Elder's Meditation -- The Inside

All permanent and lasting change starts first on the inside and works its way out.
Having constant prayer and Creator directed visions helps us to live in harmony.
This is the best way to grow strong and become a Warrior.
No matter what is going on outside of ourselves, it is our projection that makes it so.
It is our projections that even give it any meaning.
Another way is each day to turn our life and our will over to the care of the Great Spirit.
Then He will show us His desire for us.
When we are in alignment to His desire, we become very joyful and very happy.

Oh Great Spirit, You take care of me today and

tell me what I can do for You today.

Give me the discipline to talk to You

whenever I am in doubt or fear.

Let me come to You if I get irritated.

You are my solution.

Owning The Roots

Owning The Roots -- Leading By Example

We all know from experience that we can't change other people, yet most of us have a tendency to try.
This is because we naturally feel the need to do something to change situations that we find troubling.
It often doesn't occur to us that the best way to create change is not to try to convince others to change but to change ourselves.
When we make adjustments from within, we become role models for others, and leading by example is much more inspiring than a lecture or an argument.

We sometimes look outside ourselves for what's wrong with the world, but the outside world is really just a mirror reflecting us back to ourselves.
When we encounter negativity-anger, depression, fear-we empower ourselves by looking for its roots inside of ourselves.
For example, if you have a friend who is unreliable, observe yourself and notice if there are ways in which you are unreliable.
You may be surprised to discover that you have your own struggles with this issue in ways you weren't able to see.
Once you own the issue for yourself, you can begin to work for change within yourself.
This will also enable you to have more compassion for your friend.
At the very least, as you strive to become more reliable, you will become more of the person you want to be.
In the best-case scenario, you will be an inspiration to others.

You can apply the same method to larger issues.
For example, if there is something you see in the larger world that you would like to change-let's say, greed-try taking responsibility for changing it in yourself.
Instead of being angry with those you see as greedy, seek out the roots of your own greed and come to terms with your power to transform it.
This may be the best way to lead the world toward greater moderation and generosity.

-- DailyOM

True To Ourselves

We must be true inside, true to ourselves,
before we can know a truth that is outside us.
But we make ourselves true inside by
manifesting the truth as we see it.
--Thomas Merton