It is a time of celebration for a bountiful harvest, or a time of quiet and joyful anticipation of a better year to come.
Reflecting on the lives of saints shows us the path through life, though it may be materially difficult at times, has a built in reward in that forever in our meditation we can commune with Peace and Joy.
Meditation for Reflection
In your quiet space, light a candle at your small table or altar and burn incense if you desire. On your seat, sit with your back straight, hands folded in your lap or resting palms up or palms down on your thighs. Close your eyes.
Do a few rounds of regular even breathing to calm your body and mind, setting the stage for joy to emerge in your thoughts. Breathe in 2 counts; breathe out 2 counts; breathe in 2 counts and continue.
Allowing your counted breaths to continue on their own, turn your thoughts to appreciation for all that you have in life at this moment.
Reflect that even when times are difficult with your circumstances or relationships, that you have this precious time in meditation to enjoy your restful body and calm mind. Think of some appreciations.
Remember that by their lives the saints have shown that joy is an inner quality that bubbles up to fill in the spaces of each empty-seeming moment with peace and joy, fueling the fires of caring and loving devotion in activities in the world.
Finish your meditation with a deep breath in and out; stretch and go on with peace and joy, renewed and rejuvenated as with the lives of saints before and of today.
All Saints Day Prayer
Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Cyber Group Meditation for World Peace
Interfaith Prayers and Meditations
Article by Susan Helene Kramer; photo credit of koolmees Stan Schaap
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