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Mark Ash-Petta
  • 5 months ago
Transcript
00:00Yesterday, we began the process of making grace real and practical.
00:18This happens through something the Buddha called gladdening the heart.
00:25A closed heart cannot feel gratitude.
00:30When you feel irritated or angry with somebody, or if you are simply stressed and tired, you don't have the energy to be grateful.
00:40When there's no energy for giving, forcing won't work.
00:46Gladdening the heart is like recharging a battery. It replenishes the energy of gratitude.
00:54First, you need to recognize what this particular energy feels like inside yourself.
01:02It's the feeling that you're welcomed and safe in your life.
01:07You feel that you're supported in whatever you want to be.
01:12The good things in your life show that abundance has included you.
01:19This is the natural energy of gratitude when you find it inside your own awareness.
01:27The next thing is to renew this energy, which happens when you meditate.
01:35You are specifically requesting the warm attitude of thankfulness.
01:41At a deep level, where all possibilities exist, your awareness will renew this energy that's unique to gratitude.
01:53We are not talking about looking outside the window and seeing a shiny new car and a perfectly manicured lawn.
02:02You can feel a surge of gratitude simply by gazing at a beam of sunlight and watching how the bright particles are dancing in it.
02:14True gratitude comes from knowing that you belong in the infinite dance of life.
02:20To gladden your heart, consider the perfectly precise chain of events that created this very moment.
02:31There is wonder in perceiving how the tiniest element fits into the whole.
02:38How your existence is woven into the existence of everyone you love, including every memory of love.
02:51Whenever you feel something outside yourself to be grateful for, it's not the thing that creates gratitude, but the energy of joy inside you.
03:03A gladdened heart is our birthright.
03:07To awaken it comes naturally, as we've been doing right now.
03:16As we prepare to meditate together, let's take a moment to consider our centering thought.
03:24I am gladdening my heart.
03:31I am gladdening my heart.
03:36Now let's prepare for our meditation.
03:39Make yourself comfortable and close your eyes.
03:46Begin to be aware of your breath and just breathe slowly and deeply.
03:52With each breath, allow yourself to become more deeply relaxed.
04:01Now, gently introduce the mantra, Ananda Hum or I am bliss.
04:11This mantra awakens the inherent joy in our hearts, so that we look out on the world with love and gratitude.
04:22As you repeat the mantra, feel your heart swell with joy.
04:28Repeat it silently to yourself, Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum.
04:43With each repetition, feel your body, mind and spirit open and receive just a little more.
04:53Whenever you find yourself distracted by thoughts, noises or physical sensations, simply return your retention to silently repeating the mantra.
05:05Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum.
05:16Please continue with your meditation.
05:19I'll mind the time.
05:20I'll mind the time.
05:21And when it's time to end, you'll hear me ring a soft bell.
05:26Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum, Ananda Hum.
05:35And it's time to enter.
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