Death in the Concept
Daily Dose of Emily D
“I died for beauty - but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.
He questioned softly why I failed?
”For beauty,” I replied.
”And I for truth, -the two are one;
We brethren are,” he said.
And so, as kinsmen met a night,
We talked between the rooms,
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names.”
Daily Scripture Reading
Anchor Verse
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’”
Reflection
Food is not the only thing we ingest into our bodies. We take in all sorts of things throughout each day. Everything in our world either serves as nourishment for us or is toxic to us. We need to make our choices wisely. We are to chose those things that serve to help us and not to harm us, and we are to consider the whole of our person. In our passage today, of the two, nourishment for the body and nourishment for the soul, Jesus says look to the soul first.
If you have awakened to the importance of self care, you may have begun to do all that you can to take care of that body of yours. Taking in the healthiest of foods (a healthy balance of fresh, organically grown fruits, vegetables, and nuts and seeds), getting in all required nutrients, adding exercise, proper hydration (with pure water), and time in the sunshine, you are probably feeling pretty amazing. Our bodies are our vehicles to life and deserve our care and attention. But we are more than our bodies, so much more.
Our poet today writes of the death of two people who died for concepts: one died for truth, the other, beauty. Dead, they are lying in their tombs taking through the long night. And even though these concepts are esteemed as noble ideas for which to die, our poet curiously posits the word “failed.” We begin to consider that even great ideals such as “truth” and “beauty” can lead to death if they are held only as a concept and not ingested internally.
In our passage today, the ones criticizing Jesus and his followers hold noble concepts that have been carefully taught from one generation to the next. But even though they understand the ritual and its importance, these accusers have failed in their application of the ideas.
To not fail this life, we must cultivate a clean heart. To do this, we must not ingest toxic thoughts and words of others or allow ourselves to think toxic thoughts or say toxic words to others. Our souls need as much nourishment and care as our bodies, if not more.
With that said, let’s begin our meditation.
Transcript
Come to a comfortable seated position, crossing your feet in front of you and resting your hands on your knees. Your back and neck should be straight. Close your eyes. Allow for your breath to slow down. Inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Inhale. Exhale. Become aware of any sensations you are now feeling within your body. Breathe into those areas, and with each exhale, release. Inhale and exhale. Let it go. Relax your face. Relax your jaw. Your tongue. Inhale and exhale. Release any tension that you may be holding onto in your neck or shoulders. With each exhale, let go. You are relaxed. Inhale and exhale. Your mind is quiet. Enjoy the quiet.
Now Welcome this centering thought for today. It is yours to repeat throughout the meditation, or to come back to if your mind begins to drift away from this present moment.
I cultivate truth and beauty within; I radiate truth and beauty the world.
I cultivate truth and beauty within; I radiate truth and beauty the world.
I cultivate truth and beauty within; I radiate truth and beauty the world.
And now silently in your mind,
Begin to come back to your breath. Gently move your body and when you are ready, open your eyes.
Today, practice the care of both your body and your soul. Take in love and beauty and radiate it to the world. You are love; you are light.
Live a CHARMED Life.
CHARMED
Don’t forget your daily self care practices. Click here for inspiration.
Word of Intention
heart
Eight Affirmations of Gratitude
I am grateful for truth.
I am thankful for beauty.
I give thanks that our of a pure heart come pure actions.
I am thankful for practices that help me to cultivate truth and beauty within.
I am thankful for my inner sanctuary.
I am so very thankful that I am loved.
I give thanks for my ability to love.
I am grateful for my understanding.
Questions to Consider
Am I too heavy focused on the things of this world?
What are the things that I can do to cultivate inner beauty?
Do I confuse human precepts with doctrines?
Blessings
Thank you for joining me. Love and light to you my friend. Namaste.