As I write today, it's difficult to believe that we are entering only the 2nd full week of 2026, and already the country has been rocked by the American take-over of Venezuela, and now, the death of Renee Good in the ICE shooting tragedy. I have to remind myself that as I see it, my job is not political commentary, but rather to point you back to your spiritual life. It's easy to lose spiritual focus with the onslaught of tragic news. Our overly-present phones make it easy to absorb the news and public response as the first event of the morning. I confess, while uncertain of how to approach my Sunday post, it took me a time of news, messages, and a mug of tea this morning, before I could settle into meditation. What a relief to meditate!
Simply watching my breath once again, reminded me how much life simply takes care of itself. All morning long, as I bustled about, I was breathing, recklessly unaware of that breath sustaining me, connecting me to the circulating breath of others and nature's breath, in the harmony of exchange. I might focus on other aspects of our living bodies that function on their own as well, without our conscious thought, but the breath was at the forefront in today's meditation, while the mind wandered back into the news, and the connections and commitments of the day ahead, including this post. Then, my 51 years of meditation brought me back to the breath again, as thought quietened. One word spoke: Clarity.
In these times of unexpected, repetitive shocks, our emotional and physical reactions--however they come and go--settle, as we find clarity of mind. Sometimes that clarity just spontaneously opens, but it's more likely to open when you recognize the need for it. There is so much "spin" from the culture--social media, news, marketing--that are attempts to leverage and manipulate our individual understanding and interpretation. Our intuitive, personal wisdom--that which gives order and continuity to our intentions, plans, actions--are hijacked, leaving us with confusion and paralysis. Time to clear the field of false thoughts! By false, I mean: that which is not truly Your thought.
This week I encourage you to sit with Clarity. Trust your innate capacity, the ability of your physical body, emotional responses, and intelligence to settle; learn the way that settling happens for you. For me, it is usually though meditation, but not always. A quiet nature walk, or an aimless drive, can free my mind as well. For some, it may come from writing out your thoughts, or through actually talking, expressing your understanding with someone who is able to let you, be you--enough to clarify your own direction. When more news hits, which it will, take the time to refresh your "mental screen", and trust Your unfolding, evolving understanding as it reveals Clarity. (Susan Nettleton) )
For poetry: https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/words-of-wonder/clarity-martin-bril/ https://www.poemstocomfortandinspire.com/post/gift-of-a-clear-mind-short-poem-about-mental-clarity https://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/Poets/U/UngarLynn/WayItIs/index.html