I woke up at 3 o’clock this morning, and I could not sleep, my mind racing to so many things ahead and behind. I got up and went downstairs. Red and Lenore came down with me and curled up by my feet. I decided to meditate, to distract and settle myself. An analyst once told me that meditation could change my life and it has, and is.

I am learning – I have a  meditation teacher who is helping me – to set some intentions for me, in my mind, in my head, in my meditation. This morning and then this afternoon I intended the hero on his  journey, walking from the dark into the light. I intended the Peaceful Warrior doing joyous battle for a meaningful life. I intended the grateful being. I intended a life of love and encouragement. I focused on the life I want – I have the life I want –  and heard a voice telling me to look for the light everywhere. It is there, it is everywhere.

I was drawn to the idea of the Peaceful Warrior. I saw him in my dreams. He was magnificent, tall, with a golden shield and a walking stick for a spear. Enemies pursued and surrounded him, but he walked right through them, his shining light blazing a path.  Every day, I am challenged by fear, by anger, by the voices of confusion that entered my consciousness so long ago and live their still, so entrenched with my identity I sometimes think I don’t wish them to ever leave.  The Peaceful Warrior rejects fear and anger, brushes it aside, he pursues determination and strength, he climbs over all of the many obstacles the world throws in his path, and then climbs over some more.

Around him, the angels sing. Do not surrender to fear. Never surrender to anger. Focus on the life I want, not the life others want for me, every day in every way and each morning, take a vow to faith, take a leap of faith and let go of the small voices in my head. In my meditation, I heard a voice saying, let go, let go, let go.  Let it go.

The grateful being appreciates the gift of life. Of love. Of each day and its opportunity. He is a light unto the world, a model, a glowing place in the dark. He brings stories of gratitude, gentleness, compassion and empathy. In the morning light, in the mist over the meadows and the pasture, I saw the Peaceful Warrior, the Grateful Being, walking hand in hand into the morning light. Which was waiting for me, to embrace me and kiss me on my lips.

So this is my intention. To be a Peaceful Warrior for my life. To be a grateful being in the world.