MEDITATION: MEMORIAL DAY 2009

Today's meditation article is a reminder to all of us to reflect on peace, sacrifice, and courage. To reflect, not on war, but on peace.

Today we remember our veterans for their strength in doing more than people thought was safe or wise to do so. We will not forget the lives that were taken.

It takes courage to stand up against injustice and the abuse of human rights, and we remember our veterans for their perseverance in withstanding danger through not counting the days, but in making the days count.

With guarded optimism for the future, we are both humbled and privileged to see the character of this country in our veterans and say; we do remember you for your courage in giving of your time and of yourselves. Your resolve, grace, and strength are an example to our nation.

Unity
The men and women we remember today demonstrated the highest form of courage, ensuring not only our survival, but our ability to continue to live in freedom; ensuring unity, fairness, and justice. Together they embody the belief in standing side-by-side with determination and one purpose.

They have seen sorrow and pain that will never completely go away, and to those who have lost a loved-one, our country will never forget the debt we owe all who gave their lives for freedom.

Memorial Day, Decoration Day, Remembrance Day.
These are names given to the day when we pause, reflect on, and honor our soldiers, our family, our friends, who have died.

Meditate on What Lies Within
What lies behind us and what lies before us is a small matter compared to what lies within us, as we strive to be a nation that serves goals larger than self.

All of us today can take a moment to reflect on these words on this special day and look within ourselves for a portion of the unique courage and strength of character that these men and women portrayed.

The veterans’ values give meaning to our lives today.

Throughout the country, we solemnly reaffirm our duty to honor the dead and embrace the living by honoring their memory through teaching the next generation of the determination and commitment of our veterans and to strive for peace wherever possible so that there may finally be an end to war.

Time for Remembrance
Please take time today at 3pm to reflect on and honor the men and women of the United States who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace. This is designated as a National Time of Remembrance.

Meditation on Peace
During your Meditation practice or during a time of reflection, look at areas of your own life that is experiencing struggles. Focus on creating peace and harmony in your life and in your surroundings.

If we all brought our awareness onto peace beginning with ourselves and in our connections with others, we would indeed change the world and create a peaceful world for all of us and for future generations.

On Memorial Day 2009, seek out peace and love wherever you are and pause to reflect on what the Day means. Change does begin one person at a time, one thought at a time.

Meditation allows you to see deep within to where you can be the catalyst for peace.