On this Memorial Day, I am thankful to live in the place I find most beautiful in the world: Northern California. I am grateful for the men and women who gave their lives so that I can live in a peaceful place. I also want to honor the many animals who have died serving in war. When I was in London, I was so touched by the beautiful Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park. The movie War Horse was also a very moving look at the history of horses who helped humans in World War I. I invite you to join me in this special meditation today which is offered for peace and healing to all the animals (and people) who have been affected by war in this world. Blessings to those who have lost their lives, and may peace heal the hearts of those living with war each and every day. May the peace which we create today in our hearts radiate out and help to heal the world.
Healing Meditation for Those Affected by War
Find a comfortable place to sit, with your beloved animal at your side if you wish. Place your hands, palms together, in front of your heart, and dedicate this practice to all the animals and people who have lost their lives or been affected by war. Then rest your hands on your lap or on your animal. Your animal may decide to stay with you and support your meditation.
Close your eyes as you breathe. As you inhale, imagine the breath as a beautiful healing light flowing in through your nose, filling your body with beautiful light. On the exhale, imagine this light can expand out your body and all around you. Breathe in light. Breathe out and expand this light. Continue this breath at your own pace for 10 repetitions. Then allow your breath to return to normal and breathe gently.
Turn your mind toward the animals and people who have been lost in war or affected by war. Feel your light shining so brightly. You may begin thinking of the animals and people you love, then continue to expand your thoughts to the circle of people and animals you know or have heard about, and then expand your thoughts to include all animals and people lost in or affected by war that you haven’t heard about.
Allow your heart to connect to each of these beings as you breathe gently: “May you be safe and happy. May you be filled with peace. May you be free. Know that you are loved.” Continue to repeat these words in your mind for several minutes as you feel them radiating out. Imagine the light of your heart shines so brightly that it can reach all animals and people affected by war that you know. It can shine beyond, to the animals and people you have heard about who have been affected by war. It can even shine through the whole world, creating a beautiful vibration of healing for the entire planet.
If you feel distracting thoughts, imagine they are clouds just floating by. Don’t chase them; let them come, and let them go. When you are ready, set your intention to finish, take a nice, deep breath and slowly open your eyes.
Peace is powerful healing. Please share how you spread peace in your life.