Surrounded by Light
There is so much goodness in the people around us. The way we’re wired means we might lose sight of that fact now and then, but it is indeed a fact. When we practice becoming aware of the goodness that flows through others, and the dozens of examples that we witness every day, a sense of awe can blossom, and our sense of connection with those around us builds and deepens.
As we at CMP reflect on this, we realize that we are continually appreciative of the goodness that flows through each of you:
* By showing up at meditation when you can, you enable everyone else to reap the benefits of sitting in community.
* When you show up early and help set up the chairs, you remind us that many hands make light work, and how good it feels to work together toward a shared goal.
* When life gets in the way, and you arrive late and have the courage to enter the room, you remind us to trust in the understanding of others and to listen to what our hearts tell us we need in that moment.
* When you share your questions or observations after meditation, your vulnerability and curiosity help us all grow.
* When you share feedback you help us pursue our mission (“Meditation for all who want it”) more wisely, and you remind us that we are partners in this project.
* When you listen with care, and lend words of support to others at meditation, you help us all feel supported.
As we become aware of the goodness that surrounds us, we begin to have a sense that goodness is our birthright, that it lies at the core of each of us. It’s a profound exercise to first explore what it feels like to believe “Goodness is my most elemental attribute”, and then to believe that same idea for everyone we encounter. And then, when someone’s actions don’t seem to come from place of kindness, rather than reacting with judgment, fear, anger or detachment, we might begin to ask with compassion, “I wonder what is keeping this person from accessing their inner goodness? What is separating them from their true nature?”
In this season, and all seasons, perhaps we can explore the notion that kindness is the answer to kindness, and is also the answer to unkindness. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that."
Wishing you peace and love this holiday season and always,
Your friends at CMP
Guided Meditations
Visit the CMP website www.CommunityMindfulnessProject.org for guided meditations. You'll find them on the Guided Meditations page under the Resources tab.
We Need Your Support
CMP thrives on donations. All of our weekly sessions are free and open to the public, but donations are essential to our sustainability. CMP is a licensed charity in the state of CT as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Checks can be given to facilitators at our weekly sits or mailed to Community Mindfulness Project, P.O. Box 1713, New Canaan, CT 06840. Credit cards are accepted in the Giving section of the website (www.CommunityMindfulnessProject.org). For donations of wired funds or appreciated securities, please email welcome@communitymind.org. Thank you!
