Welcome to Meditation with Social Justice.
My name is Jerry.
I'm on the mid north coast of New South Wales in Australia.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
Our theme is social isolation and loneliness.
A chance for hope and possibility.
Loneliness is a reminder that new friendships,
Love and opportunities are always possible.
So before we begin,
I'd like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we gather today.
I pay my respect to the Gumbaynggirr peoples of the mid north coast of New South Wales in Australia.
Whose deep connection to land,
Waters and culture has endured for countless generations.
I extend my respect to all indigenous peoples,
Elders,
Past and present.
So let's begin.
Find a position that feels comfortable for you.
Comfort is crucial in meditation.
Relax into that position.
Place your hands into your lap or on your knees.
Let your shoulders soften and make sure that your spine is upright.
Let your breath come and go.
Notice your breath as you gently breathe in and out.
So now close your eyes as we take a nice long slow deep breath in.
And hold it.
Now let that go.
Let's do that again.
Let's take a nice long slow deep breath in.
Now let that go.
Loneliness is a natural human experience that can arise even when we're surrounded by others.
It often stems from feeling disconnected,
Not just from people,
But from meaning,
Purpose or self.
Social isolation can deepen this sense,
Especially during times of transition,
Hardship or change.
And so today,
As we dedicate this meditation to people who are feeling isolated and lonely,
We will use a Sanskrit mantra called So Hum.
It means I am that and that we are connected to all of life.
So let's say that together.
So Hum.
So Hum.
Now say it to yourself.
So today you will hear three bells.
The first bell tells us that we're started.
The second bell tells us that we're halfway through.
And the third bell tells us that we're near to the end.
When you hear the third bell,
Just continue to sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
And I'll come in and guide us through to the end.
So Hum.
If you find yourself getting distracted or start thinking of different things during the meditation,
That's okay.
Just notice it and continue back to the mantra.
So Hum.
So Hum.
So Hum.
Just continue saying your mantra.
So Hum.
So Hum.
So Hum.
Just continue saying your mantra.
So Hum.
We are connected to all of life.
It's time to finish your mantra.
Just continue to sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
Let's take a nice long slow deep breath in.
And let that go.
We will now make an intention.
An intention is a short statement or sentence that helps us to think about people who are isolated and lonely now.
My intention is,
May there be comfort and friendship for those who are lonely at the moment.
What is yours going to be?
So when you are ready,
Place your hands on your heart.
And we are going to breathe that intention into our heart.
And let's move around in our heart before we send it out into the universe.
So let's take a nice long slow deep breath in.
And bring that intention into our heart.
Feel it as it moves around into your heart.
And now let's breathe that intention out into the universe.
Knowing that the universe will take that intention and our intentions out to all parts of the planet.
You can open your eyes.
So from a small seaside hamlet on the mid north coast of New South Wales in Australia,
This is Jerry,
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
