Welcome to Meditation with Social Justice,
My name is Jerry and I'm on the Mid North Coast in New South Wales in Australia.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
Meditation reminds us that life itself is a rare and precious gift.
Each breath is a chance to feel gratitude for simply being alive and able to witness the beauty of this world.
Yet alongside this wonder,
We acknowledge that many people struggle through hardships,
Injustice or lack of opportunity.
Holding both truths,
We learn that gratitude is not about turning away from suffering,
But expanding compassion.
In stillness and silence,
We honour the miracle of life while also nurturing justice,
Kindness and equity,
So that all people throughout the world will share in its fullness.
And our topic today is climate change,
Something that is dear to all of us.
Before we begin,
I'd like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we gather today.
I pay my respects to the Gambania 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.
Let's find a position that feels comfortable for you.
Comfort is absolutely important in meditation.
So 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.
Now close your eyes and let's take a nice,
Long,
Slow,
Deep breath in and hold it.
Let's do that again.
Let's take a nice,
Long,
Slow,
Deep breath in.
Governments throughout the world predict with a very high level of confidence that climate change will have strong impacts on health,
Including those resulting from lack of access to clean water and sanitation,
Changes to spreading diseases,
Increased natural disasters and poverty.
We are already experiencing that throughout the world.
Unfortunately,
People already experiencing disadvantage are more likely to be impacted negatively,
Both by climate change and by measures to adapt.
This is because people who are already disadvantaged are less able to prepare for the impact.
And so,
With our meditation today,
We're going to use a Sanskrit mantra,
Meaning,
I bow to the earth.
It directly honors the planet.
Let's say that out loud together.
Om Bhumaye Namah.
Now say it quietly.
Now say it to yourself.
When saying your mantra today,
If you find yourself drifting into thoughts or losing concentration,
That's okay.
Just notice it and go back to saying your mantra.
Om Bhumaye.
You'll hear three bells.
The first bell tells us that we've started.
The second bell,
Which tells us that we're halfway through.
And the third bell,
Which 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.
Om Bhumaye Namah.
Just continue to keep saying your mantra.
Om Bhumaye Namah.
Just continue to keep saying your mantra.
I bow to the earth.
We directly honor the planet as we are interconnected with the earth.
It's time now to finish your mantra.
Just continue to sit comfortably with your eyes closed.
Let's take a nice long slow deep breath in.
Now let that go.
And so now we'll make an intention.
An intention is a short statement or sentence that will help us to connect with the earth.
May I live gently on the earth,
Protecting and honoring all forms of life.
What's yours?
And when you're ready,
Place your hands on your heart.
As we're going to breathe that intention into our heart.
Let's take a nice long slow deep breath in.
Breathe that intention into our heart.
Hold our breath.
Feel that intention moving in our heart.
And now let's breathe that out into the universe.
So that the universe will take all those intentions and send them to all parts of the planet.
Hoping for us to connect more to the beautiful earth that we live on.
And so my challenge for you this week is how can we continue to minimize waste,
Recycle and reuse everyday items,
Shop ethically and sustainably.
This is Jerry on the mid north coast of New South Wales in a tiny seaside hamlet.
I thank you so much for joining me today.
And I hope to meditate with you very soon.
