A few months ago I was fortunate to attend a retreat focused on Mindfulness Meditation lead by Professor Robert Thurman. In preparation for one of the meditations, Professor Thurman read an excerpt from Buddha’s teachings. The full text can be found on the following website: http://suttacentral.net/mn10/en/sujato

What resonated the most with me was the concept of meditation and prayer that opens our eyes and leads us to enlightenment or at the very least a state of non-return.

In connection to Mindfulness Meditation focused on observing the body, feelings, the mind, and principles Buddha said:

“Anyone who develops these four kinds of mindfulness meditation for seven years can expect one of two results: enlightenment in the present life, or if there’s something left over, non-return.

Let alone seven years, anyone who develops these four kinds of mindfulness meditation in this way for six years … five years … four years … three years … two years … one year … seven months … six months … five months … four months … three months … two months … one month … a fortnight …

Let alone a fortnight, anyone who develops these four kinds of mindfulness meditation in this way for seven days can expect one of two results: enlightenment in the present life, or if there’s something left over, non-return.”

I am far from enlightened, but I know I can not return.

I AM Blessed

I AM Happy

I AM Prosperous

I AM Successful

I AM Victorious

I AM Open to new possibilities

I AM Thriving

I AM Advancing

I AM Talented and Creative

I AM Loved

I AM a Child of God

I AM Grateful

Yes, I AM all these things

Amen.

O’Great Spirit help me always to speak the truth quietly

To listen with an open mind when others speak                                   

And to remember the peace that may be found in silence.

My day started with some challenging moments of miscommunication and frustration, but after letting go of my expectations and re-focusing on love and compassion, turned into a great evening laughing with family and friends,

God,

Thank you for the gift of the wonderful souls you have put in my life. I am blessed to be surrounded by family and friends that understand the magic that is created by being kind, by being compassionate, by being inclusive and by being good to people.

I am blessed.

Amen.

God, help me to see all of the beauty and grace around me with loving gratitude.

Starting my day with #LovingKindness

Let me be safe

Let me be healthy

Let me be happy

Let me be peaceful.

May those I love be safe, healthy, happy, peaceful.

May those I do not know be safe, healthy, happy, peaceful.

May those that have hurt me be safe, healthy, happy, peaceful.

May all beings in the universe be safe, healthy, happy, peaceful.

Amen.

God,

Your love is infinite and unconditional.

You make me softer, kinder, gentler, generous, forgiving and loving.

I thank You and I pray for more of your Spirit.

Help me to love others as You love me.

Amen

God,

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers, and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of Your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings–
those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

Amen.

God, as I go to bed tonite, I want to say Thank You for my wonderful wife and two great sons. I am blessed.

Amen.

Have you ever had a friend that is as consistent as the rising of the sun and as tireless as water flowing down a river? They do what has to be done and never complain. To do less is not an option. They always have themselves squared away and enjoy helping those they love. They inspire me and remind me that my spirit is stronger than my mind and body.

God, Thank You for filling my life with wonderful people, help me to pay it forward.

Amen.

I have heard my son say the phrase: “the bigger the problem, the smaller the goals.” I am not sure where he originally picked up the line.

God, wants us to dream big. The path to fulfilling our dreams is filled with what seem to be never ending challenges. God wants us to face these challenges with confidence, courage, determination, love and gratitude to those that help us along the way.