LOVE AND GRATITUDE MEDITATION
Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed for at least 15 minutes. The purpose of this quiet time is to become balanced and to release tension and stress. When your energy is contracted by fear and your thoughts are focused on all the things happening around you, it is easy to get lost in frustration and impatience. It is much easier to forgive and love others when you are in a balanced state of inner peace.
Go to a place where you will not be disturbed. Get into a comfortable position. It does not matter whether you are sitting or lying, the important thing is that your spine is aligned as straight as possible in order for your energy to flow freely. Once you are settled, take a few deep breaths in and out, relaxing your body and allowing yourself to release the busyness of the day.
Focus on your breath. When you inhale, visualize breathing in love and kindness. When you exhale, release tension and thoughts or emotions that drain your energy. Continue with this pattern for a few minutes until you feel deeply relaxed.
Then for several inbreaths, think of something or someone for whom you are grateful. On the outbreath, send this person a feeling of love and gratitude. Do this for another 5 to 10 minutes, each time sending these feelings to whatever person, event or place that comes to mind. If there is someone or an event you are attempting to release issues with, you may choose to spend the entire session focusing on this person or event only. Eventually, you will come to a place of forgiveness and be able to send them love freely, although this may take many sessions.
Whatever comes into your mind, send it unconditional love. By doing this practice on a regular basis, you will begin to pay more attention to positive things around you. Every moment that your mind is focused on things that increase your inner peace is a joy full moment, indeed!
Observe the world around you and appreciate its beauty. Pay attention and be in gratitude for each blessing that comes your way, even those appearing to be negative. Train yourself to be calm every moment. By focusing on love and gratitude, your life will flow much smoother. Problems will melt away as you release the fear and tension associated with them.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)